Monteverde, Costa Rica is one of the best places in Costa Rica for nature, adventure, hiking and birding. If you’re planning on visiting, here are our Monteverde travel tips so you are prepared for your trip to the village in the clouds.
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Quick Intro to Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde was founded by a group of Quakers from the USA, looking for a peaceful place to live in the 1950’s so they chose Costa Rica as it no longer had no army. Then, they settled in Monteverde because of its fresh climate and excellent dairy farming. Additionally, they set aside a large tract of land for conservation which is now the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
It is important to note that Monteverde is the name of the Canton. Santa Elena is the main town and tourism hub of Monteverde.
Selected by popular vote as one of the wonders of Costa Rica, Monteverde is also one of the places to see in the world before it disappears. The cloud forests are highly vulnerable and sensitive to any climate changes.
Monteverde Weather and Best Time to Visit
Monteverde experiences typical dry and rainy season but due to its high elevation, average year round temperatures are lower than the coasts. Average day time temperatures in dry season are around mid 70s F (24 C) and average night time temperatures are 60 F (15 C).
Furthermore, the high mountain elevations mean that it may rain at any time of the year, even during dry season. Dry season starts around mid December and ends around the beginning of May. Rainy season starts around mid May to beginning of December. The rainiest months are generally September and October.
For less possibilities of rain, February – April are your best months. March is generally the hottest and driest month.
Our Experiences
We visited for a week in March and had several spring showers, mostly in the late afternoon. It sprinkled a bit in the mornings as well and it got very windy and more drizzly at night. But don’t fret, the showers didn’t last long! It would sprinkle for about 5-10 minutes and then clear up. September, October and November are very rainy months.
We visited in November 2017 and it poured all day. We have also visited once in August, it didn’t rain as much but it was cold, cloudy and rainy at night. When we visited in September, it poured every night. It was sunny in the very early mornings and started raining around 11 AM.
We have also visited mid-January and had two beautiful sunny and clear days. The third day, we woke up to intense winds and light showers.
We have visited mid December and while we had on and off sprinkles and it was sunny during the day, it was incredibly windy. Just the wind alone made it feel colder!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves
There are 3 forest reserves in Monteverde: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena Cloud Forest and Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: The most popular cloud forest reserve of the 3. It has well maintained trails that lead to nice viewpoints, a hanging bridge and waterfall. You can spend a whole day walking through this reserve.
Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena: This cloud forest reserve sits higher in elevation so it’s wetter and cloudier. There is a trail that leads to a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano (on a clear day) and a large hollow ficus tree. You can also spend a whole day in the reserve if you’d like since there are many trails.
Children’s Eternal Rainforest: This is the biggest private reserve in Costa Rica with 4 different stations. We visited Bajos del Toro station which has moderate trails and nice views of the forest. We saw lots more toucans here. However, this is tropical rainforest and moderate forest, not proper cloud forest.
We personally love Santa Elena the most. The scenery was just incredible and the view of Arenal Volcano is amazing. Read our guide to comparing the three cloud forest reserves.
Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde has the perfect mix of nature and adventure. Popular activities are ziplining, birdwatching and nature walks.
Some other activities are:
Monteverde Night Walk: The cloud forest comes alive at night since many of the animals are nocturnal. If you want to see sloths, it’s best to go on a night walk since only 2 fingered sloths live in this area and are mostly nocturnal.
Bird watching at Curi-Cancha Reserve: For bird watchers, you must go to Curi-Cancha Reserve. This reserve has hiking trails and the bird watching is spectacular. We saw toucans, Resplendant Quetzals, hummingbirds, agoutis and spider monkeys!
There are several eco-adventure parks where you can do multiple activities in one day, perfect if you only have one full day in Monteverde. The most popular ones are Treetopia and Selvatura Park. Selvatura Park is perfect for those who only have 1 full day in Monteverde because it has ziplining, hanging bridges, butterfly garden, sloth sanctuary, reptile exhibit and a restaurant for a well rounded, fun day in the cloud forest.
El Tigre Waterfalls: If you love hiking and waterfalls, then this hike is for you. You’ll see 8-10 waterfalls and walk on 10 hanging bridges. The trail is 8 kilometers long but you can walk 5 kilometers and then horseback ride or take a 4×4 truck back.
Read about our favorite things to do in Monteverde and five awesome free things to do in Monteverde! Want to book tours in Monteverde? Check out our Monteverde tours booking page to reserve your spot!
Where to Stay
Many of the hotels in Monteverde are small and cozy mountain like lodging. There are lodging options at all price points.
For cheap lodging, there are several hostels like Sleepers sleep Cheaper Hostel, Pension Santa Elena and Selina Monteverde. There are also budget hotels like Claro de Luna and Cabinas Vista Al Golfo.
For luxury hotels, El Establo, Belmar and Senda are the top options.
If you’re looking for something nicer with more amenities but for a reasonable price point, check out our promo code that works for 3 hotels in Monteverde! Use our 5% promo code “mytanfeet” to save $$ at the following hotels: Hotel Poco a Poco, Monteverde Country Lodge and Sibu Lodge. All wonderful places to stay in Monteverde with a great location, excellent restaurant and very cozy and comfortable rooms.
Airbnb
If you prefer to have a “home away from home” experience, check out Airbnb. We stayed at 2 different Airbnbs in Monteverde and absolutely loved it. Read our guide to using Airbnb in Costa Rica so you’re prepared.
Where to Eat in Monteverde, Costa Rica
This area has a decent amount of food with lots of traditional Costa Rican places and other cuisines at decent prices. Here are our favorites.
- Restaurante Sabor Tico: Best place for traditional Costa Rican food, not super expensive. Two locations in the plaza and by the soccer field. Both excellent.
- Orchid cafe: Great coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch options. Delicious desserts and bread. One of our favorites.
- Raulito’s Pollo Asado: Fast food place with roasted chicken and chicken empanadas. Local favorite and cheap!
- Stella’s: Nice restaurant with coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads. Yummy pastries and cookies.
- Evy’s World: Delicious pastries, bread and cakes
- Tree House Restaurant: Has Costa Rican and International. A bit touristy but the tree is cool
- Choco Cafe Monteverde: Yummy salads, sandwiches and coffee.
- Tramonti: Delicious pizza, very nice atmosphere with lights and good wine.
- Jimenez Bakery & Coffee Shop: They have two locations, both are great. Taty’s location serves hot breakfasts.
- Taco Taco: Great tacos and burritos. My favorite is the baja del mar.
- Otocuma Bar & Restaurant: The restaurant in Hotel Poco a Poco – open to public. They have happy hour everyday and a really good chicken sandwich and veggie rice.
Location
Monteverde is located in the Corridor of Tilaran in the province of Puntarenas, 1500-1800 meters (5000-6000 feet) in elevation. Monteverde is 140 kilometers (67 miles) from San Jose and 114 kilometers (71 miles) from Liberia.
How to Get to Monteverde
Bus
From San Jose: There is a bus from San Jose at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM, it takes 5 hours and costs 2,680 Costa Rican colones.
From Liberia: You will need to take a bus from Liberia to Canas, Canas to Tilaran, Tilaran to Santa Elena. The bus from Liberia to Canas takes 2 hours and there is one every half an hour from 8:30 – 3 PM. Canas to Tilaran buses are at 6, 730, 815, 9, 1030, 12, 1 PM, 1:50 PM, 2:35 PM, 3:15 PM, 4PM and 6 PM. From Tilaran, there are 4 buses that cost 1500 colones: 4 AM, 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 5 PM.
From Arenal/La Fortuna: Take the 3 hour bus from Fortuna to Tilaran, then Tilaran to Santa Elena. There is a bus at 8 AM and 4:30 PM at the bus terminal in front of the Fortuna park with Transportes Tilaran-San Carlos S.A.
Shuttle
You can take private or shared shuttles. A shared shuttle costs $55 – $68 USD per person one way depending on your pick up location. A private shuttle from San Jose and Liberia costs around $220 USD one way for 1-4 people. Please contact us to book your private shuttle to Monteverde!
Driving
Monteverde is about a 3.5 hour drive from San Jose through Sardinal Route 606. From Liberia, it is also about a 3.5 hour drive through Las Juntas Route 145. Please read our Monteverde road conditions post for information about Monteverde routes and road conditions because Monteverde is one of the destinations where a 4wd/4×4 is highly recommended. If you plan to rent a car, get our Costa Rica car rental discount here.
Taxi Boat
If you are coming from La Fortuna/Arenal, you can drive or take the taxi boat across Lake Arenal. The trip takes around 3 hours and costs from around $45 USD per person. They offer 2 routes a day, one in the morning around 8 AM and one in the afternoon around 2 PM. Contact us to book your taxi boat!
How to Get Around Monteverde, Costa Rica
If you do not have a car, you can:
- Take a taxi. There are plenty of taxis in Santa Elena town.
- Uber. We saw a couple of Ubers in downtown.
- Walk if you are close to Santa Elena town or in Cerro Plano. It is quite hilly so put on your good walking shoes and bring your rain jacket.
- Book tours with transportation included.
- Take the bus to the attractions. There are local buses to Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Curi-Cancha Reserve.
Santa Elena Bosque Nuboso Shuttle Bus
Santa Elena downtown to Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena: 630 AM, 830 AM, 1030 AM and 12:30 PM. Costs $3 USD per way. Must be reserved in advance at the Monteverde Info Center or by Whatspp 8346 0748 or 8964 2288. Returns at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Bus
Santa Elena downtown to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve public bus: 615 AM, 730 AM, 930 AM, 120 PM and 3 PM. Departs from Banco Nacional in Santa Teresa and costs 700 colones or about $1 USD per way.
Return is at 640 AM, 830 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM and 4 PM.
Driving
The main road through Santa Elena town (Route 606), around the cemetery and Cerro Plano is paved. Other than that, all the other roads like going to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena Cloud Forest, Cerro Pinocho, El Tigre Waterfalls and San Luis are unpaved and very bumpy. This is why a high clearance car is recommended if you plan to drive yourself to the attractions outside the town center and a 4×4 is recommended in the peak rainy season months.
What To Know About Visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica
Most people stay 1-2 days. For 1 full day in Monteverde, most people do either a full day at the adventure parks or a full day hiking the reserves. People who stay longer are usually the birdwatchers or prefer mountains over beach.
Bring a sweater, rain jacket and long pants. At night it gets cold, especially if it’s windy and this area can rain anytime of the year. There are lots of clothing stores in downtown Santa Elena if you forget to bring a jacket.
Most of the reserves have binocular for rent. If you’re there to see birds/photograph animals, you must have a telephoto lens. I used a 100-400 mm lens on a crop sensor Canon 80d. Make sure you have a good sturdy tripod.
A common question we get is if they should visit Monteverde or Arenal. Both are very different so you will need to read up on them to decide. Check our post comparing Arenal and Monteverde to see which one is right for your itinerary. If you can, visit both!
What to Pack for Monteverde, Costa Rica
Warm clothes and a waterproof rain jacket. I love my North Face rain jacket.
Closed toed hiking shoes, waterproof recommended. If you wear trainers or running sneakers, they will most likely get wet and muddy. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes especially if you’re planning to hike the cloud forest reserves. When we visited Selvatura Park, we wore our KEEN hiking sandals which was fine since we were mostly walking on hanging bridges but my feet were cold since it started raining.
Waterproof gear: backpack, phone cover, etc. This is a must especially if you are a photographer and carrying around camera equipment. You can also get a rain cover for your backpack if it’s not waterproof. We brought our Aqua Quest waterproof backpacks which worked spectacularly.
Read other Costa Rica guides here!
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