Located in the province of Punteras, Monteverde is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica, and a destination full of activities to do in the middle of nature. Monteverde is a destination that stands out for its lush vegetation and wildlife, as it is home to one of the most original habitats on the planet: The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It is a place with an amazing variety of flora and fauna creating a unique space.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this region of the country and the many adventures it has to offer. Enjoy your trip in the truest Costa Rican style and let yourself be captivated by the wild and rural environment of Monteverde!
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Things to do on your trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
This is a very unique reserve, different from other forests in Costa Rica. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the northern part of the province of Puntarenas in the Continental Divide. It is located six kilometres east of the town of Santa Elena. The so-called clouds are actually mist produced by the high humidity at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level. This constant haze creates a beautiful landscape and gives the reserve its name, harbouring a thriving ecosystem underneath.
In fact, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve alone has 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Across eight distinct biological zones, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to thousands of plant and animal species. It has everything from pumas, monkeys and even endangered jaguars, as well as the red-eyed tree frog that serves as a Costa Rican icon. The reserve is also a paradise for bird lovers, with more than 500 species.
Along with the abundant wildlife, the cloud forest has 420 species of orchids and 200 species of ferns. There is no doubt that the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the ideal place for nature lovers.
Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica
In addition to Monteverde’s wide variety of wildlife, you will also find insects, most notably butterflies. Monteverde has one of the country’s many butterfly farms, where you will find butterflies in an incredible variety of colours and patterns. In addition, this centre was founded with the main objective of providing environmental education to the local inhabitants, which makes the visit even more worthwhile.
Selvatura Park is one of the largest butterfly gardens in the Americas. With a large dome structure, this space houses more than 30 species of butterflies from the different altitudes and climates found throughout Costa Rica. It is without a doubt an original way to learn more about the great attributes of this country.
Monteverde Coffee Tour
The fertile lands of Monteverde are ideal for coffee production. For decades, local families have dedicated their lives to cultivating of this product, making it one of the symbols of the country. A must do in Monteverde is to visit the coffee plantations of the Cooperative in the community of San Luis. Here you will be shown the cultivation, harvesting and processing of the beans until they are ready. The tour ends at the roasting company to taste the product, an experience not to be missed.
San Luis Waterfall
The San Luis Valley is a place where you can enjoy a peaceful environment, away from the noise. It has direct streams to the mountains, lush forests and hiking trails that let you connect with the nature and admire its beauty with all five senses. To access the waterfall, you will have to take a 40-minute walk along the San Luis mountain trail. Once there, bring out the photographer in you and let yourself be carried away by the magical environment.
Santa Elena Reserve
This is a private, non-profit reserve run by the College of Santa Elena. It is dedicated to nature conservation and ecotourism. Nestled in the Sierra de Tilarán, Santa Elena is an interesting community with very particular characteristics.
Combining rural areas with a developing town, Santa Elena is a place worth visiting in Monteverde. Located at an altitude of 1330 metres and thanks to its topography, the Santa Elena Reserve has beautiful landscapes covering 310 hectares of cloud forest.
Monteverde Cheese Factory
The cheese factory has been working in harmony with nature and the environment since its foundation in 1951. This factory has created an innovative water treatment plant and waste treatment system, which consists of extracting the whey from the milk and donating it to the local pig farm as feed for the pigs. The cheese factory in Monteverde has always been an integral part of the community and its entire history is linked to the history of the area.
The main attraction of this factory is to get to know and observe the production of Monteverde cheese. In addition, you can taste and buy a whole variety of products that are made here.
Art Galleries to see in Monteverde, Costa Rica
The creativity that has always flourished in Costa Rica is inspiring. In Monteverde you can visit different galleries where you can discover a little more about Costa Rican tradition and culture, full of nuances and colours. In some of them you can even take courses in ceramics, sculpture or painting.
Emotions, sensations, and Pura Vida are imbued in the different materials used such as wood, paper and fabric. Some of the most popular galleries are: the Jaguar Art Gallery, the Onirica Art Gallery, and the Wood and Art Gallery.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around Monteverde, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park
Considered one of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Rican landscape, the Arenal Volcano is the place to see on your route through Monteverde, Costa Rica. Its perfectly symmetrical shape is a spectacle worth seeing. It is a strategic point of the country, coveted by everyone who travels to Costa Rica. Here you can go horseback riding, hiking and wildlife watching, among other things.
In addition, you can go rafting on the Toro River, take a dip in one of the several natural hot springs, go on a canopy tour, or take a trip across suspension bridges.
La Fortuna
This waterfall is another of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions, as it is very close to the Arenal Volcano and a short drive from La Fortuna. If you’re thinking of coming here, be sure to bring your swimming costume. The waterfall plunges 60 metres into a stunning turquoise pool alongside rolling green hills.
Many travellers come here and enjoy a picnic along the rocky shore or a small sandy area. I have walked the trail and it is somewhat steep, but very rewarding. It takes about 15 minutes to walk down the stairs to the waterfall, and is a great way to see the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
What to do in 2 days in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
Monteverde is a region where the main attraction is nature. Discover the wildlife and much more on this two-day itinerary through Monteverde.
Day 1:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica
- San Luis Waterfall
Day 2:
- Santa Elena reserve
- Coffee Tour, Monteverde
- Monteverde Cheese Factory
- Monteverde Art Galleries
What to do in 3 days in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
If you have three days in Monteverde, you will be able to discover the landscapes and natural spaces that go beyond the borders of this region, and thus complete your trip in an exciting way. Passporter recommends that you spend your last day exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park and the incredible La Fortuna Waterfall, two places that are sure to fascinate you.
Tips for your trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for hiking and jungle trekking.
- If you are driving through Monteverde, be aware that the roads are not in perfect condition.
- It is always advisable to take out travel insurance during your stay in Costa Rica.
- You should keep in mind that Costa Rica has micro climates, which means that you can find totally different weather from one place to another. That is why you should bring both cool clothes and warm clothes for your trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica.
- Create your perfect itinerary with the Passporter App, and enjoy your trip to Monteverde without limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about your trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde, Costa Rica is located close to San Jose, so the most common way to get to Monteverde is to arrive at the international airport in San Jose and from there drive to Monteverde. From San Jose, the road trip to Monteverde takes approximately three hours. You can rent your own car, which is always recommended, or take a bus.
You have to try the country’s food whilst in Monteverde. Don’t miss the best rated establishments in this part of the country, where eating will become the most exotic experience of all. Take a look at these top 5 restaurants in Monteverde, and let yourself be surprised.
– Soda Bonanza
– Soda La Amistad Monteverde
– Restaurante Finca Bosque Verde
– Antigua Hacienda
– Soda La Salvadita
At Passporter we recommend some of the most charming rural hotels, which will make you want to stay and live there forever. Take note of some of the best accommodation in the Monteverde region and select the one that best suits your needs.
– El Establo Mountain Hotel
– Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
– Hotel Fonda Vela
– Jaguarundi Lodge – Monteverde
– Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
The best way to get around Monteverde is by car, which you can hire at San Jose airport on arrival.
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