With its unique cloud canopy, Costa Rica’s Monteverde Biological Reserve is one of the most stunning and breathtaking nature reserves in the world, with a forest full of diverse bird, plant and insect life.
At a higher altitude and with cooler temperatures than a traditional rainforest, Monteverde covers an area of 220km² and at 2286m above sea level hosts an enormous amount of flora and fauna.
Discover an estimated 2500 species of plants, some 490 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals including howler monkeys and jaguars, and more than 400 species of birds, including the emerald-green Quetzal, a rare bird that often hides among the towering strangler fig trees and is best seen in the early morning between January and May.
The reserve's sheer diversity of terrain – from semi-dwarf-stunted forest on the wind-exposed areas, to thick, bearded cloud forest vegetation – results in memorable sights from its various lookouts.
Take a guided tour along the reserve’s 27km of trails, past thick mosses, epiphytes, bromeliads, primitive ferns, leaf-cutter ants and poison dart frogs.
Try to spot the colourful quetzal, which mates at Monteverde, in monogamous pairs, between March and June.
From March to August, look out for the bare-necked umbrella bird and the bizarre-looking three-wattled bellbird with three black wattles, or skin pockets, hanging down from its beak.
Look for scarlet macaws, red-eyed tree frogs and the squirrel monkey.
Along the track don’t be surprised to hear the growl of a big cat several types of endangered cats, including the puma, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi and margay, live in the reserve.
A great way to explore the forest is to take a 3km skywalk trail or canopy tour along a series of bridges and cables that offer a bird’s-eye view of the reserve below.
See more than 300 species of orchids and 200 species of fern and views of both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans. Activities in the park include ATV tours and tours of a coffee plantation inside the forest.
Accommodation – The Monteverde Reserve Trapp Family Lodge and El Viandante Hotel are the closest hotels to the reserve.
Location – Located 6km (3.7mi) east of Santa Elena, in Puntarenas province, a four-hour drive from the capital of San Jose.
Other activities – Trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing and scuba diving on the coast.
Best time to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest – The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to May. Temperatures can be cool at this altitude – around 16°C (60°F) – although in the sun it often feels more like 25°C (77°F).
Costa Rica is home to a range of spectacular natural sights.
Corcovado National Park – Situated to the south-west on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, the park's 440km² embrace eight different protected habitats, including mangrove swamp, jolillo palm groves and montane forests.
The 1000ha Corcovado Lagoon is a prime place for spotting wildlife such as crocodiles or the shy and elusive jaguar.
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano – This active volcano is more than a million years old. Sitting inside a national park sharing the same name, this area boasts dramatic scenery, roaring waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, bubbling mud pits and wonderful picnic areas to enjoy.
Cahuita National Park – Protecting Costa Rica’s largest and only coral reef, the Parque Nacional Cahuita combines beautiful beaches with lush coastal rainforests.
Tortuguero National Park – A key turtle breeding ground in the Caribbean, the Tortuguero National Park is the habitat and nesting ground of four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world.
Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area is also home to the endangered West Indian manatee.
Arenal Volcano – The fiery Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Visit La Fortuna, a village near the base of the volcano, to catch a glimpse of the fireworks on display.
While there, don’t forget to check out the hot springs to relax both mind and body.
Tamarindo and Playa Langosta – Found along Costa Rica’s ‘Gold Coast’, both Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are superb surfing destinations.
With laid-back towns, beautiful beaches and plenty of water sports to enjoy, this area makes for a great getaway.
Jaco and Playa Hermosa – Situated along the Central Pacific Coast, Jaco and Playa Hermosa are regarded as excellent surf beach, with consistent breaks year-round and ideal conditions for experts and beginners.
Playa Hermosa hosts an international surfing competition every year.
Latest update: Eco adventures – Monteverde Cloud Forest: 6 May, 2025
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