If your Costa Rica Itinerary includes a stop in the cooler mountains of Monteverde, you are in for a treat! This guide will help you quickly narrow down the best activities.
Trying to figure out which things to do in Monteverde are actually worth your time? This guide helps you narrow down the best hikes, wildlife experiences, ziplining, food tours, and night walks so you can plan faster and book the right activities before they sell out.
Monteverde is one of the best places in Costa Rica for cloud forest hiking, birdwatching, hanging bridges, ziplining, and wildlife spotting. It is a great choice if you want cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and outdoor adventure.
Bill and I spent two weeks in Monteverde exploring the area, comparing reserves, talking with guides, and gathering recommendations from our own experience plus trusted local input.
Here are my 20 best recommendations for things to do in Monteverde. Use the Table of Contents to jump to your area of interest.
Quick Picks: Best Monteverde Tours to Book Early
- Best cloud forest tour: Discover the Magic of the Cloud Forest
- Best wildlife reserve: Curi-Cancha Reserve
- Best waterfall adventure: El Tigre Waterfalls Hiking Tour
- Best zipline: The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde
- Best combo tour: Sky Adventures Combo
- Best food tour: Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour
- Best night tour: Monteverde Rain Forest Night Walk
If your dates are fixed, book the most popular tours early. Monteverde’s top activities can sell out in high season.
Hiking the Cloud Forest
Hiking in the mystical, misty rainforest is on many people’s Bucket List and one of the most popular things to do in Monteverde. There are many great hiking options to choose from, but first, here are a few important tips:
- Kari’s Travel Tip: Take a guided tour rather than going on your own. A good guide knows where wildlife has recently been spotted and you will see so much more.
- Kari’s Travel Tip: Pay close attention to the tour listings: 1) Is transportation to the park included? 2) Is park admission included or do you have to arrange that separately?
- Kari’s Travel Tip: Once your Monteverde dates are set, book your tours and park tickets. Top tours sell out fast, and many parks limit daily visitors. Some even require online reservations 2–3 days ahead. Don’t risk missing out by waiting too long.
#1 – Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Why go: Monteverde’s most famous reserve, known for classic cloud forest scenery, wildlife, and guided hiking.
Good to know: Reserve tickets may need to be booked online in advance. Some tours include entrance fees and some do not.
Why pick this tour: Discover the Magic of the Cloud Forest is the strongest choice if you want a guided experience with park entrance and transportation included.
Another option: Cloud Forest Adventure: Hike the Mystical Canopy is a good lower-cost choice, but it does not include transportation or park entrance fees.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This is one of the major parks where day-pass tickets must be purchased online at least 3 days in advance (if your tour does not include it). BOOK EARLY!
#2 – Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Why go: A quieter cloud forest reserve with scenic overlooks, hanging bridges, and a large observation tower.
Why pick this tour: The Walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Tour is the best all-around option because it includes hotel pickup, reserve admission, and several tour times.
Good to know: The road up to Santa Elena Cloud Forest is very rough, so transportation is an important part of planning this visit. I wouldn’t take a rental car unless you have high clearance or 4W drive.
If you go on your own: You can reserve the shuttle from downtown Santa Elena by sending a WhatsApp message the day before to +506 8346 0748, or ask your hotel to help arrange it. It leaves several times a day and only costs a few dollars.
Kari’s Travel Tip: The earliest tour will increase your chances of finding more wildlife.
#3 – Curi-Cancha Reserve
Why go: One of the best reserves near Monteverde for birdwatching, wildlife, and guided nature walks.
Good to know: This is a great choice if seeing wildlife is a bigger priority for you than simply hiking on your own.
Why pick this tour: The Natural History Tour at Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde is a strong option because it is a 3 hour small-group guided walk focused on tropical flora and fauna.
If you go on your own: If you do not have a rental car, use the Rome2Rio app to estimate a taxi to Reserva Curi Cancha for under $10 USD, or ask your hotel to help arrange transportation.
#4 – El Tigre Waterfall Hike
Why go: A beautiful rainforest hike with multiple waterfalls, hanging bridges, and the option to return by horseback or 4WD. Our friends Kenny and Wendy did this tour and highly recommended. They chose the horseback return option.
Good to know: This is one of the more challenging hikes in the Monteverde area.
Why pick this tour: The El Tigre Waterfalls Hiking Tour is the easiest way to do this experience because it includes the guide, admission, hanging bridges, lunch, and your return transport.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Book ahead if this hike is high on your list, especially in busier travel periods.
Zip Lining / Hanging Bridges
For those seeking more of an adrenaline thrill, Monteverde offers lots of options for zip-lining and crossing hanging bridges through the Cloud Forest. Here are three of the most highly-rated and best choices:
#5 – The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde, Zipline
Why go: A classic Monteverde adrenaline activity with multiple ziplines, a 150-foot rappel, and an optional Tarzan swing.
Good to know: This is best for travelers who want a more thrilling, adventure-focused zipline experience.
Why pick this tour: The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde is the best choice if you want more than just ziplining and love the idea of adding rappelling and other challenges.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Book ahead if ziplining is one of your top Monteverde priorities.
#6 – Sky Walk – Sky Tram & Sky Trek Zipline From Monteverde
Why go: This combo lets you experience hanging bridges, a gondola-style tram ride, and ziplining all in one outing.
Good to know: This is a great choice if you want variety and do not want to choose just one kind of adventure activity.
Why pick this tour: The Sky Walk – Sky Tram & Sky Trek Zipline tour is the best all-in-one option if you want a full cloud forest adventure day.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This is an especially good pick for first-time visitors who want to sample several Monteverde highlights at once.
Coffee / Food Tours
Another one of the popular things to do in Monteverde is take Coffee and Food Tours. On these excursions, you learn about the process for harvesting and making delicious products from local ingredients, plus there is always sampling and tasting at the end! 😊
#7 – Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour
Why go: One of the most popular food and culture experiences in Monteverde, with tastings and hands-on learning.
Good to know: This is a great break from hiking if you want something easier and more cultural.
Why pick this tour: The Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour is the best choice if you want a fun 3-in-1 introduction to classic Costa Rican products.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This is a great activity for mixed-interest couples or groups because it appeals to almost everyone.
#8 – Finca El Paraiso Cheese Farm Tour
Why go: A hands-on family farm experience where you learn about organic farming and make cheese and tortillas.
Good to know: We fed baby animals, milked a cow, made cheese, and learned about organic farming from 3 different generations of the family.
Why pick this tour: The Finca El Paraiso Cheese Farm Tour is the best choice if you want a personal, family-run farm experience instead of a larger commercial tour.
What to expect: At the end, you get to eat your delicious freshly made items along with organic coffee and tea.
#9 – Cooking Lesson at Santuario Ecológico
Why go: A cooking experience that starts with ingredients from the gardens and ends with a traditional Costa Rican meal.
Good to know: Our friends Stephanie and Ron said this was the favorite thing they did in Monteverde!
Why pick this tour: The Cooking Lesson at Santuario Ecológico is the better choice if you want more of a farm-to-table cooking experience rather than a basic class.
What to expect: After a tour of the gardens, you pick your own ingredients, learn about organic farming methods, and then prepare a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
Night Hikes
Guided Night Tours give you an opportunity to view animals and creatures that don’t come out until the darkness sets in. Here are the most highly-rated options that you can book online:
#10 – Monteverde Rain Forest Night Walk
Why go: A guided night hike to spot nocturnal wildlife you are unlikely to see during the day.
Good to know: Pay attention to whether entrance fees and transportation are included in the tour.
Why pick this tour: The Monteverde Rain Forest Night Walk is a strong option if you want a small-group tour focused on nighttime wildlife.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Book ahead if a night walk is important to your trip, since these are one of Monteverde’s most popular evening activities.
#11 – Monteverde Night Tour Unique Experience
Why go: Another guided night tour focused on responsible wildlife viewing after dark.
Good to know: The park fee is included in the price for this tour.
Why pick this tour: The Monteverde Night Tour Unique Experience is the better choice if you want simpler pricing and fewer extras to sort out later.
Bird Watching
Monteverde is a Bird Lover’s Paradise, and my camera was basically working overtime every time we headed out. What you see will vary by season, depending on which trees are fruiting and drawing birds in.
I share many more details in Where are the Best Places to Find Birds in Monteverde?, but here’s a quick look at some of the best birding spots near Monteverde and Santa Elena.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Hire a guide. You will almost always see more birds with a guide because they know where recent sightings have been and which trees are attracting the action.
Kari’s Travel Tip: We hired Dulce Wilson several times in Monteverde and she was excellent. She works Sunday through Friday and can be reached on WhatsApp at +506 8739 4345. My Birds of Costa Rica post also includes more ideas for finding a qualified birding guide.
#12 – Reserva Curi Cancha
Why go: One of the best places near Monteverde to look for the Resplendent Quetzal and many other bird species.
Good to know: Limited tickets are available each day, so plan ahead and book early.
Why pick this option: Reserva Curi Cancha is one of the strongest birding spots near Monteverde if seeing the Quetzal is high on your wish list.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Go with a guide if possible, since you will almost always see more birds with expert help.
#13 – Finca Ecologica San Luis Reserve
Why go: My favorite place to bird in Monteverde, with covered feeding gardens and four hiking trails. We went several times, both with and without a guide, and I saw at least 30 new birds here.
Good to know: The covered feeding gardens are especially great if it is raining. And they have a restaurant for lunch!
Why pick this option: This is an excellent choice if birdwatching is a major priority and you want one of the richest birding experiences in the area.
If you go on your own: The road to the reserve is very bumpy! Go slow and take your time for the last mile or two.
#14 – The Monteverde Hummingbird Garden
Why go: This free Monteverde Hummingbird Garden is right next to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, making it an easy add-on and a fantastic place to get close views of several hummingbird species.
Good to know: Best to stop here after your Monteverde Cloud Forest tour is over. If you go separate,parking is super tight along the road below the garden.
Why pick this option: This is an easy, free activity that is especially rewarding for bird lovers and photographers. I spent many hours there shooting photos!
For even more places to find birds in Monteverde, all the details are HERE.
Cheap & Free Things to Do in Monteverde
#15 – Discover the Butterflies of Costa Rica
Why go: A guided look at native butterflies and insects at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens.
Good to know: This is a nice shorter activity if you want something easy, educational, and different from hiking.
Why pick this tour: The Discover the Butterflies of Costa Rica tour is a good choice if you want a gentle, family-friendly activity that still feels unique to Monteverde.
#16 – The Orchid Garden
Why go: A convenient stop in Santa Elena where you can see a wide variety of orchids in one place.
Good to know: Best for flower lovers and photographers.
Why pick this option: The Monteverde Orchid Garden is a good short stop if you want something easy and colorful right in town.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Orchids grow all over Monteverde, but this is the easiest way to see many of them together in one visit. Bring your camera!!
#17 – Monteverde Art House
Why go: A creative forest setting with workshops, music, and art by local artists.
Good to know: The Art House offers workshops and classes, concerts and jam sessions, and art for sale by local artists.
Why pick this option: The Monteverde Art House is worth adding if you want something artsy and less typical than the usual nature-and-adventure itinerary.
#18 – The Farmer’s Market
Why go: A Saturday morning local market where you can browse produce and regional products. It starts at 9:00 AM every Saturday in the gymnasium at the Santa Elena Technical Professional College.
Good to know: We heard it was amazing, but we had trouble finding it. Here’s a link.
Why pick this option: This is a nice local experience for travelers who enjoy markets, food, and everyday culture.
#19 – Watch the Sunrise at San Luis Mirador Viewpoint
Why go: A simple early-morning stop for mountain views and sunrise. And it’s FREE!
Good to know: There are only a few parking spots available. Get there early! Here are directions.
Why pick this option: This is worth doing if you are an early riser and want a free scenic experience.
#20 – Catch the Sunset
Why go: A popular sunset viewpoint with wide views looking towards the Gulf of Nicoya and beautiful evening light.
Good to know: Hundreds of people gather near the Ona Cafe along Ruta 620 between Santa Elana and Monteverde each evening to watch the sunset.
Why pick this option: This is one of the easiest scenic stops to add to your day and does not require a major time commitment.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Get there early for a good seating spot on the ridge, and walk if you can because parking is extremely limited.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Monteverde?
The Rainy Season lasts from May to November, followed by the Windy-Misty season from mid-November to January. The Dry Season (when it is the least cloudy) typically occurs from February to April. But with climate change, the rain has been growing more intense and long-lasting than in past years.
We were there mid-January and the weather was mixed. It would be sunny for hours, rain hard for 20 minutes, be sunny for 2 hours, sprinkle for 30 minutes and then the sun came out again. Just be prepared and bring your rain gear EVERYWHERE!
How Many Days Should I Spend in Monteverde?
Bill and I were lucky enough to spend 2 full weeks in Monteverde, but we know others don’t have as much time as we do to explore. I would say a minimum of 2-3 days will let you hit the activities that interest you most. And 5-7 days would give you a more relaxed exploration without being Go-Go-Go every day.
Where Should I Stay in Monteverde?
There are literally over 1000 options of places to stay in Monteverde and I did hours and hours of research for you. See my full guide to where to stay in Monteverde for the best luxury, mid-range, budget, and unique stays.
Conclusion: Is Monteverde Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—Monteverde is a must if you’re craving a break from the beach, cooler mountain air, incredible birdwatching, and unforgettable hiking.
Monteverde is truly my favorite spot in Costa Rica. Tucked away in the mountains, it offers stunning scenery, way less people than the more crowded areas, and a slower, more authentic pace of life. From cloud forest hikes to wildlife encounters—you’ll never run out of amazing things to do in Monteverde.
More Info on Costa Rica
Here are some more posts about Costa Rica, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.
- Amazing Costa Rica 7 Day Itinerary for Nature Lovers
- Ultimate 2 Week Costa Rica Travel Itinerary for Nature Lovers
- What to Pack for Costa Rica: A Nature Lover’s Packing List
- Costa Rica Facts & Travel Tips – For First Timers
- Colorful Birds of Costa Rica – A Photo Album
- Sodas in Costa Rica – An Affordable & Delicious Experience
- How to Make the Most of Your Day at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Buy Costa Rica National Park tickets without pulling your hair out
- Everything You Need to Know about Driving in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica on a Budget: Lodging, Food & Fun For Less
Monteverde / Santa Elena Rainforest Area
- Where to stay in Monteverde / Santa Elena – 12 Luxury to Budget to Unique Places
- 20 Epic Things to do in Monteverde / Santa Elena
- Where are the Best Places to Find Birds in Monteverde?
- 14 Awesome Cheap and Free Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio / Quepos Area
- Manuel Antonio National Park: How to Have an Amazing Day
- Beyond the Park: 25 Great Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
- The 12 Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio & Quepos for Every Budget
- Carara National Park: Macaws, Monkeys & the Crocodile Bridge
- Whale Watching in Costa Rica: How to Plan Your Uvita Boat Tour
- 12 Best Free and Cheap Things to Do in Manuel Antonio / Quepos
La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano Area
- Don’t Miss These 24 Unique Things to Do in La Fortuna
- 10 Best Places to Stay in La Fortuna Costa Rica for Every Budget
- Our Costa Rica Cooking Class – Did it Live up to the Hype?
- 10 Best Cheap and Free Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
