Monteverde felt like stepping into a cloud, literally. The misty forest wrapped around everything like a cozy blanket and the air smelled like rain and greenery. I spent my days walking through hanging bridges high in the canopy, on the lookout for my first sloth sighting. Every trail was its own little adventure with dripping moss, chirping frogs, and the occasional monkey crashing through the trees. If you’re traveling through Costa Rica, don’t miss it.
How to get to Monteverde, Costa Rica
Bus
The cheapest way to get to town. Check out the bus timetable at The Bus in Costa Rica. One of the best resources online to help you navigate the bus system in Costa Rica.
Jeep-Boat-Jeep
If you are commuting from La Fortuna, this is the best way to get to Monteverde or vice versa. The “Jeep” aka mini van will pick you up in front of your accommodation and then take you to the dock where you will then travel by boat across the lake to another “Jeep” that will then take you to your next accommodation. It’s around $30 for a one-way trip. You can book your tickets online.
Car Rental
Renting a car? Umm, it’s up to you personally. However, the roads around Monteverde consists of unpaved dirt roads, potholes, and frequent mudslides when it rains. I saw many people getting flat tires here.
Warning: Regardless of how you choose to get to Monteverde, be aware that the town is characterized by winding roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider this a major heads-up.
Top Activities in Monteverde, Costa Rica
#1 is to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Unfortunately, due to climate change the cloud forest is getting smaller as each year passes. This protected area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including over 400 species of birds. You can take a guided tour of the reserve to learn more about the local ecosystem and see some of these amazing creatures up close.
Go Zip line or Bungee Jump
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to try zip lining or better yet go bungee jumping through the cloud forest canopy. Monteverde is a hub for adventure activities, including also hanging bridges and aerial trams. These activities provide thrilling experiences while allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty from a different perspective. These adrenaline-pumping activity are a great way to get your heart racing.
Visit El Tigre Waterfalls
You will receive you a map and all the instructions and safety tips that you need to do this adventure. It is self-guided so you can go at your own pace! The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. You will pass through 4 big waterfalls and 9 hanging bridges. The hike is approximately 5 km or 3 miles and I would classify it as an intermediate level. If you go first thing in the morning, then you can potentially avoid the crowds and have the park to yourself. I did this and I only ran into three other people the entire hike. The last 35 minutes of the hike you have an option to choose to complete it by horseback. You will communicate by walkies-talkie beforehand so that the guide will start to prepare the horse for you. No experience needed, trust me this was my first time on a horse and the horses knew the route.
Visit the Curi-Cancha Reserve
Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Curi-Cancha Reserve on a leisurely hike through its lush trails. Keep an eye out for rare birds like the resplendent quetzal, coatis, agoutis, and colorful frogs. I will say though that I saw just as many animals walking to the reserve as I did in the reserve.
Wander around town
The nearby towns of Santa Elena and Monteverde offer a charming atmosphere with small shops, local restaurants, and artisanal markets. Visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the local community.
Go on a Coffee Tour
It’s an educational tour where you delve into the process of how coffee comes to be from a bean. I always find it very fascinating by how similar and yet different the process is around the world. The best perk is tasting the finished product- sipping the coffee.
Go on a Jungle Night Walk
Remember this: the jungle truly comes alive at night. Animals are far more active after dark, and a Jungle Night Walk is one of the best ways to experience that magic firsthand. With only a flashlight to guide you, you’ll head into the forest alongside a trained guide who knows exactly where to look and what to listen for.
As you walk deeper into the jungle, your senses sharpen. You’ll start to notice the distinct croak of a frog hidden in the leaves, the quick scurry of a spider across the trail, and the rustling of creatures you can’t quite see just yet. The stillness of the night is broken only by the sounds of wildlife going about their business, and it’s both thrilling and humbling to be a quiet observer in their world.
Curious about what it’s really like? Check out my full experience in the Jungle Night Walk post for all the details and some wild surprises.
A few things to keep in mind while visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica:
- Like all small towns, they do tend to close businesses earlier. I did find myself wandering the grocery store for fun on a few occasions. Definitely reminded me of my Walmart run eras while attending college in the middle of nowhere.
- Monteverde is located well above sea level. Therefore, it will always be slightly colder than anywhere else in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is such a diverse country and if you have an opportunity to add Monteverde to your Costa Rica itinerary, do it.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Costa Rica
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
San Jose airport is where most international flights will land.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels Costa Rica has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Consider staying in places like La Fortuna, Tamarindo, or Cahuita depending on your route.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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