Monteverde, Costa Rica, Travel Guide

Translating to “green mountain” in Spanish, Monteverde is a haven for ecotourism on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region inspires immersion in its varied topography and wildlife. The biggest attraction, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, draws thousands of annual travelers to its mist-tinged mountains.

“Monteverde has one of the few cloud forests left in the world, as they are one of the first forests to disappear due to global warming,” said Rodrigo Valverde, co-founder of Costa Rica Sky Adventures. “It (contains) 2.5 percent of all the world’s biodiversity, which makes it one of the few places in the world where you can see the most exuberant flora and fauna.”

Check into Hotel Belmar, located in the cloud forest, or settle in the commercial center of Santa Elena and end your days sipping organic cocktails in a speakeasy. No matter what you choose, you’ll be close to nature and captivating adventures.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Belmar

Voted by Travel + Leisure readers as one of their 10 favorite resorts in Central Americathis rustic luxury property is situated on the dewy mountainside of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Guests can enjoy an on-site brewery and juice bar, as well as Restaurante Celajes, an homage to fresh Costa Rican flavors. Known for its eco-friendly approach, Hotel Belmar sources produce for its restaurant from the on-site organic garden and uses solar panels to harness renewable energy.

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Located just 15 minutes from the cloud forest, this 31-room lodge offers accommodations with private balconies overlooking the verdant grounds and jungle-covered hillsides. Rooms and suites have high ceilings and bathrooms with solar-heated hot water. The main pool is surrounded by lush vegetation and there are a number of walking trails on the property. The on-site restaurant, El Jardin, features dishes like sea bass ceviche and spicy red curry soup with local root vegetables as well as a separate, plant-based menu.

The Stable

Set on a 150-acre farm, The Stable is a family-owned hotel with amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and restaurants. Room categories include honeymoon and family suites featuring private balconies with views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Guests can enjoy a number of excursions from the hotel, including canopy tours and night walks through the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Chira Glamping

For a glamping experience in the heart of the cloud forest, check into Rentwhich features geodesic dome tents, honeymoon suites, and a family suite—all with terraces and handcrafted furnishings. The hotel’s restaurant, San Lucas, offers a special treetop dining experience that includes nine courses celebrating various regions in Costa Rica.

Best Things to Do

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Step into an oasis that contains eight ecological zones and more than 100 mammal species at Monteverde Cloud Forest. The 26,000-acre reserve offers activities like bird-watching, canopy tours, and zip lining. You can plan your own trip into the forest or join a tour through your accommodations or a third-party operator. Valverde says there are “many types of hotels according to the budgets of each tourist” in the area as well.

Find wildlife and adventure at Selvatura Park.

Observe different hummingbird species among 850 acres of protected cloud forest at Selvatura Park. Other family-friendly activities at the park include the Tarzan swing, canopy tours, and eight suspension bridges. Selvatura Park also has a butterfly garden with guides that take visitors through one of the world’s largest living butterfly exhibits.

Hike in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.

This 56,000-acre private nature reserve is the largest in Costa Rica and home to endangered species like jaguars and green-eyed frogs. Also known as BEN, after the Spanish phrase “Children’s Eternal Forest,” the Children’s Eternal Rainforest is a true testimony to biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

Shop at Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena.

A driving force behind empowering women in Costa Rica, Santa Elena Artisans Cooperative (or CASEM) is an artisan co-op full of locally made crafts, including handbags, wood carvings, and decorative wall hangings. CASEM offers employment opportunities and training to local women.

Take a coffee tour.

Costa Rica produces some of the highest quality coffee in the world, and Monteverde offers a number of experiences to get up close and personal with the farming and roasting of beans. Café Monteverde’s farm and roastery tour includes information on every stage of coffee farming. Visitors can also stop by at any time for a to-go cup.

Best Restaurants

San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience

Enjoy nine courses on timber-built platforms suspended above a glowing rain forest with the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience. With a focus on local ingredients from different regions in Costa Rica, nightly menus are a surprise specially curated by the chefs. Pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available. The entire experience takes 2.5 hours, and it’s advisable to make reservations in advance.

Celajes Restaurant

Located at Hotel Belmar, Celajes Restaurant features balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a menu that utilizes the property’s organic farm to create inventive cocktails and food. When you’re done eating, head over to the property’s craft brewery to try an artisanal ale that includes water sourced from the springs of the cloud forest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Monteverde is during the dry season between January and April, when average temperatures between the mid-60s and the low 80s make for great trekking and sightseeing. The rainiest months are June through October, but showers are a possibility year-round. Due to its altitude, Monteverde is chilly and misty on most nights, so pack warmer clothing for the evening. For incredible sunsets and flourishing green landscapes, plan a visit from May to November.

How to Get There

Monteverde is about a three-hour drive from the capital of San José. It’s roughly halfway between San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. Most travelers fly into SJO. From there, you can travel the winding hills to Monteverde by shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.

How to Get Around

The town of Santa Elena is easily explored on foot. However, all major activities, as well as the cloud forest reserves and hiking trails, are farther away and best accessed by car. Some hotels in town provide free transportation for tours and into the park, but having a car will certainly give you more freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

Car Rental

There are no car rental centers in Monteverde, so visitors should rent a vehicle at the airport before arriving. Companies such as Avis Costa Rica and Enterprise are readily available, and reservations can be made in advance online.

Public Transportation

The only public transportation company in Monteverde is TransMonteverdewhich operates routes to San José and Puntarenas. Transportation is often provided for excursions to other attractions and tours, but advance reservations are generally necessary. Taxis are also a reliable and readily available transportation service in the area. Websites like Explore Monteverde can help you navigate the region.