Many people don’t realize there are actually three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde with Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve as the most popular. But if you aren’t keen about being around a lot of tour groups, then you should visit the sister reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena).
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is higher in elevation at 1600 meters (5250 feet) and has 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of well maintained trails with beautiful view points and scenery. It is privately run by the Santa Elena Technical Professional High School and protects over 300 hectares (741 acres) of land.
Santa Elena Reserve is considerably less crowded than Monteverde and offers equally as nice hiking trails and views.
How to Get to the La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena
Bus: There is a local bus from Santa Elena town to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. It runs everyday at 630 AM, 830 AM, 1030 AM and 1230 PM and returns at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM. The bus costs $3 per person. Reservations required before 830 PM the day before (many hotels/hostels in town can book this for you). You can also Whatsapp 8346 0748 or 8964 2288.
Driving: The drive from town to the cloud forest reserve is straightforward and luckily, the road isn’t too bad but it does go up some steep hills and it is not paved. You have to drive northeast towards Treetopia and past Selvatura Park. You can find it on Google Maps and Waze.
We highly highly recommend to rent a high car (dry season) or a 4wd (rainy season) when visiting Monteverde due to the road conditions outside the town center. You can read more about Monteverde road conditions here.
You will reach a parking lot (free) and you can purchase tickets at the entrance office. There are bathrooms and a souvenir store.
Location
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Santa Elena town and is on the Caribbean side of the Continental Division. On Waze and Google Maps, it is called La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena (Spanish).
Entrance Fee and Hours
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest entrance fee is $16 USD for foreigners adults and $7 USD for kids and is open every day from 7 AM to 3 PM.
Map
You can get one of these maps at the entrance office for free. On the map, you can see all the trails, the lengths and different view points.
Something else really nice about Santa Elena Reserve is that they have a handicap trail.
Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park are two other parks that have handicap friendly trails. Unfortunately, not many national parks and reserves in Costa Rica have handicap friendly facilities.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Hiking Trails
As you can see, the reserve has 5 trails of various lengths with the shortest at half a kilometer and longest at 5 (.3 miles to 3.2 miles). We were only able to hike the Encantado Trail because it started pouring down rain otherwise we would have stayed longer.
We recommend doing the Encantado or Cano Negro trails as they have a great view of Arenal Volcano.
Trail Conditions
The trails are all in well maintained conditions. The first entrance is on a concrete path (for the handicap friendly) and it ends when you get deeper into the forest.
Encantado Trail
The Encantado Trail didn’t have that many view points but the scenery was gorgeous.
The trail led us through the cloud forest surrounded by moss covered branches and a beautiful array of towering trees. The intensely thick vegetation made it hard to see the ground as there were layers upon layers of plants, moss and epiphytes sprawled on the ground floor.
Even though it rained, it made the forest feel more magical. The abundant vegetation never ceased to astound us and it felt like we were walking in a fairy tale. Raindrops glistened from every leaf and branch, shining brightly all around us.
We loved our hike in Santa Elena. With such fresh air, incredible greenery and empty trails, it was exactly the break we needed from the intense heat of Guanacaste.
The community who put together the reserve did an excellent job. The signage on the trails is great and the paths were easy to walk on. There are also benches on the trails making it extremely friendly for visitors of all ages.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Animals
We didn’t see any animals when we were there but we heard lots of birds. However, the forest canopy is so dense and thick that it was impossible to pinpoint where they were.
Some of the animals you may see are coatis, agoutis and monkeys. If you’re very lucky, you can see the Resplendant Quetzal which are abundant in Monteverde the months of February – July. We met one couple who went on a guided hike in Santa Elena and saw 2 Quetzals and monkeys.
When it comes to seeing wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, it’s not quite as easy as Curi Cancha Reserve. Curi Cancha is much more open so it’s easier to see bird. Santa Elena, in our opinion, is best for hiking and enjoying the incredible cloud forest views.
Guided vs Self Guided Tour
We visited Santa Elena Reserve on our own. Even though we love guided hikes and always recommend them, we didn’t feel a need for one this time. We spent most of our time enchanted by the beauty of the cloud forest!
The trails were easy to walk on and because we did a guided walk at Curi Cancha, we didn’t feel like it was necessary for Santa Elena.
But if this one is the only hike you’re doing and you want to learn more about it, then I recommend doing the Santa Elena Cloud Forest guided tour. You can hire a guide at the entrance office but you do need to make reservations at least 1 day before hand (you can do it on their website) and have your own transportation.
Differences Between Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest
We wrote an in-depth post comparing the differences between Monteverde and Santa Elena you can read here. Below is a quick guide to both.
Trails
Santa Elena has a couple longer trails but both are well maintained and easy to walk. The Monteverde Cloud Forest does have some more facilities such as hanging bridges, an observation deck, a lodge and there is a waterfall.
People
Santa Elena doesn’t nearly receive as many visitors as Monteverde. When we visited, the parking lot at Santa Elena was half full and it was all rental cars, no large tour shuttles and vans. We ran into only 3 small families during our entire time in the reserve and for a couple hours, it was just us and the trees.
Monteverde was a different story. The parking lot full with large tour shuttles and rental cars. We always saw people on the trails, mostly tour groups. There were times when we had to step aside as the trail didn’t fit everyone. It was gorgeous but crowded.
Keep in mind that we visited in March, one of the busiest times of the year. If you visit during the shoulder months or low season, you won’t see nearly as many people as we did. You can read more about the best time to visit Costa Rica in this post.
Do You Need a 4×4 to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve?
Both reserves are easily accessible as they are on Google Maps and Waze. We do recommend a high clearance car for both Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
You can also take the local shuttle bus from town to the reserves and back.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit would be in dry season. Even in March, one of the hottest and driest months of the year and it rained on us! You have a better chance to see the Arenal Volcano view point and not get rained on in dry season. February – July is also the Quetzal mating season so you have the possibility to see the birds.
If you visit in rainy season, you must be prepared for rain any time of day. Since the cloud forests are so high up in elevation, it can rain more frequently.
You can read more about Costa Rica weather in this post.
What to Wear
We recommend wearing long hiking pants, closed toed hiking shoes and a comfortable shirt that wicks away moisture. In rainy season, make sure to bring your rain jacket and a waterproof backpack or a rain cover. That will be necessary!
When we visited in March, I was very cold, especially as it was raining. I wore my cotton sweater with my rain jacket over it but I did warm up when we started walking and the rain stopped. I wore closed toed hiking sandals and my feet were cold, I wish I had wore socks with them no matter how silly it looked! But after it stopped raining and we warmed up from walking, my feet were fine.
You don’t need mosquito repellent since there are not really any mosquitoes that high in elevation.
Read our Costa Rica packing list article for more tips.
Read About Other Great Places to Hike in Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja National Park: A national park in Guanacaste with hiking trails to viewpoints, waterfalls and boiling mud pots
Rio Celeste: The sky blue river inside Tenorio Volcano National Park
Cahuita National Park: A national park on the Caribbean coast with beach and jungle trails
Jenny Reinbold says
Just wanted to thank you for recommending the Santa Elena Reserve. It exceeded my expectations. I was happy not to be with a lot of people and I’m such a gorgeous forest. We even saw a tarantula! We also went to Curi Cancha in the morning with a great guide, ate lunch and then went to the park. Excellent day!
Sammi says
So happy to hear that – I love the Santa Elena reserve!
Pamela Lemoine says
Do you have any information on Curi-Cancha Reserve? We will be visiting it the 2nd week of August and were wondering if there is a cafe or any type of food service onsite.
Sammi says
Hi Pamela, sure you can read our guide here Curi Cancha Reserve
They did not have any facilities for food when we last went in December, they were building a new office but I don’t know if they also included a cafeteria. There are food places and restaurants outside the reserve though on the main road.
Lisa says
Hi, this is a great article and really helpful. We are coming to monteverde in feb 2025. Can you tell me if you need to pre-book entrance fee tickets in advance to La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, if just visiting without a guide? Eg, can we just show up on the day and get in? Didn’t know if they restrict numbers like with other parks.
Sammi says
As of today, you don’t need to prepurchase tickets if you are visiting without a guide. They may change things anytime so make sure to check again closer to your trip
Kim says
We are headed to Costa Rica for the first time in Jan. flying into Liberia. If you had to choose Arenal or Monteverde, which would you personally choose to visit?
Sammi says
Hello Kim, you can read our Monteverde or Arenal on just your question.
Ben says
Your reviews are so helpful and have provided so much useful information about many locations. Thank you!
James Sumpter says
I love your blogs! Thank you so much for all your efforts! We’re heading to Costa Rica in 2 weeks. How much time would you usually set aside for a trip to the Santa Elena reserve?
Sammi says
About half a day depending on how many trails you want to walk
Corey says
Hello!
Thanks for all the great content! If we are planning on doing Selvatura Park’s hanging bridges should we consider doing a different reserve hike other than Santa Elena the next day? I read that the hanging bridges go through part of the reserve so was curious if we would get a feel for the reserve that way or is it a much different experience hiking on the ground? Or should we hike the Monteverde reserve the next day?
Sammi says
If you go to the Selvatura hanging bridges, you will definitely get a very nice cloud forest experience. If you really like hiking and want to hike and see more, the Santa Elena Reserve or Monteverde Reserve are wonderful
Rebecca says
Thank you for this great post ! I’ve seen elsewhere that it is easy to get a taxi from Santa Elena town center to Santa Elena Reserve but do you know if taxis are available for the return trip? I greatly appreciate all the work and research you’ve put into your site!
Sammi says
You can ask the driver for their phone number to call him to come pick you up or the Santa Elena office may be able to help call you one. We also did see a couple of Ubers in Santa Elena downtown but I wouldn’t depend 100% on it just in case. I’d definitely ask the taxi driver for their phone number.
Rebecca says
Thanks!
Johnny_C says
Great site, very very helpful!
My wife and I are planning on a 10-day trip near the end of April, and both La Fortuna/Monteverde are tentatively on the agenda (first time for both of us in CR, and we are probably staying 5-6 cumulative days in those 2 spots).
Question regarding the cloud forests in the Monteverde region – it seems like there’s a hanging bridge in the Monteverde Reserve. Is there one in the Santa Elena reserve as well? We are more inclined on checking out the Santa Elena one (you sold us on it!!), but my wife has a hanging bridge on her bucket list…
We may, however, have the option of checking out the hanging bridge place in Arenal/Mistico. And we will almost certainly be doing the Arenal Volcano hike + Bogarin Trail (not sure if there’s bridges there). Wondering what is your personal preferences among all these (and hey… checking out both Reserves in Monteverde might be an option as well!)
Sammi says
Hi Johnny, to be honest I am not positive if there is a hanging bridge in Santa ELena (I am leaning towards no but not 100%) because we only hiked two of the trails and there are several trails in Santa Elena. From the map it looks like there is a bridge on Del Bajo trail but I don’t know if it’s a hanging bridge or normal bridge. They also do have an observation platform with a view of ARenal Volcano on a clear day. I just checked their FB photos and I don’t see any of a hanging bridges.
Bogarin doesn’t have hanging bridges but Mistico Hanging Bridges does. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has 1 hanging bridge.
Len says
Sammi,
Is it safe for a solo female traveler to hike the Santa Elena cloud forest?
Sammi says
Hi Len, I would say so, the trails are well laid out, there are maps and signs, an office with a bathroom and small cafeteria and other tourists and tour groups. Just stay on the trail and get a map. It’s not quite as popular as Monteverde Reserve but you won’t be isolated, we passed by a few groups of people in March. I can’t remember if there is cell phone signal in the reserve though.
Bert Sirkin says
We’re staying in LA Fortuna for 4 nights, and have a rental car for one day there. Would it make sense to drive from La Fortuna for the day, or are there any tours we could take?
Sammi says
Hi Bert, all tours include transportation so unless you want to have the car to explore on your own, it’s not super necessary.
Dianna says
Hi,
First, thank you so much for your amazing info on everything Costa Rica! The most in-depth and detailed info I have found.
Couple of questions: We are planning a visit in May; Will Monteverde still be crowded, or would Santa Elena still be better? Is the fauna very different? I’m especially hoping to see wild orchids and other plants growing on the trees.
Whichever one we do, is there any difference between that and the Skywalk? We’re not super interested in zip lines, mainly walking.
Thank you
Sammi says
May is a great time to visit, shouldn’t be too crowded at that time. Either one will be very nice.
Skywalk is just a hanging bridges in the Sky Adventures park. The cloud forest reserves have hiking trails so if you want to just walk, then you can go to the reserve but if you want to experience hanging bridges, then do Skywalk because the cloud forest reserve doesn’t have hanging bridges like Skywalk.
George Walker says
Thanks so much for your excellent posts. You have made our trip planning more fun.
Sammi says
You’re very welcome! Glad to hear.
Susan says
We were in Santa Elena last week and want to let people know that the observation tower was closed. The forest is amazing! Thank you for all the planning tips – my husband and I are calling you the “Rick Steves” of Costa Rica lol
Burmisoutdoor says
This is just STUNNING. The air looks fresh there. Nature is truly priceless so we must treasure it.
Sammi says
Hi Shannon, we don’t operate tours. If you’re looking for guided walks to Santa Elena, you can check their website https://www.reservasantaelena.org/
Destination M says
Amazing post. The Cloud Forest in Santa Elena is incredibly breathtaking. This is nature at its finest. I would love to go there.
shannon says
Hello, do you have price list of your tours. thank you
Tom Griffiths says
Hey guys… Just wondering if you are aware of the small preserve attached to the Monteverde Inn. We are staying there in December and of course…. I’d love to hear your opinion.
2nd question. We love the Zip line at Sky Trek Arenal. We don’t have a lot of time at either Monteverde or Arenal so I’m wonering which sky trek you prefer.
Thanks yet again.
Sammi says
Hi Tom, sorry we have never been there so can’t give any personal experience. But for Sky Trek, I personally liked Arenal better. You get an awesome view of Arenal Volcano and the lake. The cloud forest is cool but the volcano and lake view is unbeatable.