Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
3 Days and 2 Nights
Monteverde, the name of a settlement and a forest described as ‘the jewel in the crown of cloud forests’ by National Geographic, lies in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
One of the rarest habitats on the planet and unique from the country’s other rainforests for its constant swathes of mist (which give it its name), the Monteverde Cloud Forest is an incredible wild world filled with thousands of plant species, insects, bird varieties, and animals.
Watch brightly-coloured birds at play in the Curi-Cancha Reserve; take a guided hike or horse ride through the dense jungle; watch electric blue frogs jump about at the famous Frog Pond, or take a dip in the pools around the San Luis Waterfall. Must-sees include the Butterfly Gardens, Orchid House, Selvatura treetop suspension bridges, and coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane tour.
Highlights
- Experienced views of endangered macaws and crocodiles in Carara.
- Learn about the epiphytic world and animals in the cloud forest.
- Photograph the magical Quetzal
- Enjoy Monteverde´s gourmet coffee.
- Go with the best guides!
Itinerary
MONTEVERDE
Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour Day 1. You will be picked up at the Airport by one of our transport representatives for transfer to your hotel in Monteverde.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest in the Tilaran mountain range is one of the worlds premiere destinations for naturalists. A cloud forest is an especially beautiful and rare type of rain forest created by frequent mist from low lying clouds. This cool and moist environment is characterized by massive trees covered by thick carpets of small plants. Much of the resident wildlife is unique to these habitats.
In late afternoon, you will experience the Coffee Tour– a unique experience to learn about coffee, chocolate and sugar cane!
Not only will you learn all about coffee production you will also learn about nature and try and spot wildlife in a nearby forest with the help of enthusiastic nature guides. Coffee production is steeped in the traditions of Costa Rica, and knowing the history of coffee is to know the history of Costa Rica. The tour is presented in a fun, interactive way, and you will get to taste some of the best coffee in Costa Rica.
EXPERT TIPS
Bring: long pants, comfortable walking shoes, layers, bug spray, camera and cash.
Senda Monteverde is located in the beautiful town of Monteverde in Costa Rica. The hotel offers 28 guest rooms and suites with open-air porches overlooking the lush gardens or ocean. Guests can explore the mystical Cloud Forest, learn about the local Quaker culture as well as walk through the area‘s famous Farmer‘s Market. The hotel also offers luxury amenities, gorgeous local artworks and playful nooks to relax in.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Don Juan Coffee Farm Monteverde
INCLUDED
- Private land transfer service from San José (or Liberia) to Monteverde. Afternoon at leisure to explore the hotel grounds on own.
- Evening coffee/chocolate and Sugar Cane tour **shared basis**\
- Overnight at Senda Monteverde (or similar).
EXCLUDED
- Tips/ gratitudes.
- Meals or services not specified in program.
MONTEVERDE
Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour Day 2. Enjoy a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. In the Puntarenas Province, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the premier natural history destinations in Costa Rica. The forest is dominated by trees densely covered with mats of small plants known as epiphytes that include mosses, lichens, orchids, ferns and bromeliads. This cool, very green, and often misty forest is home to a variety of wildlife. Bring your camera, this is a great spot for birdwatching photography. On your walk you may encounter monkeys, coatimundis, agoutis and numerous bird species such as Toucanets, Chlorophonias and seasonally the Bellbird and legendary crimson and green Resplendent Quetzal.
Bring: hiking shoes, rain coat, camera, insect repellent.
You will then be flying through 12 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica. Also it is the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Between cables you rest on platforms constructed among the trees which give you panoramic views on both the Caribbean and Pacific side of the mountains.
EXPERT TIPS
Bring: hiking shoes, jacket, insect repellent and sunscreen.
A new option for walking in Monteverde! The private Aguti cloud forest reserve near downtown Santa Elena has an excellent net of trails, with little up hills and great views of the Nicoya Gulf in the Pacific Ocean. Aguti is part of a much greater conservation complex that includes the Monteverde Reserve, the Eternal Children Rainforest and the Arenal Volcano. Named after the Agouti or Guatusa- a small rodent that help disperse seeds in the forest understory- the new reserve is committed to the study of local and migratory species of plants and animals. Local guides help to find a wide variety of wildlife from tree sloths, howler monkeys and porcupines, to some of the most beautiful birds in Monteverde like the Yellow-throated Toucan, theBellbird and the Resplendent Quetzal. You can reserve a tour with us to discover this unique site, less crowded and more secluded!
Bring: Comfortable Walking shoes, light jacket, binoculars, sun block lotion, bug
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Selvatura Park
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Guided Monteverde Cloud forest Reserve & Canopy/Zip Line Adventure. **Shared basis**
- Overnight at Senda Monteverde (or similar).
EXCLUDED
- Tips/ gratitudes
- Meals or services not specified in program.
END OF ITINERARY
Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour Day 3. Private land transfer service back to the Airport or take an extension to Arenal or beach.
ARENAL EXTENSION:
- While the volcano has not exhibited any activity recently, scientists still believe that it Arenal is not dormant. There is a good chance that it may return to its previous majesty at any time.
- Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna or the La Fortuna Waterfall, a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters.
- Another key attraction nearby are the numerous beautiful and relaxing hot springs.
- Known as our Adventure Mecca, this region has plenty to offer including white-water rafting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and more.
BEACH EXTENSION:
- Manuel Antonio – Spend an additional 2 nights relaxing on the stunning Pacific coastal beaches of this laidback town. The famous National Park and its white sand beach is for sure well worth to visit!.
- Guanacaste- As one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, Guanacaste has gained a name for itself as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges and a number of volcanoes. Visitors are drawn to the long summer days, active culture and unparalleled wildlife.
SAN JOSE EXTENSION:
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design inside CENAC or tour the Jade Museum in the Instituto Nacional de Seguros here.
- If you have kids, a great place to take them would be to the Children’s Museum on Calle 4.
- To get up close and personal with the residents of this city, visit the many local mercados or markets such as the Mercado Central on Avenue Central.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Private Land transfer to San Jose, Beach Extension or Arenal.
EXCLUDED
- Tips/ gratitudes
- Meals or services not specified in program.
