Duration: 3 Hours
Step into the heart of one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth with a guided hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Established in 1972 by scientists from the Tropical Science Center and local Quaker communities, this reserve protects one of the last remaining tracts of pristine cloud forest in Central America. It also serves as a global model for conservation, biodiversity research, and sustainable ecotourism.
During this three-hour shared tour, you’ll explore winding forest trails alongside a knowledgeable naturalist guide, who will help you spot some of the reserve’s most iconic inhabitants—including colorful birds like the Resplendent Quetzal, elusive mammals, and countless plant species unique to this misty habitat.
More than just a nature walk, this tour is an immersive natural history experience. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the complex ecological relationships between cloud forest species and highlight the significance of preserving this rare ecosystem.
With high-quality equipment such as a telescope, binoculars, and field guides, your guide will ensure you get a closer look at wildlife and rare plant life. You’ll also have the chance to take stunning photos through the telescope—so don’t forget your camera!
This guided hike offers a deeper connection to Monteverde’s enchanting cloud forest, making it an unforgettable part of your Costa Rican adventure.
Included: Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fees, Transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat or cap, binoculars, a camera.
Duration: 3 Hours
Discover the magic of Monteverde with a three-hour guided hike through the Curi-Cancha Reserve—a private sanctuary bordering the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Located within the Arenal-Tempisque Conservation Area, Curi-Cancha protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of rich biodiversity, including virgin forest, secondary growth, and open pastures, ranging in altitude from 1,450 to 1,615 meters.
This peaceful reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over 200 bird species recorded, it’s one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot the iconic Resplendent Quetzal, as well as the Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, and Orange-Bellied Trogon. Wildlife sightings often include coatis, agoutis, armadillos, sloths, kinkajous, and three species of monkeys—howler, capuchin, and spider monkeys.
Led by an experienced bilingual naturalist, you’ll explore up to seven kilometers of scenic trails that wind through lower montane and premontane wet forests. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as the reserve’s commitment to sustainable conservation practices.
This shared tour includes entrance fees, transportation, and expert guidance, offering an enriching and eco-conscious way to experience Monteverde’s breathtaking biodiversity.
Included: Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fees, Transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat or cap, binoculars, a camera.
Duration: 3 Hours
Venture into the misty beauty of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on a captivating three-hour guided hike. Established in 1992 and managed by the local public high school, this 310-hectare reserve is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a model of community-based conservation. A portion of every visit supports environmental education for local youth, making your experience both enriching and impactful.
Located in one of the highest areas of Monteverde, Santa Elena offers a unique opportunity to explore a dense, high-elevation cloud forest ecosystem. The altitude and humidity create ideal conditions for rare and endemic plants, towering trees draped in moss, and a thriving array of wildlife.
Accompanied by a professional bilingual guide, you’ll navigate winding trails while learning about the intricate relationships among the forest’s flora and fauna. Your guide will help you spot fascinating species, share insights into the forest’s ecology, and explain the important conservation work being done here.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, birdwatcher, or simply curious about one of the world’s most unique environments, this guided hike offers a meaningful and educational way to experience the cloud forest. It’s a chance to connect with nature while supporting the preservation of Monteverde’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Included: Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fees, Transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat or cap, binoculars, a camera.
Duration: 2 Hours
Experience the magic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest after dark on this unforgettable nocturnal guided hike. Widely regarded as one of the top wildlife tours in the region, this two-hour adventure offers a rare glimpse into the forest’s dynamic transition from day to night.
As the sun sets, the forest shifts into a new rhythm—diurnal animals settle in for the night while nocturnal species begin their evening activity. Guided by an expert naturalist, you’ll walk through the misty forest trails, listening to the sounds of the night and scanning the trees and underbrush for signs of life.
This twilight tour increases your chances of spotting elusive species that are rarely active during the day. Possible sightings include sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray foxes, tarantulas, frogs, and an astonishing variety of insects. You’ll also have the chance to observe birds in their nighttime roosts, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding nocturnal activity.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply curious about what happens in the forest after dark, this tour provides a truly immersive and educational experience in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Included: Transportation, entrance fees, professional and bilingual guide, and a flashlight
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes (long pants recommended), hiking shoes, raincoat.
Duration: 2 Hours
Soar through the misty treetops of the cloud forest on this exhilarating 2-hour Canopy Zip Line Tour—an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Designed to showcase the forest from a bird’s-eye view, this state-of-the-art course takes you on a high-speed adventure through one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Outfitted with professional climbing gear, you’ll glide from platform to platform, zipping along 13 cables suspended high in the canopy. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the lush forest, distant mountains, and sky-scraping treetops that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The adventure doesn’t stop with the zip lines—this tour also features 15 platforms and a heart-pounding Tarzan Swing for an extra dose of adrenaline. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or trying zip lining for the first time, the experience is both accessible and unforgettable, suitable for participants of various ages and fitness levels.
This tour offers more than just excitement—it provides a unique chance to witness the incredible biodiversity of the cloud forest from above, in a setting once reserved only for scientists and the birds themselves.
Get ready to fly through the canopy and feel the rush of the forest like never before!
Included: Professional Guides, Entrance Fees, Equipment, Transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes (long pants recommended), comfortable secure shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen.
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Step into a vibrant world of color and delicate beauty at the Monteverde Butterfly Garden—one of the largest and most impressive butterfly conservatories in the Americas. Spanning 300 feet in length and 90 feet in width, with a towering 50-foot dome ceiling, this breathtaking space is home to 50 butterfly species from all across Costa Rica.
Thanks to carefully controlled temperature and humidity, the garden replicates a variety of microclimates, allowing visitors to encounter butterflies from different regions and elevations of the country, all in one place. From cloud forest dwellers to lowland species, this immersive exhibit offers a unique opportunity to observe butterflies up close in a thriving, natural-like environment.
During the 1.5-hour guided tour, you’ll be led by a knowledgeable naturalist who will share fascinating insights into the life cycle, behaviors, adaptations, and ecological importance of these remarkable insects. Learn how butterflies evolve from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis to winged adult, and discover the secrets behind their dazzling colors and survival strategies.
Perfect for all ages, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden offers an inspiring and educational experience, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and families. This serene and colorful escape is a true highlight of any visit to Monteverde.
Included: Professional Guides, Entrance Fees, Transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable secure shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen.
Duration: 2 Hours
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Monteverde’s cloud forest from above on this unforgettable Hanging Bridges Guided Hike. This two-hour adventure offers a rare opportunity to walk among the treetops, immersing yourself in the canopy where much of the forest’s vibrant life thrives.
Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, you’ll cross eight suspension bridges that wind through the lush greenery, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Each bridge provides a different vantage point, but none more thrilling than the longest, which stretches an impressive 170 meters (560 feet). From this elevated perspective, you'll experience the cloud forest as few do—eye to eye with exotic birds, hidden orchids, and curious wildlife.
Your guide will share fascinating insights into the forest’s diverse ecosystems, pointing out unique flora and fauna and explaining the complex relationships that sustain this magical environment. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful yet adventurous experience, the hanging bridges offer an unforgettable way to connect with Monteverde’s natural wonders.
This guided hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Costa Rica’s highland cloud forests. Get ready to walk above the clouds and witness the forest from a whole new perspective!
Included: Professional Guide, Entrance Fee, Transportation.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat or cap, binoculars, a camera.
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Step into the heart of Costa Rican tradition on the El Trapiche Tour, a 1.5-hour guided experience through a family-run farm rich in history and culture. Owned by the Santamaría family, the farm’s legacy dates back to the early settlers of Monteverde, when ox carts brought the first generation here on a journey that took 15 days. Today, the third generation proudly continues the tradition, sharing their knowledge and passion with visitors from around the world.
This immersive agro-tourism experience showcases the authentic production of three of Costa Rica’s most iconic crops: coffee, sugar cane, and cacao. You’ll stroll through the farm’s plantations, learning about the cultivation and harvesting processes, from bean to brew, stalk to syrup, and pod to chocolate.
Highlights include demonstrations of traditional sugar processing, where you’ll see how sugar cane juice is extracted and transformed into tapa de dulce (raw brown sugar) using time-honored methods. In the cacao greenhouse, discover how chocolate is crafted by hand, and enjoy the rich aromas of roasted coffee beans as you learn about the different stages of coffee production.
Perfect for families, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts, the El Trapiche Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s rural heritage and enjoy delicious tastings along the way.
Included: Bilingual Guide, Tastings, Snacks, Transportation.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat or cap, camera.