Best 13 Things To Do In Monteverde Rainforest

Owned and maintained by the Santa Elena High School, this private reserve concentrates on establishing forest corridors leading to lower altitudes—helping the populations of diverse cloud forest fauna such as the Resplendent Quetzal, pumas, and jaguars, among many other creatures, that require large territories in which to forage and breed. On this 6 km nature walk, delve into the mysterious cloud forest with its unique inhabitants including the Black Guan, the Silver-throated Tanager, and the Fiery-throated Hummingbird.

Highlights: A lush natural garden of mosses, ferns, flowers, and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. Lookouts to the Arenal Volcano.

Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide and entrance fees.

Bring: Binoculars, walking shoes, water, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, and camera.

The Sky Tram is a 20-minute aerial tram (Gondola) tour through the rain forest to an observation deck where you take in spectacular views of the Golfo de Nicoya and the Arenal Volcano. The Sky Trek is a secure system of a 5 km trail, featuring two observation towers and seven zip lines whizzing through the Monteverde Cloud Forest; offering visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate nature from different vantage points in the canopy! Finally, the Sky Walk covers six hanging bridges and a 5 km trail highlighting an amazing variety of canopy plants such as orchids, mosses, and tank bromeliads. Encounters with troops of howling monkeys, quetzals, and blue morpho butterflies are common.

Highlights: Amazing views and adrenaline guaranteed! Zipping in the cloud forest. Eye level view of monkeys, flocks of colorful birds, orchids, and butterflies.

Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, gear as needed.

Bring: Walking shoes, comfortable clothes, raincoat optional.

Expand your knowledge and your palate when you discover what’s behind the gastronomical appreciation for Costa Rica’s most famous products: coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane! On this “three-in-one” tour, learn about processing these valued goods, cultural aspects, traditions, and history in the highlands of Monteverde cloud forest!

Highlights: Coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane in one tour! From bean to cup, seed to bar!

Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, and entrance fees.

Bring: Walking shoes, water, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, and camera.

El Tigre Waterfalls are located a short drive from Monteverde towards the Caribbean watershed of the Tilarán Mountain Range. On clear days, spectacular views from a lookout point show off several volcanoes, including Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles. The four main falls are located along an 8 km loop trail and range from 15 to 30 meters in height. Prepare for an active 3-hour hike with moderate ascents and descents. The beautiful trail winds through forest habitats with hiking on gravel and wet, rocky substrates. This 60-hectare preserve is a healthy habitat for monkeys, agoutis, coatis, and other forest creatures. Crossing hanging and natural tree bridges, refreshing dips in natural pools, and riding a 30-minute section on horseback or by 4X4, add to the adventure!

Highlights: Spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and lake and several volcanos in the Guanacaste Cordillera. Picturesque waterfalls in the rainforest. Great for wildlife and activity close to Monteverde.

Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees.

Bring: Binoculars, walking shoes, water, swimsuit, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, change of clothes, and camera.

The Pacific side of Monteverde and the San Luis Valley encompasses a network of lesser-known trail systems, conservation properties, a variety of ecological life zones, land uses, communities, and agriculture initiatives—all with a conservation focus and a vision to link the upper elevation cloud forests to the lower elevation dry forest, wildlife corridors, and rural communities. A spectacular example of this unique mosaic is the Pacific Trail. This challenging adventure will cover 14-15 kms along dirt roads, wet and rocky substrates, muddy sections, and narrow forest paths. Cross through a variety of different habitats from the cloud forest belt near the Monteverde Reserve to second growth forest, patches dominated by old strangler figs, oak ridges, open grass hill tops, to guayabón forest and the lowlands near the much drier area of San Luis River Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife and breathtaking lookouts to the Pacific watershed and cloud forest ridges. The walk ends with a warm welcome from a Costa Rican family who invite you to enjoy a nice meal before returning to the cloud forest!

Highlights: Great lookouts to the Pacific watershed and cloud forest ridges. A unique hike with dramatic changes in elevation, diverse habitats, and wildlife opportunities with an expert guide. A delicious Costa Rican meal prepared by a local San Luis family!

Length: Full day with morning departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, and lunch.

Bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, walking sticks, water, insect repellent, raincoat, sunblock, hat, and camera.

Try your hand at painting during a private two-hour workshop with the Commission of Artisans of Santa Elena de Monteverde (CASEM)! These amazing artisan women are predominantly residents of the Monteverde district, they are mostly housewives who want to continue taking care of their families and craft their products in their own homes. They are skilled producers of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, recycled materials, and paintings depicting the ecology of the area. A special opportunity indeed!

Highlights: Learn to paint with artisan ladies of Monteverde. Be part of local cultural experience!

Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.

Includes: Round trip transportation, local artist, painting materials.

Bring: Camera.