Visiting Monteverde: My Favorite Activities, Travel Tips & Itinerary

Map of Monteverde's Attractions

7 Activities I Think Are Worth It in Monteverde

1. Explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest and Avoid Monteverde Cloud Forest 👍 Must Do

When most people visit Monteverde, they head straight to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. While the reserve itself is beautiful, I found the way it is managed to be a little money-grabbing. For one, since it is so popular, they limit the number of visitors on each trail, so you have to book a specific trail in advance, which isn't ideal.

Secondly, they charge 29 USD for admission, and although there are three hiking trails, you are only allowed to hike the one you booked. You are not allowed to explore the other trails after finishing yours. Each trail takes about an hour or 2 to complete, and if you want to hike another one, you have to pay another 29 USD. In my opinion, that's a rip-off and a very cash-grab approach to managing the reserve. I can't recommend it when there are much better alternatives nearby.

Instead, I highly recommend visiting the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. The experience is just as magical, but the trails are much quieter and feel more natural, with dirt paths instead of the well-paved trails you'll find at Monteverde Cloud Forest.

You also don't have to book your visit in advance, and the reserve offers many more hiking trails and viewpoints that you can explore with a single admission ticket. Best of all, it costs only 20 USD for a self-guided visit, which is a much better value than Monteverde Cloud Forest in my opinion.

For Santa Elena, I went with a guided tour, which is 40 USD per person, and the guide took us around the reserve spotting all kinds of animals from tarantulas to monkeys. Apparently, there are also quetzals here, but we weren't so lucky as they were nowhere to be found. Our guide told us he saw one a few weeks ago 😢.

If you only have time to visit one cloud forest reserve, I would personally choose Santa Elena. It offers the same beautiful scenery with a much more relaxing hiking experience and avoid Monteverde Cloud Forest at all costs. Santa Elena Cloud Forest is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily.

2. Go Ziplining Through the Cloud Forest

If you have a day to spare in Monteverde and are looking for a little adrenaline rush, you might want to go ziplining with The Original Canopy Tour. Ziplining is one of the most popular activities in Monteverde, and for good reason. There is no better way to appreciate the incredible scale of the cloud forest than soaring from one platform to another high above the canopy.

I recommend joining The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde, one of the oldest and most highly-rated zipline experiences in the area. The adventure lasts around 2.5 hours and includes multiple ziplines through both primary and secondary cloud forest, a 150-foot rappel, a climb through the hollow trunk of a giant tree, and an optional Tarzan Swing if you're feeling brave.

Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and avoid bringing loose items that could fall during the ride. If you're carrying a phone or camera, make sure it is securely attached. The cloud forest weather can also change quickly, so bringing a light rain jacket isn't a bad idea. You can book the tour here and they should pick you up at your hotel.

3. Go on a Guided Night Walk

You might be disappointed to know that wildlife is not as active in Monteverde due to its high altitude. One of my guides told me that I shouldn't expect to see much wildlife in the cloud forest, only birds, and I have to agree, there are better places to see wildlife in Costa Rica. That said, you can never go wrong with a guided night walking tour.

While most wildlife hides during the day, the rainforest comes alive at night, with frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures becoming much easier to spot. I recommend joining a guided night walk instead of exploring on your own. The forest can be completely dark, and the guides know exactly where to look for wildlife.

The tour usually takes around 2 hours, and the guides provide flashlights and spotting equipment to help you find wildlife. This particular tour will have a meeting point here and you will explore the forest on foot from there. You might get lucky and see things like sloths, snakes, tarantulas, frogs, and even some rare nocturnal birds.

Bring closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, and a rain jacket. The trails can get muddy, and Monteverde's weather can change quickly. Also, don't forget to bring a small flashlight or make sure your phone has enough battery, although the tour operator will usually provide lighting.

4. Visit a Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm

Costa Rica is famous around the world for its coffee, and one of the best places to learn about the country's agricultural traditions is in Monteverde. If you are looking for a more relaxed activity after all the hiking and adventure activities, I highly recommend joining a coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tour, operated by Don Juan Coffee Tour.

The tour takes you through the entire process of how coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane go from plants into the products we enjoy every day. You will learn how coffee beans are harvested, processed, dried, and roasted, while also getting to see how cacao is transformed into chocolate and how sugar cane is turned into fresh juice and other products.

The tour lasts around 2 hours, so if you are looking to fill some time in Monteverde alongside other activities, this is a great option. Their office is open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, and you can book the tour online here.

5. Walk the Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Park

If walking around Santa Elena Cloud Forest still doesn't satisfy your sense of adventure, you can head a little further downhill and visit Selvatura Adventure Park. Unlike other reserves where you mostly explore the forest from the ground, Selvatura's suspension bridges allow you to walk high above the trees and experience the cloud forest from a completely different perspective.

The trail takes you through a series of eight bridges, including the famous long suspension bridge that stretches across the forest canopy. Along the way, you will pass through dense rainforest covered in moss, vines, and epiphytes, with a chance to spot birds and other wildlife hiding among the trees.

The entrance fee ranges from around 49 USD for a non-guided hanging bridge entry to hundreds of USD for a combo ticket that includes ziplining, a sloth rehabilitation center, and other activities available in the park. The park is open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM. It is not the cheapest activity in Monteverde, so I would only recommend it if you have enough time and don't mind spending a bit more for the experience.

6. Relax in Santa Elena Town

After spending your days exploring cloud forests, hiking muddy trails, and chasing adventure activities, don't forget to slow down and enjoy the small town vibe that makes up Monteverde. The main hub of the area is Santa Elena, a charming little mountain town where you can relax, grab a coffee, and experience a slower side of Costa Rica.

The town is filled with cozy cafes, local restaurants, and plenty of shops to stroll around. The cooler mountain weather also makes it a great place to take a break from the heat and humidity found in other parts of Costa Rica.

I recommend wandering around town after your hikes, especially in the late afternoon when the temperature drops and the atmosphere becomes more lively. Grab a coffee at Santa Elena Coffee Shop, try some local food at Tree House, a restaurant with a giant tree growing through the middle of it, and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. If the clouds clear, you might even get a glimpse of Arenal Volcano in the distance.

7. Enjoy the View of Arenal Lake as you Ride the Jeep-Boat-Jeep to/from La Fortuna

Although this is not your typical thing to do in Monteverde, if you are traveling between La Fortuna and Monteverde, I highly recommend taking the famous Jeep-Boat-Jeep transfer. Instead of spending hours on winding roads, you will cross Lake Arenal by boat, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and incredible views of the volcano (if the weather decides to cooperate).

The boat ride takes around 30–45 minutes and gives you beautiful views of Lake Arenal, with Arenal Volcano looming in the distance. I spent over 4 days in La Fortuna without seeing the summit of the volcano once, until the day I crossed the lake. The clouds finally cleared, and I got to see Arenal Volcano in its full glory, even if it was only for a brief moment. I'll take that as a win 😄.

The whole trip usually takes around 3 hours: about 1 hour from La Fortuna to the pier, another 30–45 minutes for the boat ride across Lake Arenal, and around 1 hour from the pier on the other side of the lake to Monteverde, including a short break in between. It is a cool and scenic way to travel between these two popular destinations, so if you have the chance, I highly recommend choosing the Jeep-Boat-Jeep option. You can book the transfer here.

Where to Stay in Monteverde?

Budget

Hostel Cattleya - Monteverde, Costa Rica

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Monteverde Lodge by Böëna

$$$ | Double Room

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When to Visit Monteverde?

Like most places in Costa Rica, Monteverde can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you are looking for. The dry season (December to April) generally offers sunnier mornings, clearer views, and better hiking conditions. That said, don't expect perfect weather all the time since this is a cloud forest after all.

I visited Monteverde in February during the dry season and was surprised by how cool it felt compared to the rest of Costa Rica. Mornings and evenings were quite chilly, and no air conditioning was needed up there. I often had to wear extra layers during the early morning and in the evening.

It also rained quite a bit throughout the day, although it was usually just light showers. The clouds often rolled in during the afternoon and evening, while the mornings were generally clear. Be sure to pack a light rain jacket and a warm layer, as the weather can change quickly.

The green season (May to November) brings more frequent rainfall, but it also transforms the cloud forest into an even lusher landscape with fewer visitors. Wildlife is also very active during this time, although I personally found wildlife spotting to be better elsewhere in Costa Rica due to Monteverde's higher elevation.

How to Get to Monteverde?

From San José: There are several direct buses operated by GuateGO between San José and Monteverde every day. Buses depart from the Terminal Atlántico Norte, take around 4.5–5 hours, and cost approximately 16 USD. There are two departures daily, at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. You can book your ticket online here.

From La Fortuna: The fastest and most popular way to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde is the famous Jeep-Boat-Jeep transfer. The journey takes around 3 hours and includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal, which is an experience in itself. You can book the transfer here. I traveled from La Fortuna this way, and the whole trip went smoothly. The views across Lake Arenal were phenomenal.

From Manuel Antonio or Quepos: There is no convenient direct public bus between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. The easiest option is to book a shared shuttle, which takes around 5–6 hours and offers hotel pickup. If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can also travel via San José using public buses, although it will likely require an overnight stay.

From Liberia or Tamarindo: Shared shuttles are the most convenient option. I took one from Monteverde to Tamarindo and it was great. The road goes through some really scenic mountain road down to the Pacific coast and we had a lovely stop in the middle for snack and toilet breaks. I saw a group of macaws flying while there 😉. You can book the shuttle service here.

From further away: If you are traveling from destinations like Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, or Corcovado, I recommend booking a shared shuttle or renting a car. It is much easier than piecing together multiple public buses, which often require passing through San José.

Keep in mind that shared shuttles may be canceled if they do not have enough passengers, so I recommend leaving at least 2 extra days in your itinerary just in case you have to travel via San José and spend a night there.

How to get Around Monteverde?

By Shutter Buses/Tours: This is the easiest way to get around Monteverde if you are not renting a car. Many of the area's most popular activities, such as ziplining, hanging bridges, coffee tours, and night walks, include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Your accommodation can often help arrange shuttle buses and tours, and you may even get a discount if you book through them and pay in cash. For popular attractions like the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, regular shuttle services are also available.

Depending on the destination, shuttles usually run every 1–2 hours and cost around 2,000 CRC (4 USD) one way or 4,000 CRC (8 USD) round trip. Payment is made in cash directly to the driver when you board. The shuttle may arrive a few minutes late since it picks up passengers from accommodations around town, so don't worry if it's not exactly on time. Be sure to reserve your seat through your accommodation the day before so they can arrange it for you.

By Rental Car: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit several reserves or continue your trip to other destinations like La Fortuna or the Pacific Coast. Most attractions are within a 10–30 minute drive of Santa Elena, although some roads can be steep, unpaved, and bumpy, so drive carefully. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended but not always necessary during the dry season. You can rent a car here.

By Public Bus: There is a local public bus that serves parts of Monteverde, but I rarely saw it during my visit, and the schedule is quite limited. Unless you have plenty of time and don't mind planning around the timetable, I wouldn't recommend relying on it to get around Monteverde.

How many days to spend in Monteverde?

I recommend spending 2 days in Monteverde. That gives you enough time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed, including hiking the cloud forest, walking the hanging bridges, going on a night walk, and trying one or two adventure activities like ziplining or a coffee tour.

If you only have 2 days, I would spend one day exploring the Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and another day visiting the hanging bridges before finishing with a night walk. If you're after more adventure, you can easily swap one of those activities for ziplining.

• Day 1: Spend the day exploring the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and Selvatura Park, followed by a guided night walk.
• Day 2: Go ziplining, join a coffee and chocolate tour, then head back to town to relax and explore Santa Elena.

Is it Safe in Monteverde?

Yes, Monteverde is one of the safest destinations in Costa Rica. Monteverde is small, laid-back, and caters mainly to nature lovers and adventure travelers. I felt completely safe walking around during both the day and the evening, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than in some of Costa Rica's larger cities.

That said, you should still take the usual precautions. Don't leave valuables visible inside your rental car, keep an eye on your belongings in busy restaurants and cafes, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you're hiking independently, stick to marked trails and let someone know your plans if you're heading into one of the more remote reserves.

The biggest hazards in Monteverde are actually nature-related rather than crime-related. Trails can become extremely muddy and slippery after rain, and the weather can change very quickly. Bring proper hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and a warm layer, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly, especially in the cloud forest.