Monteverde is a slice of paradise that feels like stepping into another world. It’s one of Costa Rica’s major ecotourism destinations known for its lush cloud forests and rich biodiversity.
If coming from San Jose, the trip can take you 3.5 hours and there is public transportation for about $6.
If coming from Arenal, there is the option of taking a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal. There are several businesses but I recommend the one I used, Van Boat Van – Arenal to Monteverde Lake Crossing, since I had a good experience. This tour will pick you up from your hotel in Arenal, drive you to the Lake Arenal and then in the other side will take you to your final destination. The trip will take approximately 3 hours. If you have to travel between these two destinations why not doing it with a nice relaxing scenic boat tour, it’s a great deal!
Make sure to pack a jacket because it can get pretty cold and an umbrella for the random occasional rain, it’s a rainforest after all. I do recommend layering because depending on the activities you choose, some enclosed places can get a little hot.
Just getting into town you will get beautiful mountain views and if you get lucky like me, you might get to see a Tucan free in nature, pretty cool.
Monteverde is all about eco-tourism, so respect the environment by minimizing waste and sticking to marked trails.
What to Do
A true gem in Monteverde is Selvatura Park. This ecological adventure park offers everything from zip-lining to breathtaking walking trails. You don’t really need to go anywhere else.
The park has a transportation service totally free that take you from and back to town. Make sure to check the current schedule, from what I remember it was every 2 hours or so.
There are several packages to choose from depending on the activities you are interested in; there is something for every budget. The park also has a restaurant and a gift shop making it a one stop for a day packed of adventures.
Address: Puntarenas Province, Tilaran, Costa Rica
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 7am to 4pm
For beautiful views of dense canopy trees you must visit the Hanging Bridges in Selvatura. Each bridge offers a unique perspective of the forest. While in there keep your eyes open for birds, sloths and other animals. I even got to see two quetzals!!!
As high as the bridges can be, feeling like walking through the clouds, they are totally safe and steady.
Can’t leave Costa Rica without seeing a sloth as close as possible! The Selvatura park has a Sloth Sanctuary that replicates their natural habitat. You can learn about these mammals on a guided tour full of fun facts.
More than appreciating the Costa Rica’s most iconic animal, you will be supporting Selvatura’s mission to protect and preserve sloths rescued from habitat destruction, illness, accidents and other reasons that prevent them from being reintroduced to their natural habitat.
Another favorite stop is the Butterfly Garden, also part of Selvatura. It’s one of the largest butterfly gardens in the Americas, home of more than 30 species of butterflies. Walking through the enclosure felt magical, with butterflies flying all around and landing softly on you sometimes. The educational talks by the guides added another layer of appreciation for these delicate creatures.
Did you know that on average butterflies just live about a month? Let’s let that thought sink for a little bit.
Where to Eat
Head to the heart of Monteverde for a wide selection of places to eat, from dinning to cafes and bakeries.
Here’s a few of my recommendations:
Taco Taco Taqueria
Tree House Restaurant & Cafe: this is not just the name, the restaurant is really inside a tree!
Bar Restaurante Amigos
Where to Stay
During my time in Monteverde I stayed in Villa Lodge, here is my recommendation.
It’s a quite and convenient place to stay just a short walk away from restaurants, shops and a quick drive to the Cloud Forest Reserve.
The lodge offers a full Costa Rican breakfast for only $6 and laundry service for a small fee as well.
The room was clean and spacious, mine even had a small patio with sitting area.
The property has the feeling of an actual village, to get to your cabin you will have to walk through paths surrounded by greenery. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming.
Overall, Villa Lodge offers excellent value for the price, being more affordable than other options in the area without compromising on quality.
Monteverde is more than a destination. This little corner of Costa Rica it’s an experience that connects you with nature. Whether you are an adventurer, a nature lover or just someone looking to unwind, Monteverde should definitely be on your travel list.
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