Top Things to do in Monteverde
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10 Things to do in Monteverde That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica including Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas), Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, The Bat Jungle, El Trapiche Tour, Children's Eternal Rain Forest, Curi Cancha Reserve, Monteverde Orchid Garden, Valle Escondido Preserve, Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond.
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1. 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.
2. Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 845 reviews
The Monteverde Butterfly Gardens has been teaching people about the marvels of insects and arachnids for over 20 years. Our mission has always been to change the way people view these small but fantastically diverse animals. It is not hard either- with 4 different butterfly habitats housing up to 30 species of butterfly, a leaf cutter ant colony and over 20 species of live Costa Rican insects and arachnids in our nature centre we have something that will melt the heart of even the most devout bug crusher! A dedicated and passionate group of staff and volunteers will guide you on a tour through our three acre facility where you will see just some of the amazing insects and arachnids Costa Rica has to offer! The property is lush and full of other Costa Rican favourites such as capuchin monkeys and agoutis! Birders will not be disappointed with wrens galore and common visits from Keel Billed toucan, blue crowned motmot and the occasional appearance of the famed bell bird. We are open 365 days a year, so drop by whenever you can!
Reviewed By Kate2000 - Wales, United Kingdom
Informative tour which is really useful before you go to the cloud forest so you can spot the butterflies.Went back a few times as you pay for the tour and you can re-enter several times. The gift shop is lovely and they donate profits to the local library.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. El Trapiche Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By tacitaholictravels - New York City, United States
One of my main highlights at Monteverde was this amazing tour where I got to learn the history and production details of coffee, sugar & chocolate. Our driver/guide picked me up from a specific location in city center of Monteverde and picked up the rest of the group from different locations on the way. He was also very knowledgeable about the history of coffee, sugar, cocoa and gave an unbiased take on exploitation of workers in countries in Africa where coffee and cocoa originates from. The tour was couple of hours walk-through at the huge El Trapiche plantation where we got to see sugar canes, different types of coffee beans at different stages of production and witnessed the process of how coffee is made, visited a tiny greenhouse of sorts where cocoa seed and cocoa plants were. We also got to sit on a traditional ox-cart headed by two big oxen to go to a sugar-making factory where we got to cook brown sugar in heat and packed it to go, followed by taking few shots of strong Costa Rican rum. The wonderful day ended in the big kitchen area where we were served a homemade snack and wonderful coffee. I'd recommend this educational tour to anyone visiting Monteverde.
6. Children's Eternal Rain Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
The Bajo del Tigre sector is physically separated from the Children's Eternal Rain Forest and is managed by the MCL. Bajo del Tigre is situated in Monteverde and is approximately 29 hectares in size, although the property is surrounded by other forested properties in the zone. The type of forest found in Bajo del Tigre is rare and it is poorly represented in the country. This is because these forests were cut down to make way for coffee plantations and urban zones. Bajo del Tigre presents an altitudinal range from 1,020 to 1,380 meters above sea level and receives over 2,400 mm of rain annually. In this type of seasonal forest, the dry period extends from January through the beginning of May. Bajo del Tigre has a reception center for visitors and a gift shop with items related to our organization and conservation in general. In addition, next to the reception center is a "kids' house" oriented to environmental education for local kids. The main visitors of Bajo del Tigre are national and international students. However, it is being used more and more by ecotourists and occasionally by researchers. In Bajo del Tigre, there are about 4.4 Km of trails that allow you to enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the area, as well as an excellent view of the sunset over the Nicoya Gulf.
Reviewed By roadadvisor - San Jose, Costa Rica
We were atracted mostly for the great name...WRONG the whole plqace is magical...love to hike and enjoy the birds, butterflies and nice guides...everything was perfect
7. 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.
8. Monteverde Orchid Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
The Monteverde Orchid Garden is a place where you can enjoy beauty that is found in the marvelous world of orchids. Our garden has a large collection of orchids; we have more than 425 different species. You can find species that are endemic to Monteverde, and a collection of miniature orchids, including the smallest one in the world. We offer guided walks both in English and Spanish. We are in a great location in down town Santa Elena.
Reviewed By O84GYcaram - New York City, United States
We enjoyed an hour-long tour with an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate guide. Walking through an immense garden of naturally growing orchid species, we learned so much about the way orchids are classified and grow in the wild. The guide even provided some tips for how to care for my orchid at home! Very affordable and within the town of Santa Elena - we were staying at the hostel next door. Highly recommend!
9. 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.
10. Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 600 reviews
Reviewed By 994f_lixg - Sherbrooke, Canada
During the day you can come have a guided tour to explain the different types of frog of costa rica and with your ticket you can come back at night so you'll be able to look for nocturnal frogs. You'll have a hard time finding frogs in nature if you don't know what you're looking for!
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