Monteverde is a town located in the heart of Costa Rica. This picturesque little village has become a tourist hotspot thanks to its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and affordable prices. Monteverde is famous for its stunning cloud forest, lush rainforests, and fantastic views. Visitors come from around the globe to experience the natural beauty of this unique place. SO, here’s everything you need to know about Monteverde Costa Rica!
Local Culture and History of Monteverde Costa Rica
Medieval Houses of Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde literally means green mountain. The town of Monteverde Costa Rica was founded in the early 1950s by a group of American Quakers who fled the USA to avoid the Army draft, looking for a peaceful place where they could live out their principles. The founders chose Costa Rica because of its lack of army and the fact that there was plenty of good farmland nearby. The biologists of the time had been transfixed by the extraordinary nature of this incredible region displaying unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity. They also wanted to preserve some of the original forests around the region.
Monteverde Costa Rica was far enough away from the capital city to avoid being affected by political turmoil. As well, it was close enough to San Jose to make commuting easy. In 1977, a group of American ecologists arrived to study the area’s unique flora and fauna. They stayed for 10 years and brought thousands of visitors to the reserve every year. Today, Monteverde Costa Rica is home to over 30,000 Costa Ricans and attracts up to 70,000 visitors a month. For some more information about Monteverde’s local culture, history, and Costa Rican cuisine, there is a multitude of resources you can utilize.
Learn about the Wildlife in Monteverde Costa Rica
The Monteverde Biological Reserve sits just outside of Santa Elena de Ocoa, Costa Rica. This jungle sanctuary is home to some incredible wildlife and plant life. Monteverde Costa Rica was made especially popular by the 1983 National Geographic article that labeled it the mecca for bird and wildlife watchers. There are tours around the region with guides that show some of the most unique animals you’ll ever see. From monkeys to snakes to the rare bird species, resplendent quetzal, there’s no shortage of amazing creatures in Monteverde Costa Rica.
There are about 1200 species of frogs, 400 types of birds, and six different wild cats (like Jaguars & Pumas!). You’ll spot several different kinds of monkeys along the trail too. Most of the larger animals tend to stay hidden in the trees, but we spotted their tracks in the mud.
You may come across bird nests and hummingbird gardens too. And, of course, there is access to forest trails throughout Monteverde Costa Rica, each one built differently. Some are paved, while others are wooden platforms. All of them help visitors enjoy the beautiful scenery without getting muddy.
Explore Monteverde Costa Rica
View of Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Costa Rica is home to some of the most amazing sights and nature in Costa Rica, including the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Butterfly Garden (which we’ll talk more about later in this article). The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just north of San José. The Monteverde Reserve is part of the Tropical Science Center’s network of private reserves. Here you can see hundreds of different types of plants and animals including frogs, lizards, snakes, monkeys, hummingbird gardens, butterflies, and even rare and endangered species like the Resplendent Quetzal.
If you’re looking for some places to explore in Monteverde Costa Rica, here are our picks:
1. Take a tour to learn about the history of the cloud forest. You’ll learn how humans began living in the region and how the rainforest became such a vital part of life. This includes learning about the indigenous people who lived here long ago and the modern-day conservation efforts underway today.
2. Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden where there are fantastic views of butterflies from around the world. There are over 600 different kinds of butterflies in the garden and you can feed them too. If you want to go deeper into the biology of butterfly migration, take a guided walk through the Monteverde Biological Station.
3. Learn about the culture and traditions of the local Ticos (Costa Ricans) by socializing or exploring guided tours. You’ll learn about the cultural significance of trees, plants, and animals. You’ll also learn about the medicinal uses of many plant species and how traditional healers use nature to treat illness.
4. Experience the beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Foundation Reserve. Guided tours give visitors insight into the ecology of the region and allow them to see the flora and fauna up close. Visitors can also explore and get access to forest trails and boardwalks to discover the secrets of the Monteverde tropical forests.
5. Go Ziplining. You can take a canopy tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to over 350 species of plants and animals. The tour starts with 2 simple ziplines but quickly progresses into a pulse-racing and breath-taking event. There’s also a great and exciting ziplining experience if you visit Selvatura Park. There is also the Aventura Canopy tour that costs 50 USD per person. Aventura is another provider of a good canopy tour.
6. Learn about coffee. Coffee is Costa Rica’s largest export. In fact, it accounts for over 60% of the country’s total exports. Café Monteverde Farm offers a 2.5-hour coffee tour that you can’t pass up!
7. Discover the Orchid Garden. One of the most popular attractions in the country is the Monteverde Orchid Gardens located near Santa Elena. With over 1,300 different kinds of plants and flowers, the gardens contain one of the largest collections of orchids in the world. The lush garden is divided into three sections: the main area where visitors can walk around freely; the greenhouse section, where visitors can see how orchids grow; and the nursery, where visitors can watch orchids being raised from seedlings to mature plants. Visitors can take guided tours of the lush gardens, which include explanations of the different types of orchids found there. There are even some interactive exhibits such as touch tanks, where visitors can learn more about the life cycle of orchids.
8. Go hiking at Selvatura Park in the forest canopy, which is known for being an adventure park, near Monteverde Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful park known for its immediate connection to nature, which isn’t surprising considering how large the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Waterfall in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Central America. This protected area is home to numerous endemic species including three types of monkeys, five different types of sloths, species of amphibians, and almost 300 bird species. In addition, there are many plant species here including the world’s largest tree fern, the strangler fig, and the giant bromeliad.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is located about 40 minutes outside of San José. The reserve covers approximately 35,000 hectares (86,000 acres), making it the second biggest protected area in Costa Rica. Its location makes it perfect for those looking to experience nature without being too close to city life. For example, visitors can go hiking or horseback riding along the trails that wind throughout the reserve.
There are three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde Costa Rica: Monteverde Cloud Forests, Santa Elena Cloud Forests, and Children’s Eternal Rainforests. Each one offers different experiences. Monteverde Cloud Forest is at the highest altitude and contains some of the most amazing views of the area. The rainforest here is dense and thick with mosses and ferns. If you want to see wildlife, you’ll need to go somewhere else.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is the younger and lesser-known cousin of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is less crowded than Monteverde. But there’s still plenty to do here. You can hike around, take a tour boat out onto the lake, climb up a mountain, or even stay overnight in one of the cabins. And if you don’t feel like doing anything, you can relax on the beach while watching the clouds float by. The town of Santa Elena is actually nested between Santa Elena Cloud Forest and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
The third cloud forest is the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, which is actually owned by the government. It’s home to many animals including sloths, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys. But it’s mostly known for its poison dart frogs. Visitors can walk along paths and see where the frogs live. Some people come here to try to find the rarest species.
This green oasis is the pride and joy of Costa Rica. Visitors often come here to hike, birdwatch, visit hummingbird gardens, take photos, swim in the clear waters of the river, and enjoy the fantastic views.
With cloud cover that hangs at tree tops, the cloud forest is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Because there are no tall mountains blocking the sun, the cloud forest gets plenty of light throughout the day.
A day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest is a great way to see how nature works. You’ll walk along hiking trails and climb hills while watching monkeys swing through the treetops. If you want to see the wildlife in their natural habitat, you must go during the dry season. Arrange a tour early in the morning when the animals are still sleeping and the forest is quiet. Rest assured, there is no way visiting Monteverde Costa Rica would be a disappointing surprise.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Unidentified Flower in Monteverde, Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is home to some of Costa Rica’s most colorful wildlife. There are over 2,500 different bird species living here, including many endemic species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Blue Morpho, and the Black and White Zebra Longwing. There are also several hundred types of plants, including hundreds of epiphytes, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, lichens, and orchids.
The forest contains eight different ecological zones, each one unique and teeming with life. There are plants and trees galore, including the iconic strangler fig tree, which grows up to 30 feet high and looks like a monster strangling the surrounding vegetation. Other notable species include the giant anteater, the white-tailed deer, the collared peccary, the tapir, the howler monkey, the spider monkey, the ocelot, and the endangered jaguar.
Visiting the biological reserve is an experience like no other. While most people go to Monteverde Costa Rica to hike, there are plenty of outdoor activities besides just walking around. You can zip line across the reserve, take a horseback ride into the forest, go fishing, and even birdwatch. But the real reason to go there is to explore the amazing biodiversity of the rainforest.
Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
One of the highlights of the reserve is the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. This is where visitors can see live specimens of the brightly colored butterflies that inhabit the area. These butterflies come from the surrounding mountains, and their colors vary depending on what food source they feed upon during their life cycle. There are over 150 species of butterflies that live here, and visitors can see them fluttering around the grounds.
In addition to the butterflies, the lush gardens also feature several species of bats, which roost inside specially constructed caves and hang out under bridges. In fact, the gardens are located next to the Bat Museum, where guests can learn about the local wildlife and how they interact. Visitors can even take part in educational activities that teach kids about conservation and environmental protection. There will be no disappointing surprises here!
Hotels in Monteverde Costa Rica
If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting Monteverde, keep on reading! There are many hotels in Monteverde, which means there are plenty of choices you can go with! Sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at any of these hotels.
Hotel Belmar, Monteverde Costa Rica
The Hotel Belmar Hotel welcomes guests into a world of natural beauty and serenity. A gateway to the cloud forests of Monteverde, it offers visitors a taste of Monteverde Costa Rica’s unique culture while providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The 37-year flagship hotel is a haven of peace and tranquility where you’ll find a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. Guests are invited to experience life in harmony with nature, guided by the spirit of Tico hospitality.
Hotel Trópico Monteverde
Hotel Trópico is a hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica with a beautiful garden and terrace. Hotel Trópico Monteverde is around 5 miles away from Sky Adventures Monteverde and around 6 miles away from Selvatura Adventure park, where you can go ziplining and explore the amazing views of Monteverde Costa Rica. The rooms in Hotel Trópico Monteverde are clean with beautiful views and there are great restaurants surrounding the hotel. There are no hidden charges for Hotel Trópico Monteverde. You get what you pay for when you go to Hotel Trópico Monteverde.
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Senda Hotel is a hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica and features a garden and a bar. Senda Monteverde Hotel is a newer and luxury hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica. It’s located around 2 miles from Sky Adventures Monteverde and 4 miles away from Selvatura Adventure Park. Senda Monteverde is just a 15-minute walk from town which makes it easy to explore the area. Senda Monteverde has delicious food with free WiFi throughout the property. There are no hidden charges for this hotel. You get what you pay for!
Selina Monteverde
Selina Monteverde offers accommodation in a colonial house surrounded by gardens and tropical vegetation. You can enjoy breakfast every morning in the dining area, where you can taste delicious local dishes such as “chaya”, a fruit salad prepared with avocado, banana, pineapple, papaya, passionfruit, and mango, coconut, and orange juice.
You can relax in the garden or take advantage of the many activities offered in the area, including hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, zip lining, and rappelling. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, we recommend you go to the nearby towns of Santa Elena de Ometepe, San Luis Potosí, La Fortuna, and Ciudad Quesada.
Selina Monteverde also offers guided tours. The tour operator of Selina Monteverde also organizes transfers to and from the airport, hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, banks, etc., as well as excursions, transportation, and equipment rental.
Weather in Monteverde Costa Rica
Monteverde Costa Rica is usually cooler on average compared to other areas of Costa Rica. Rainfall averages around 97 inches per year. The temperature usually sits at 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Monteverde Costa Rica is usually wet year-round, during rainy season, but the weather seems to be drier between December in April, which is true for most of Costa Rica. We’ve written an in-depth article on what to expect with the weather in Costa Rica.
Traveling To Monteverde Costa Rica
You may be wondering about the best way to get to Monteverde Costa Rica. There are several airports you can utilize to get to Monteverde Costa Rica and any other surrounding city within Costa Rica. For more information about the different airports, you can utilize to get to Costa Rica, be sure to check out our in-depth article Airports in Costa Rica.
