Jump to:
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
-
617-223-4521617-223-4965
- 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 11 miles away
- San Ramón 25 miles away
- Tenorio Volcano 31 miles away
- El Silencio Lodge 32 miles away
- Caño Negro 41 miles away
- Northern Pacific Coast 46 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 51 miles away
- San José & Central Valley 53 miles away
- Esterillos 57 miles away
- Central Pacific Coast 64 miles away
- Playa Potrero 71 miles away
- Tamarindo 74 miles away
- Manuel Antonio 77 miles away
- Golfo de Papagayo 78 miles away
- Turrialba 78 miles away
- San Gerardo de Dota 83 miles away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 87 miles away
- Dominical 96 miles away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 134 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 143 miles away
- Manzanillo 150 miles 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.
-
What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
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.
Read this guide -
Luxury vacations in Costa Rica Luxury vacations in Costa Rica
Luxury vacations in Costa Rica
Luxury in Costa Rica lies in the unrivaled wildlife that covers the country, from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast. With small hotels designed to make the best of the natural surroundings, this is barefoot luxury at its most pure.
Read this guide -
Best family vacations in Costa Rica Best family vacations in Costa Rica
Best family vacations in Costa Rica
From the rainforests of Arenal Volcano to wildlife experiences in Tortuguero National Park and the surf breaks of Tamarindo, Costa Rica is ideal for families. Specialist Nik gives his advice on activities, hotels, and travel logistics for a family trip to Costa Rica.
Read this guide
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.
-
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
Monteverde Cloud Forest -
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.
-
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.
View details -
Selvatura Walkways Selvatura Walkways
Selvatura Walkways
See the Selvatura Cloud Forest Reserve from a totally unique perspective via a system of raised canopy walkways.
View details -
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.
View details