The pristine Monteverde cloud forests are a wonderland for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is one of the most popular regions in Costa Rica for a reason. In this lush environment, you can go zip-lining and walk in the jungle canopy on hanging bridges all in one day. Or if you just want to go on a leisurely naturalist walk and learn about the rich flora and fauna that’s great too. I spent 2 days enjoying my Monteverde Costa Rica adventures and love sharing. So, read on to learn more about Monteverde and why it’s one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica.
About Monteverde
Monteverde is a region meaning the ‘green forest” in northwest Costa Rica. It’s lush landscapes of cloud forests on mountaintops is one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica for ecotourism. The biodiversity and wildlife is a nature lovers paradise. It offers many ways to interact with the environment through hanging bridges in the jungle canopy, zip-lining and naturalist hikes.
The weather at Monteverde is very unpredictable and quick to change from being sunny, windy or rainy. But this also means its amazing for rainbows. As visitors it’s important to dress smart and in layers for any weather types. Ponchos are a wise choice because umbrellas do not fare well in the wind. The dry season is February to May.
My 2-Day Experience in Monteverde
I was with Intrepid Travel and organized my time to see as much as possible. The first day I did a combination tour at 100% Aventura Adventure Park for Zip lining and Hanging Bridges Canopy Walk. Then, the next day I did the naturalist guided walk at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Overall, I enjoyed it but we did catch some rainy days. It is a rainforest after all, so glad I was prepared. I am from Seattle, so this felt like home to me.
Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures
Top Things to Do
Zip-Lining and Hanging Bridges
Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures
Zip Lining – 100% Aventura Adventure Park offers 9 zip lines, including the longest line in Costa Rica stretching 1590 meters. They also offer a rappel jump and the biggest Tarzan Swing in Costa Rica, plunging 45 meters (148 feet). I enjoyed my morning here and appreciated that you experience a couple short lines first to practice, before taking the long stretch across the valley. For the first time, I tried the superman line and flew through the air face down like superman.
I did the combined tour with 100% Aventura Adventure Park for both the Zip Lining and Hanging Bridges. Their roundtrip shuttle picked us up at the hotel and took us to the sites then returned us.
Hanging Bridges – 100% Aventura Adventure Park offers a guided tour on 8 hanging bridges up in the jungle canopy along a 1.9-mile (3 km) hiking trail. This is one of the best ways to experience the cloud forest high in the trees and get that amazing bird’s eye view. Plus, a naturalist guide points out flora and fauna along the way.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the smallest reserve in the area, however, the most popular because of its virgin forests and biodiversity. Scientists recognize this reserve as having the highest number of orchids on Earth.
We enjoyed our walking tour here with a naturalist guide. I found it amazing for birding and the guide was helpful with the high-powered lens to get a better view. We saw the colorful (through the lens) and elusive Quetzal bird, hummingbirds, white capuchin monkeys, tarantulas and frogs. Plus, all the incredible, lush plant life is omnipresent.
However, at this reserve I experienced overtourism. This beautiful country is popular for a reason. But, in my opinion, there was too many people at this reserve. There were groups of about 8-10 people every 20 feet. We had to move on for the next group quickly and felt rushed. Overall, in my opinion, Costa Rica is getting to the tipping point in some regions of overtourism which negates its whole point of sustainability and ecotourism.
Unique Opportunities for Night Tours or Bungee Jumping
Night Tour – With about 80% of the wildlife in the cloud forests being nocturnal, doing a night tour is a unique opportunity. For nature lovers this is a must to possibly see frogs, sloths, snakes, tarantulas or lizards. Once the sun dips it gets chilly in the cloud forest, so come prepared.
Bungee Jumping – For the adrenaline junkies, there is The Extreme Bungee Jumping in Monteverde Tour. As the highest jump in Central America, this plunges over 460 feet (140 m). I didn’t do this, but it comes highly recommended for outdoor extremists.
Where to Stay
Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures
The main hub for tourism in Monteverde is Santa Elena along with the nearby neighborhood of Cerro Plano. We stayed at the charming Hotel de Jardines de Monteverde in Cerro Plano. It was about a 20-minute walk up and down a very steep hill to the town center. It has a nice restaurant and bar along with rustic, quaint rooms. There was also nice restaurants and stores nearby. Just a couple blocks away, we enjoyed a group dinner at the popular Thomas & Thiago.
Enjoy Monteverde!
Monteverde is a green paradise in so many ways. It provides people an opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the rainforest with even a bird’s eye view. And the adventure is also there for the thrill-seekers. If your travels bring you to Monteverde, please share any tips below in the comments.
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