Top Things to do in Monteverde
What to do and see in Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica including El Bosque Trails, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Ecological Sanctuary, Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, The Bat Jungle, Curi Cancha Reserve, Valle Escondido Preserve, Don Rodolfo Conservation Area, Aguti Monteverde - Wildlife Reserve, Serpentario.
Restaurants in Monteverde
1. El Bosque Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
El Bosque Preserve is a 23-acre forest set aside for conservation with gardens, trails and daily tours for small groups, which is great if you are looking for a less touristy, and more authentic ecotourism experience. El Bosque is part of the Biological Corridor Pajaro Campana, which is extremely important for the survival of many highly endangered species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Three-Wattled Bellbird and many other creatures that come here for food supply when the wild avocados are no longer found in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. When you take part in a small group tour with El Bosque, you are not only getting a more personal, less touristy experience, but more importantly, you are actively participating in the conservation of this critically important corridor.
Reviewed By Soul_Surfer009 - Guantanamo, Caribbean
It’s not easy to spot animals in monteverde, but on this night tour you stand a good chance. Their guides have expert eyes for spotting hiding and sleeping animals. Porcupines, armadillos, tarantulas and a number of birds. On top of this you learn about plants too. Interesting and informative.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,616 reviews
Reviewed By Travels-with-Claire
Without doubt the most popular of the Nature Reserves in the Monteverde area, this park boasts a variety of user friendly trails that can be hiked within 4 or 5 hours at best. Of course you can hike fewer trails for a shorter visit. Unlike the Santa Elena park, I found the trails here to be much easier. They tend to fall into three general categories (photos attached for all three): the popular Sendero Camino trail is wide, almost as though it were designed for an all terrain vehicle, and easy to negotiate with only minor elevation gain, albeit somewhat rocky and muddy in areas. The trails that traverse the interior of the park all tend to be laid out with concrete stones. They are undoubtedly placed for purposes of traction, although I found them to be more annoying than helpful. The third type is very sanitized and well maintained paths. There is some elevation to contend with in the interior trails but for the most part, all of the trails in this park are easily negotiated by people of any age or fitness level. Most of the trails cut through the beautiful cloud forest. Off to the right and accessible via both the Sendero Camino and Sendero Nuboso trails is a cut off about 340 meters away, the La Ventana, leading to a gorgeous view and vista over both sides of the Continental Divide. Reputedly gorgeous that is, if you can actually see it! The Monteverde Cloud Forest is called a Cloud Forest for a reason. When we reached the viewpoint, is was totally and completely enshrouded in cloud and we could see absolutely nothing except for the cloud. We spend another couple of hours hiking the other trails in the park, during which time my optimistic side observed that the weather had cleared and there was even some blue sky emerging. As such, we decided to hike it back to the viewpoint, hoping to finally be able to see the view. No such luck. As we approached the lookout, that corner of the park seemed to be similarly encased in cloud. Strike two. Hard to say what percentage of the time the viewpoint is clear but the views are supposed to be incredible and based on our experience, do consider yourselves lucky if you catch it on a clear day! Other features of the park include a lovely hanging bridge and a path to a waterfall. The waterfall is pretty but not exactly spectacular compared to others we’ve seen elsewhere. We did manage to spot the rare and elusive Resplendant Quetzel, albeit unfortunately quite far off in the distance. No question that the park is crowded but less so than we had expected it to be. Apparently some locals are starting to refer to the park as the ‘Monteverde Crowd Forest.’ Certainly there is some thinning out of people once you start out on the trails. As you approach the park, the official parking lot is actually about three kilometres away from the entrance. The attendant will guide you in and give you a ticket. A shuttle will then ferry you up to the park entrance itself. Be sure to keep the parking ticket as you will pay for it at the ticket booth and the parking attendant will ask for its when you return to your car.
3. Ecological Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Our family wakes up early at the warmth of the wooden stove, we gather to plan the day around the flavor of handmade tortillas. We grew up at the shade of the great ficus and enjoys the songs of the free birds and the mischievous monkeys, cultivate life and food to help us survive in an economy in which money has value, but we have the certain that it is not all !!! We are a local family and our job is to share the life philosophy that we got as a heritage, communion with the great diversity in which we have the opportunity of walking up, working on the conservation of the forest and offering visitors the unforgettable experience of nature image, walking through our different trails you will encounter a transition forest a bridge between The Cloud Forest and the Dry Forest; with an abundance of endemic and fruit bearing trees in the area that make it suitable birds watching, wildlife observation and wide array flora that characterizes the area. You will be surprised by two beautiful waterfalls, panoramic views, coffee and banana plantations grown in harmony with the rich biodiversity of 48 hectares of protected area. In our quest to conserve the forest we are part of the Biological Corridor Bellbird, planting and giving maintenance to about 1,000 trees per year, this association's project to reforest the corridor where they nest and eat these beautiful birds. Bellbird Association
Reviewed By TheLoxy - Whitehorse, Canada
It doesn’t come up when you look for cooking classes in the area but I’m glad I stumbled upon it anyways! Christopher, whose love of coffee is epic and made us wish we did his coffee tour, was a friendly face as we walked through making three Costa Rican dishes. Everything was well-prepared but also hands on and delicious. I’ve brought back home some of the ingredients so that I can make it for myself again, and soon! It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, made intimate because we were the only students of the day. Highly recommended!!
4. Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 705 reviews
It is a community non profit project, located near Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The Reserve has an extension of 310 hectares, covered by a majestic Cloud Forest, in which you can observe a great variety of plants, Orchids, trees, ferns, heliconias and others. Also hundreds of residents and migratory birds, as the Quetzal and the Bell bird. This Reserve is managed by the Santa Elena Technical High School .
Reviewed By 289normanr
While we have been to the Monteverde area many times, the Santa Elena Reserve is always special. This trip was no exception. It is truly an enchanted place filled with magic at every turn. Under the leadership of Johnny (who’s surname we haven’t ever known despite visits over nearly two decades) the Reserve is a true “gift” from the people of Santa Elena and the high school. The staff are (I think) all graduates of the local school who continue to grow with their beloved cloud forest. This year, we were privileged to be on a guided hike with Guillermo who’s knowledge and interests were on evidence over a wide range of subjects and a full three hours. The pride of each of the staff and for Johnny’s leadership and support is well earned and fully justified. Our thanks for another splendid time.
5. The Bat Jungle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 752 reviews
# 85 live bats free-flying in our huge enclosure, designed to resemble the cloud forest at night# Guided tour by professional guides takes about 45 minutes# The tour is both informative, educational and entertaining, with a focus on biology and conservation# Cleverly designed interpretive exhibits, like our giant ears, huge bat heads, and bat skeleton.# You will see, at close range, 85 tropical fruit-eating and nectar-feeding bats from the Monteverde area# Our bats fly, eat, socialize, and even give birth before your eyes
Reviewed By alicew239
Located on the way to Monteverde reserve from Santa Elena there is a poster/inyetactive exhibit on the walls about bats & a dark room in which you can see about 100 bats (5 species) up close. They are behind glass (obvs so they don't escape) but can get good photos. It's a lot more to have a guide but felt worth it for the extra facts & probably helps support a small quirky business. Takes an hour max.
6. Curi Cancha Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,583 reviews
To protect of natural resources of the planet operating through an economically and environmentally sustainable business that preserves local forests and biodiversity, benefits people of the area, and provides the highest quality experience for the visitor. Walk along beautiful natural trails with an experienced guide and see different species of birds and mammals. Learn about the amazing diversity of the cloud forest.
Reviewed By Stuart-from-molesey
The guide was Carlos from the reserve and knew exactly where to find the birds and animals and was very knowledgeable on plants as well. Whilst not twitchers ourselves it was nice to see the Quetzal although I suspect that it was probably in its usual favourite tree. On one trail there was a fresh print of what was said to be a puma but rarely to be be seen. The humming bird feeder area was really great to stop and have a drink. We spent 2 hours with Carlos and a further 3 hours on our own. Great visit.
7. Valle Escondido Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Intimately experience the amazing diversity of Costa Rican wildlife - explore the walking trails and waterfalls of the nature preserve - take in the flora and fauna and breathtaking vistas from the platforms.
Reviewed By TravelingAmos - New Jersey, United States
We were staying onsite so we were able to walk the trails multiple times during our stay at the inn. If you coming from elsewhere, you may want to precede your self-guided tour with either a permaculture tour in the morning or follow it with a night tour. There is also a cafe on site if you plan to spend the whole day here. Note: Valle Escondido and Hidden Valley are the same. If you have the time and energy, you can hike down to a platform near the bottom of the waterfall. There are many stairs, so be prepared.
8. Don Rodolfo Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
This is family proyect and we want to welcome a tourist who does not visit the most personalized treatment,to enjoy a more natural and calm environment, than the only ones who listen to the noise of crickets and grasshopper. And after the tour you can enjoy with us a delicious Costa Rican dinner in harmony with nature.
Reviewed By W683QEnataliel
My husband and I arrived to Santa Elena without a plan, our hostel host recommended a night tour, Without any idea we were set up with Don Rofaldo conservation area. Emilio was amazing! He was very informative and helpful. We saw several scorpions, a sloth, a a golden turtle beetle and a beetle that had headlights like a car. Sooo cool. His partner (family member) was a great spotter a head while he took time to answer all our questions. Such a great experience!
9. Aguti Monteverde - Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Aguti is focused on preservation and highly committed to the study of local and migratory species. Within this reserve, there are two types of forest and open areas that facilitate the sighting of birds. Aguti is interested in providing an authentic experience, avoiding mass tourism, allowing a pleasant stay to those who visit it. The spirit of the project includes the conservation of the ecosystem, reforestation, and study of Costa Rican species.
Reviewed By 91peggys - Pasadena, United States
We really enjoyed our night tour at the reserve. We saw lots of interesting wildlife including a mother and baby sloth. Beautiful views of the stars as well.
10. Serpentario
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By tiff809
Wow!!!! Amazing experience must get a guide truly incredible and thoughtful and well spoken. Had an answer to every question worth every penny I saw so many species and I love all of them equally. I don’t even like snakes I think theyre for nerds and now I am a nerd. The guide was truly the best part of the serpentario this is a must see. We spent a couple hours here. The snakes were quite active during the day and I got amazing videos. Must inquire about the guide otherwise I can see why people are not as happy with the price
