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  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

Destination

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, with around 5% of all the species in the world. The lush, wild, and natural environment can be experienced throughout the country and is easily accessible to everyone. Costa Rica enjoys a very stable political climate and economic development, which provides visitors with a calm environment for their stay in the country. It is one of the few countries in the world with no army. The country and its people have a peaceful disposition, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation, while at the same time offering dreamy landscapes, friendly people willing to share their culture, and a safe country to experience the wonders of the natural world.

Costa Rica provides a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, good food, and wildlife. Visitors find an adventure paradise in the most beautiful natural environment.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the natural gems of Costa Rica, since it is one of the few remaining patches of this type of forest in the world, as well as being one of the most recognized globally because of the scientific research done in the area. It is located in the Tilarán mountain range, and hosts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, while approximately 10% of its flora is endemic. The town of Santa Elena offers many hotels and restaurants, as well as a wide range of activities, from adventure to recreation and walks in the different private reserves in the area.

Monteverde is the green jewel of Costa Rica, an area where attractions related to the environment, nature, and conservation are part of daily life.

Ecotourism originated in the Monteverde cloud forest, creating innovative activities to make the experience of the forest more fun, interactive, and rewarding. Activities like canopy ziplines, aerial tramways, hanging bridges through the trees, and guided walks have become the most popular attractions in the area. This surreal world is filled with countless plants and animals.

Fog covers the city and forest. Drops of water fuse with rays of sunlight to form a magnificent rainbow in the back of the sky. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the best and most diverse natural reserves in the world, hosting thousands of species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and plants.

Monteverde is one of the main tourist attractions in Costa Rica, there is much to see in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, as well as in the different private reserves: bridges, ecological sanctuaries, and several living museums of snakes, butterflies, bats, frogs, and more.

Directory of activities

Tips for responsible tourism

Travelers can have a large impact on the communities they visit. We recommend the following responsible tourism practices to enrich your experience and make your impact positive.

Culture

Research your vacation destination and its culture ahead of time. Understanding the language, local customs, and behaviors expected of travelers can make your experience more comfortable and your presence welcome.

Reservations and shopping

Choose responsible products, tour operators, and travel agencies by researching their business practices and their certification in recognized programs.

Transportation

Try to use alternate forms of transportation, including by foot, bus, bicycle, boat, or another form of mass transportation. Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible to help local environmental conservation programs.

Sexual exploitation

Buy and use local products and services, keeping in mind that many vendors depend on tourism and sales to visitors to earn a living. Pay a fair price for products and avoid “haggling.”

Buying local products

Buy and use local products and services, keeping in mind that many vendors depend on tourism and sales to visitors to earn a living. Pay a fair price for products and avoid “haggling.”

Natural resources and landscapes

Use resources like water and electricity cautiously and avoid practices that contaminate the local water supply or bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Unplug electric appliances and turn off lights when they are not in use. Of course, do not litter, including cigarette butts, and purchase environmentally responsible products and recycle whenever possible.

Wildlife

Observe wildlife from an appropriate distance. Binoculars or telescopes provide the best close up view of animals’ natural behavior. Of course, do not extract, capture, handle, buy, or sell species of flora and fauna with legal protection, or those that are endangered or threatened.

Reflection

After your experience on vacation, reflect on what you learned about the people and places you visited, as well as yourself. Share these experiences and points of view with others.

Preguntas frecuentes

How to get here?

Monteverde is located about 125 km from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia and 121 km from the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela. Private transportation services are available from any destination within Costa Rica.

There are car rental companies at both airports for those who are more adventurous. The main roads to access Monteverde are paved, however, the last 20 kilometers are dirt road and we recommend traveling in a 4WD SUV for maximum comfort.

Climate

One of the most important things to take into consideration when traveling to Costa Rica is the climate. Costa Rica is a country with a wide range of microclimates, which makes predicting the weather nearly impossible.

Located at around 1,800 meters above sea level, temperatures range from 17-26° C. During some parts of the year, the temperature may feel even lower because of the wind that is typical of the mountainous regions in the country.

Occasionally, the town becomes covered in light fog; this foggy climate is part of Monteverde’s magic. Remember that weather may change quickly, so you may get surprised by rain when walking in the forest, which is part of the adventure.

Generally, the sun rises at about 5:30 am and sets at about 5:30 pm; there are only two seasons: dry season and rainy season.

Climate

One of the most important things to take into consideration when traveling to Costa Rica is the climate. Costa Rica is a country with a wide range of microclimates, which makes predicting the weather nearly impossible.

Located at around 1,800 meters above sea level, temperatures range from 17-26° C. During some parts of the year, the temperature may feel even lower because of the wind that is typical of the mountainous regions in the country.

Occasionally, the town becomes covered in light fog; this foggy climate is part of Monteverde’s magic. Remember that weather may change quickly, so you may get surprised by rain when walking in the forest, which is part of the adventure.

Generally, the sun rises at about 5:30 am and sets at about 5:30 pm; there are only two seasons: dry season and rainy season.

What should I pack?

We have a list of suggested items to bring on your cloud forest adventure:

Waterproof rain jacket or poncho

Hiking clothes

Comfortable walking shoes

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Reusable water bottle

Binoculars

Camera

Is it safe to drink tap water?

In Monteverde and in most destinations in Costa Rica it is completely safe to drink tap water, therefore it is not necessary to buy bottled water. This way, you will help the environment; our recommendation is to bring your own reusable water bottle, since you will find water dispensers in most hotels and restaurants.