Walk the cloud forest reserve
Trek misty trails alive with orchids, ferns and the elusive resplendent quetzal.
Puntarenas
Monteverde
15+ tours available
Overview
Into the clouds
Perched high in the mountains, Monteverde is a misty cloud forest where the trees drip with moss, orchids and life. It is the birthplace of the canopy zipline and a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers and anyone chasing cooler mountain air.
Highlights
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Original canopy ziplines
- Hanging bridges in the treetops
- Resplendent quetzals and hummingbirds
- Coffee, chocolate and cheese farms
Monteverde
Watch the experience
Things to do
Zipline the canopy
Fly between mountaintops on some of the longest and highest ziplines in Latin America.
Cross the hanging bridges
Stroll suspension bridges that put you eye-to-eye with the upper rainforest canopy.
Take a guided night walk
Discover sleeping birds, frogs, tarantulas and kinkajous that only emerge after dark.
Visit a hummingbird garden
Watch dozens of dazzling hummingbird species feed within arm’s reach.
Tour a coffee or chocolate farm
See how beans become the cup and bar, from harvest to roast, with local growers.
Best time to visit
The drier months of January to April make trails easier, but the forest is at its greenest and most magical in the misty green season.
Getting there
About a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from San José on winding mountain roads. A popular jeep-boat-jeep transfer also connects Monteverde directly with La Fortuna across Lake Arenal.
Travel tip
Pack a light jacket and layers — Monteverde is noticeably cooler and wetter than the coast, even in dry season.
MonteverdePlan your trip to Monteverde
Tell us your dates and travel style, and our team will craft a custom itinerary for this destination.
Quote Trip