Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Best Things to Do at Monteverde Cloud Forest

There are plenty of options for those who want to explore the mysteries of the cloud forests, from hiking to horseback riding, but the most popular way to discover this unique area is by trekking across walkways built in the forest canopy – or gliding along a zip-line! The walkways were originally constructed for scientists seeking to learn more and discover new creatures! Other activities include coffee plantations, insect museums, butterfly gardens, and wildlife preserves in the area.

Environmentally conscious Quakers began dairy farming and cheese production here in the 1950s and preserved a third of their land as a watershed. In 1972, with the help of international organizations, more land was purchased and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was officially sanctioned.

Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

This green oasis is the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica. With cloud cover that hangs at the canopy, the cloud forest is fascinatingly different from the tropical rainforests that are spread across so much of Costa Rica. A day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest is a chance to cool down and explore the unique beauty and diversity of the Cloud Forest. We highly recommend hiking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a naturalist bilingual guide for the best experience. Arrange a tour early in the morning when the animals are just waking up and the forest is quiet and still.

Go Birding.

Costa Rica’s cloud forests – where misty fog clings to the treetops – offer a refreshingly cool retreat from the warmer, tropical areas of the country. These high-elevation forests contain 420 different kinds of orchids, ferns, and a wide assortment of mosses. The slight elevation changes have made these areas hotbeds of wildlife diversity. Birding is especially treasured here. Nature enthusiasts travel far to spot the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird hiding amidst the trees. The Quetzal can only be found in the cloud forests of Central America. Once regarded as a god by the Aztecs, the Quetzal is renowned for its stunning, colorful feathers and shy disposition. Travelers are considered very lucky to have even just one Quetzal sighting during their stay in Monteverde.

Explore the Cloud Forest at Night.

The cloud forest comes alive at night! Nighttime tours of the cloud forest showcase a new perspective on this unique ecosystem. A naturalist guide will lead you through the forest pointing out a variety of wildlife like armadillos, tarantulas, and more. Listen closely to the sounds of the forest! You may hear the nocturnal Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth rustling in the trees. The other Costa Rican sloth species, the diurnal Three-toed Sloth, is not found in the cloud forest as their fur coats are not warm enough for them in the cool cloud forest environment.

Discover Costa Rican coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane.

Explore how these three major crops have impacted Costa Rican culture. Monteverde is a fantastic destination to learn about coffee as it typically grows best at higher elevations. Visit a local coffee farm and discover how coffee is brought from seed to cup. Then, take a hands-on lesson in chocolate making. Begin with the cocoa bean, roast it, and grind it. Last, learn how to extract sugar cane juice into a delicious glass of juice the old-fashioned way. Tasting is encouraged throughout the tour!

Visit the neighboring Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a neighbor to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and can be less crowded during peak travel months. The 756-acre (310-hectare) reserve borders Monteverde Reserve and shares much of the same flora and fauna. Although the Resplendent Quetzal bird is not found in Santa Elena as frequently, there are eight miles of hiking trails from which to explore the biodiversity of the region.

A Note on Monteverde Weather:

Only 1% of the world’s forests can be defined as cloud forests, and Costa Rica holds more than its fair share! The weather in Monteverde can be cooler and sometimes soggier than most other areas in Costa Rica, with an average rainfall of about 97 inches a year. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is wet year-round, though drier between December and April. The 65-degree high is perfect for adventures into the rainforest for birding and wildlife spotting!

 

The Best Time To Visit Monteverde

The best time to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The dry season, from December to April, offers the best weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect more visitors. The green season, from May to November, brings heavier rainfall, but the forest is at its most lush and vibrant, with fewer crowds and better opportunities to see active wildlife. Birdwatchers may prefer March to July when the famous Resplendent Quetzal is more commonly spotted. No matter when you visit, Monteverde’s cool, misty climate and rich biodiversity make it a magical destination year-round.

How To Get To Monteverde

There is no airport in Monteverde. Everyone who heads to Monteverde does so by ground.

If you are coming from Arenal, you have the option of taking a ferry across Lake Arenal and then transferring 1.5 hours by ground to Monteverde.

Driving to Monteverde

The road in Monteverde is one of the most technical drives in the country with unpaved, windy pot-hole-filled roads. Be prepared to drive slowly and take your time. If you are a confident driver and have experience driving internationally, Monteverde should be no problem. If you’d prefer to have a Costa Rican driver show you the way, we can arrange for a private transfer. The benefit of having a rental vehicle is having the freedom to explore at your leisure. That said, taxis are readily available in the area. Ask the hotel staff to arrange a taxi for you if you’d like to head to town for lunch or see more of the area.

Approximate driving times from Monteverde to popular Costa Rica destinations:

• San Jose:  3 hours
• Liberia: 3 hours
• Papagayo: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Bagaces/Upala: 2.5 hours
• Tamarindo/Guanacaste Beaches: 3 hours
• Nosara/Punta Islita: 4 hours
• Arenal: 3 hours by ground OR 45-minute boat ride + 1.5-hour ground transfer
• Jaco/Playa Herradura: 2.5 hours
• Manuel Antonio: 3 hours
• South Pacific (Uvita, Ojochal) – 4 hours
• Central Highlands (San Ramon, Bajos del Toro, La Paz): 2.5-3.5 hours