A list of 12 of the best things to do in the beautiful Monteverde, Costa Rica!
Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a nature lover’s paradise tucked away in the heart of the country’s lush cloud forest. The area is filled with misty treetops, amazing wildlife, and nonstop eco-adventure. It is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary.
Around the Monteverde area are two epic cloud forests that set it apart from other areas in Costa Rica. Cloud forests create their own unique ecosystems and are some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Monteverde is one of the best areas of Costa Rica to visit if you want the true Costa Rican experience of spotting wildlife in dense, green jungle.
If you’re planning a trip to Monteverde, here are 12 incredible experiences you absolutely can’t miss!
1. Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
I have put this first on the list because it is probably the reason you have come to Monverde in the first place. You can’t go to Monteverde and skip its world-famous Cloud Forest Reserve.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Nestled in the highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde Cloud Forest is characterized by a constant layer of mist that nourishes an incredibly diverse range of plants and animals. Cloud forests take up only 1% of the Earth’s forests, making them as rare as they are beautiful. When you think about Costa Rica, this is the sort of jungle scenery that you imagine.
Stroll through the dense greenery, feel the mist on your face, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like quetzals and sloths. Guided tours are available if you want a deep dive into the unique ecosystem. I would recommend going with a guide to give the best shot at seeing more wildlife.
Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)
2. Take a Kinkajou Night Walk
Ever wondered what the rainforest is like at night? Spoiler: it’s magical and sometimes a little bit scary!
There are a few jungle night walks that you can do around Monteverde that are 100% worth it. You get such a different experience of the jungle at night time, and often spot more wildlife than during the day.
We did the Kinkajou Night Walk and I highly recommend it. We were able to spot nocturnal critters like kinkajous, frogs, and lots of beautiful birdlife. Our incredible guide spotted glow in the dark scorpions and other jungle critters. We even saw a green tree snake which was a total highlight!
Kinkajou Night Walk provide torches and knowledgeable, bilingual guides that are experts at spotting wildlife. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and insect repellent!
3. Cross the Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Adventure Park
The Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Adventure Park were one of my favourite things to do in Monteverde. Walking through the treetops, often at canopy level, is pure magic. You’re surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of birds chirping.
With eight bridges spanning different lengths and heights, this experience lets you connect with nature on a whole new level. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the cloud forest without the adrenaline rush of ziplining (but more on that later!).
4. Dine Among the Treetops
Why settle for regular dining when you can eat among the treetops? Monteverde’s treetop restaurants combine delicious Costa Rican food with unbeatable views of the forest. Costa Rican cuisine is delicious and heavily influenced by nearby countries. Think fresh ceviche, hearty casados, and tropical cocktails, all while surrounded by lush greenery.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure and snap some envy-worthy photos for social media if that’s your thing. San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience is a little pricey, but well worth the splurge!
5. Feel the Thrill of Ziplining
One of the top things to do in Monteverde is to try ziplining. Fly through the treetops of Monteverde on one of the world’s longest ziplines for unbeatable views of the jungle and a serious adrenaline rush.
Selvatura Adventure Park is one of the top spots to check this off your bucket list.
I’ve included this on the list because for many it is a highlight of their time in Costa Rica. If I’m being totally honest, I opted out of ziplining while I was in Monteverde. Partly because I’m a scaredy cat, and partly because I just prefer to experience nature slowly. The views from the zipline are similar to what you experience on the Hanging Bridges so it is a personal choice. You are unlikely to spot much wildlife from a zipline, but you would get an incredible perspective of the rainforest and have a lot of fun!
6. Learn about Local Coffee on a Coffee Tour
Monteverde’s cool climate produces some of Costa Rica’s best coffee. Join a tour to learn how your favourite brew goes from bean to cup and enjoy some fresh samples along the way. You’ll also hear stories about the local farmers and sustainable practices that make Monteverde’s coffee truly special.
7. Indulge in a Chocolate Tour
Here is one for the chocolate lovers. Dive into the sweet world of cacao on a chocolate tour. You can learn about the history of chocolate in the region, see how it’s made, and sample some delicious, chocolate treats!
Most tours also include a chance to make your own chocolate bar, so you’ll leave with a tasty souvenir. It’s a delicious way to connect with Monteverde’s rainforest roots and experience some of the local food culture.
Combine coffee and chocolate tours with this unique day trip!
8. Visit the Hummingbird Garden at Selvatura
Prepare to be enchanted at Selvatura’s Hummingbird Garden. While Costa Rica provides the opportunity to spot some unique and impressive birds like toucans, macaws and quetzals, for me it is the hummingbirds that take the cake. They are so tiny and cute, and there are so many different varieties that they are fascinating to spot.
Watch these tiny, colourful birds zip around as they feed from nectar stations in the Hummingbird Garden. It’s a peaceful, almost magical experience, perfect for families, bird lovers and photographers.
9. Join a Bird-Watching Tour
Another one for the bird lovers is to learn about the incredible diversity of birds that call Monteverde home. Monteverde is a bird-watching paradise, with over 400 local species.
Join a guided tour to spot iconic birds like the resplendent quetzal or toucans. Early mornings are the best time to go, as the forest comes alive with chirping and fluttering.
Even if you’re not a bird enthusiast, the serene experience of being in the forest at dawn is worth it. I have never been particularly interested in birds, but I did a bird watching tour in Costa Rica and one in Colombia and I’m now a bit obsessed. I will forever be recommending bird-watching tours to people, and Monteverde is the perfect place to give it a go!
10. Immerse Yourself in Butterfly Gardens
Step into a butterfly garden and be surrounded by vibrant colours and fluttering wings. Monteverde’s butterfly gardens are home to dozens of species, each with its own unique patterns and colors.
Guided tours will teach you all about these fascinating insects, their lifecycle, and their role in the ecosystem. It’s a serene, educational experience perfect for families or solo travelers alike.
11. Visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden
The Monteverde Orchid Garden is home to over 450 orchid species, each more stunning than the last. A visit to the Orchid Garden is perfect for a quiet afternoon, or to squeeze in between other activities. You only need an hour and are sure to be impressed.
Some orchids here are so tiny they can only be fully appreciated with a magnifying glass (don’t worry, guides provide one!). The staff are very knowledgeable and share some fun and interesting facts about the orchids. It is a unique experience, good for families and all curious travellers.
12. Hike to the San Luis Waterfall
The San Luis Waterfall is just a short drive from Monteverde. Hiking to waterfalls hidden in the dense, green jungle is a quintessential Costa-Rican experience. If you can’t make it to the majestic La Fortuna waterfall there are several other waterdalls that are accessible from Monteverde town. Of these, San Luis Waterfall was my favourite.
The hike takes you through beautiful trails lined with vibrant plants and occasional wildlife sightings. Once you reach the waterfall, the cool mist and roaring water provide a refreshing escape. Pack a picnic and take some time to soak it all in. This spot is as picturesque as it gets. You can swim in the waterfall but it is pretty chilly!
Where to stay in Monteverde
You’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options in Monteverde. While there are a lot of good budget options, it is the type of place where spending a bit more can get you a lot more. Staying in a cute cabin or cosy treehouse in the jungle can really add to your experience of Costa Rica. If you can afford to splurge, Monteverde is a great place to do it!
Best budget option – If you’re looking for the best, cheap option, Hostel Cattleya is definitely it. It has basic but clean rooms close to the centre. They can help arrange any tours and transport you might need, and have one of the best stocked shared kitchens I’ve ever seen in a hostel.
Best mid-range option – Want your own bungalow tucked away in the lush Costa Rican jungle? El Sol Monteverde is perfect for a romantic escape with a swimming pool with beautiful views over the mountains.
Best luxury option – Luxuriously secluded glass front cabins with views all the way to the ocean. Amalu Monteverde is an absolute dream, featuring outdoor bathtub and the chance to spot toucans in the trees outside without even having to get out of bed. Perfect for a special occasion splurge.
Best boutique option – If you’re after something more unique, check out Jungle Living Tree Houses.
Plan your trip to Costa Rica!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
Booking.com
For all the best accommodation rates and deals
Viator
For booking tours, day trips and experiences
Discover Cars
For the best car hire price comparison
Omio
For booking buses and trains
Like it? Pin for later!
Looking for more inspiration for travelling in Central America?
How to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest
Central America Bucket list: Must-dos while travelling in Central America!
How to get from Granada to Ometepe, Nicaragua
The best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
