Welcome to Monteverde Costa Rica, a small town tucked away in the mountains. It’s truly a gem with breathtaking views and plenty of activities for travelers looking for adventure. Nothing could be further from European monuments and large cities: from zip-lining through the jungle canopy to exploring pristine waterfalls, there is something here for everyone to explore!
In this guide, we’ll explore 13 incredible things to do in Monteverde so you can make the most out of your trip. So grab your hiking boots, and let’s get started!
13 Incredible things to do in Monteverde: The Complete Guide
1. Go Extreme Ziplining
Experience the longest zipline in Costa Rica at the Adventure Park canopy tour in Santa Elena Reserve. We loved this, even though the weather wasn’t great! Make sure to wear light pants a jacket because remember that you are at cloud level, and it is often misty. An absolutely incredible experience that lasts about 2 hours without transport to the lodge.
2. Go bird watching
Bird watching in Monteverde Cloud Reserve is a must-do activity for tourists interested in exploring the incredible wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer. The Monteverde Cloud Reserve is home to an abundance of avian species and it is especially renowned for its Resplendent Quetzals and hummingbirds. You will be mesmerized by the variety of birds living in the reserve. There are a few tours available, but this one, in particular, is interesting since it includes the hummingbird garden in the Monteverde Biological Preserve. Since animals are generally more active in the morning and the park closes at 4 pm, it’s recommended that this type of tour be taken in the morning.
3. Hike in the Cloud Forest – Santa Elena Reserva
Here you could combine some hiking with a bird-watching tour since the tour doesn’t include the reserve’s 25$ entrance fee. The trails here are mostly flat and make for easy hiking, so this is a great option for all levels of hikers. There are numerous trails to explore in the reserve, ranging from short hikes to longer ones, but all the treks can be done within 3 to 4 hours.
Similar to other natural parks around the world, there are many breathtaking views to take in, but as it is often cloudy and misty you might not get to enjoy these! there is a really cute cafe at the entrance to the park called the Colibri cafe where the hummingbirds come in droves to feed at the feeders set up for them. They have great snacks as well as several vegetarian and vegan options too!
4. Visit the Hanging Bridges
Take a Monteverde Hanging Bridge Tour! Sky walking allows you to explore the cloud forest from above in a guided tour that combines trails and suspension bridges up to 300 meters high! You’ll love this because you get to enjoy the flora and the fauna of Monteverde since the guide will point them out to you. You can also take a Sky Tram tour in a gondola above the forest, with stops to observe nature, see the distant volcanoes and views of the ocean weather allowing.
5. Monteverde Night Walk
This tour was the highlight of our trip! It’s where we got the most for our money, and also where we saw the most animals in the wild. This tour led us to a family farm to climb the inside of a massive hollow tree! The climbing equipment was top notch and the guide was truly excellent. He led my 7-year-old son up to the top of the 50-meter tree, and we watched the incredible sunset from there. Then we went for the night walk and saw frogs, insects, sleeping birds and learned fascinating things about the local nightlife, before going for dinner in town. Dinner was included in the tour and we met some very interesting people too!
6. Go horseback riding
Horseback riding in Monteverde Costa Rica is unlike any other experience, giving tourists an opportunity to explore the diverse landscape and incredible views of the cloud forest. The unique beauty of the area can be enjoyed when riding with a guide through vast pastures and forests, across rivers and streams, and up mountainsides with magnificent views.
Horseback riding is a fun and exciting way to get up close and personal with nature, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
7. Visit San Luis waterfall
This is an impressive waterfall in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve surrounding Santa Helena. It is reached by hiking 3 hours along a trail which follows streams and rivers and can be quite muddy, so be careful to wear decent shoes for the hike. Alternatively you can ride a horse, or take a taxi to the San Luis Research Station and then hike the 45 minutes to the falls. There is also a canteen at the research center if you need a bite before or after your hike. There is a 10$ fee charged at the entrance to the trail since the falls are on private property.
8. Visit to the El Tigre waterfalls
This is such a fun experience on your own, as a couple or even as a family! We really enjoyed this and the views and nature were just spectacular. The tour we did combined a bit of hiking, which worked out well for us. A fairly easy hike through the forest brings you to the gorgeous waterfalls where you can swim and enjoy the water. You’ll need to cross over some small rope bridges a few times, which is exciting and then have a delicious costa Rican lunch at the ranch. After lunch everyone mounts a horse and starts the trek back up the hill. The horses are well-trained to follow each other and the time spent cloping through the paths in the forest and over hills creates incredible memories. Not to be missed!
9. Canyoning down waterfalls
Canyoning down waterfalls in Monteverde Cloud Forest is an incredible experience that can’t be missed. Take a journey into the heart of the cloud forest and marvel at its abundance of flora and fauna, from rare birds to delicate orchids. With experienced guides on hand to provide support, you’ll tackle six fascinating waterfalls, including the canyon of the Cañas River’s source. You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch before continuing on your journey. It’s an adventure that will stay with you forever!
10. The butterfly garden
Selvatura Park boasts one of the most incredible butterfly gardens in the Americas, with more than 30 species of Costa Rican butterflies from all altitudes and climates. This amazing dome-shaped structure ensures the perfect balance of sunlight and shelter from the wind for these delicate creatures to flutter between the many nectar-rich flowers. During a guided tour with one of their specialized guides, you can learn more about the incredible life cycle of butterflies, as well as absorb the calming effect brought on by watching them feed, rest, and fly. It’s truly a magical experience!
Also consider visiting the Frog Pond (Ranario) which offers the chance to see all the local frog species and has a cute souvenir shop to boot!
11. Treetop dining Experience
If you looking for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience in Monteverde, then a treetop dining experience is just what you need! Enjoy the spectacular views of the cloud forest canopy while savoring delicious seven-course fine dining. And, if you’re vegan, no worries – they have special vegan menus too! But don’t forget to bring some warm clothing or a sweater with you as it can get chilly up there. Be sure to reserve an earlier slot so that you can watch the stunning sunset from your treehouse. Although it may be slightly pricey, this once in a lifetime opportunity will surely make memories that last forever!
12. Sloth sanctuary
The Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary is an absolute must-visit for any tourist looking to experience firsthand the unique wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer. With over twenty sloths living in a carefully crafted replica of their natural habitat, visitors can observe these animals up close and learn about their habits and behavior. The sanctuary also provides a great opportunity to understand the importance of conservation and the impact of human activities on wildlife.
Thanks to the Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary, these animals are able to live a life free from danger, making it an incredibly special experience for nature-lovers visiting Monteverde Costa Rica.
13. Chocolate Tour
We loved seeing how Cacao grows, and then how it is treated and mixed with sugar to become chocolate. The tour was incredible and very interactive since the guide had the group pick, prepare, grind, mix, and then taste the incredible concoction as made in traditional methods. This tour was educational and explained historically how chocolate fits into world globalization and the different markets. We also go to see how coffee and sugar were collected and processed. Very interesting for both adults and kids.
Where to stay in Monteverde
Alas Glamping: This is a marvelous experience with well decorated semi hard tents which are both comfortable and conveniently located. There is a cute family owned restaurant across the way where families can fish for tilapia, enjoy the green areas and just generally spend an afternoon relaxing. An excellent choice!
Vila Blanca Hotel and Nature Reserve: Looking for a bit of luxury while you enjoy the lush nature in Monteverde? This is the place which offers beautifully decorated cabanas in the clouds! Secluded and idyllic you’ll come away with a feeling of calm that nothing but the cloud forest can provide.
Where to Eat in Monteverde
Kapi Kapi Restaurante – For delicious food, gorgeous views from the deck facing the valley and excellent prices. What’s not to like!
Monteverde Brewing Company- Best beers and burgers in town! Dinner here is incredible and the brewery tour is a nice touch. The delicious craft beer complements any meal and make sure to show up for happy hour from 3-6 pm!
Things to Do in Monteverde: The Wrap-Up
There are lots of things to do in Monteverde Costa Rica! It is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning views, unique attractions and friendly locals, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this magical place. So if you’re planning your next getaway, consider adding Monteverde Costa Rica to your bucket list – we guarantee you won’t regret it!
