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The central highlands encompass northern Costa Rica's most fertile regions. Waterfalls, mountains and forests are found among undulating hills, and near-perfect weather conditions allow Costa Rica's famous coffee to grow plentifully.
The Monteverde locale is world-famous for its cloudforest and although generally associated solely with the reserve that carries its name, actually covers a much larger area stretching from Volcan Arenal to the east down to the low hills of Guanacaste in the west. It sits astride the continental divide at an altitude slightly above 1,600 meters protecting and providing habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals.
Reaching Monteverde Cloud Forest
The road to Monteverde from the international highway can be somewhat bumpy, dusty and warm. But as you ascend into the mountains on a clear day it is beautiful and you can see a variety of birds along the way as the habitats change.
Exploring the cloudforest
There are now two reserves, the original Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve and the newer Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. In these forests you can enjoy the cloudforest climate and hike the trails among the varieties of plants and magnificent epiphytic laden trees.
The resplendent quetzals with their long tails feed at various locations and one can at times hear the "bong" of the bellbirds. The foliage in both reserves is lush and abundant with hundreds of species of birds, insects, butterflies and plants.
The Monteverde Biological Preserve is the last sizeable pocket of primary cloudforest in Central America and supports six different ecosystems, with an estimated 2,500 species of plants, more than 100 species of mammals, 490 species of butterflies and over 400 species of birds.
The whole area is a fabulous place for walking, especially through the magical shrouds of mist that drape the forests in the early morning, but there are also frog gardens, butterfly houses, canopy walkways and adrenaline junkies can fly through the forest by a system of zip wires.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists
- 617-223-4965
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Monteverde Cloud Forest
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Arenal Volcano 18 kilometers away
- San Ramón 40 kilometers away
- Tenorio Volcano 50 kilometers away
- El Silencio Lodge 50 kilometers away
- Caño Negro 65 kilometers away
- Northern Pacific Coast 74 kilometers away
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 83 kilometers away
- San José & Central Valley 85 kilometers away
- Esterillos 92 kilometers away
- Central Pacific Coast 103 kilometers away
- Playa Potrero 114 kilometers away
- Tamarindo 119 kilometers away
- Manuel Antonio 123 kilometers away
- Golfo de Papagayo 125 kilometers away
- Turrialba 126 kilometers away
- San Gerardo de Dota 133 kilometers away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 139 kilometers away
- Dominical 154 kilometers away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 215 kilometers away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 231 kilometers away
- Manzanillo 241 kilometers away
Photos of Monteverde Cloud Forest
Our expert guides to exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Monteverde Cloud Forest at its best.
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What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica attracts nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. Country specialist, Nik, picks out some of the country’s highlights, from white-water rafting to wildlife spotting in the cloudforest.
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Accommodation choices for Monteverde Cloud Forest
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde Cloud Forest -
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Ideas for experiencing Monteverde Cloud Forest
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest, and which use the best local guides.
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Selvatura Walkways and Canopy Zip-Lining Selvatura Walkways and Canopy Zip-Lining
Selvatura Walkways and Canopy Zip-Lining
Explore the Selvatura Cloud Forest from a unique perspective. Follow the canopy walkways through each different level of the forest and traverse the exciting zip-lines through the trees.
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Selvatura Walkways Selvatura Walkways
Selvatura Walkways
See the Selvatura Cloud Forest Reserve from a totally unique perspective via a system of raised canopy walkways.
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Monteverde Night Tour Monteverde Night Tour
Monteverde Night Tour
This fascinating night tour allows you to see the wildlife around Monteverde quite literally in a different light. Spot a huge variety of nocturnal animals, including insects, tarantulas, snakes, sloths, sleeping toucans and bats.
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