Monteverde is where nature writes its own story – and it changes by the hour. One moment you're surrounded by soft mist, the next you're glimpsing hills in the distance or catching a flash of light as the clouds shift and swirl.
Here, the beauty isn’t just in what you see – it’s in how the forest feels. Monteverde invites you to slow down, tune in, and let the rhythm of the cloud forest lead the way. It’s this ever-changing, immersive experience – a little unpredictable, a touch magical, and a lot awe-inspiring – that captures the true spirit of this place.
At Ocotea Hotel, our Monteverde boutique hotel, we value sustainability and genuine local experiences – and we want to help you enjoy our prized and precious views safely, respectfully, and with environmental stewardship. Because, while views here can never be guaranteed – Monteverde’s weather is famously changeable – there are several spots around town where you can connect with our ethereal landscapes and, with a bit of luck, catch that perfect snapshot.
Here’s your guide to the best spots to enjoy the view around Ocotea Hotel – whether you care to pair it with a relaxing drink, an easy forest stroll, or a rewarding hike.
The rooftop at Ocotea Hotel is always our top recommendation and the signature viewpoint for guests staying with us. More than just a place for evening drinks, the rooftop is imbued with a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and soak in your natural surroundings.
It’s also a great place to savor the sights. And when the climate cooperates, these views can be magical.
That said, because Monteverde’s cloud cover can be thick or thin, depending on the day – this is the cloud forest, after all! – we want to be upfront: gorgeous views are an occasional bonus, never a guarantee. The real value here is the ambiance: fresh mountain air, great drinks, attentive service, and the chance to be present.
If a breeze rolls in and the skies clear, you might find yourself gazing across rolling hills and verdant forest canopy – a perfect reward for your patience. But even on misty days, the rooftop promises a serene retreat from which to enjoy Monteverde’s unique energy.
If you prefer a gentle approach to view-chasing, then the Bajo del Tigre Lookout near the eponymous trailhead is an excellent choice: This lookout point requires minimal effort to reach and immerses you in Monteverde’s verdant forest landscape, adding in limited sunset and mountain views.
For a real treat, reserve a Children's Eternal Forest night hike, which begins at a scenic lookout point, just before the sun goes down. Even when clouds hide sweeping views, the feeling of being surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of birdsong make this a memorable place to pause and breathe deeply. Because it’s easy to access, Bajo del Tigre Lookout is suitable for most guests, from casual walkers to families.
For those who seek a more challenging experience, the hike to Cerro Amigos offers one of the highest vantage points in the Monteverde area. Fair warning: This trail is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, proper footwear, and preparation, as well as a sprinkling of gumption, especially on a drizzly day.
Cerro Amigos winds through thick forest, offering rich opportunities to encounter our local flora and fauna. A true embodiment of the phrase “it’s the journey, not the destination,” this trek can reward you with stunning views over the canopy and even the ocean on clear days… But Monteverde weather is unpredictable and sometimes, you’ll summit the cerro (mountaintop) to discover the peak shrouded in mist. The real triumph is the journey itself – everything you see along the way.
If you decide to take on Cerro Amigos, go with a guide or stop in at the front desk of our Monteverde boutique hotel and we’ll help you prepare. Your safety and respect for the environment are paramount.
If you’re up for a longer walk through the quiet beauty of Los Llanos, plan to end your afternoon at Wine & Grill Restaurant by Bon Appetit. Perched along a scenic stretch, this charming restaurant pairs warm hospitality with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains – a perfect reward after a walk.
Near the Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) in Cerro Plano, you’ll find benches that offer a brief place to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s important to note this location is intended for pedestrians only. There is no formal parking available, and stopping here by car can obstruct traffic on this narrow road. We encourage guests to respect local traffic rules and avoid driving to this spot just for the view.
At Ocotea Hotel, we celebrate Monteverde’s unique charm – where every visit is a chance to experience the cloud forest’s ephemeral nature and spontaneous shows of natural beauty.
Sometimes, the clouds will part to reveal sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Nicoya Peninsula, and Arenal Volcano in rarer moments, and others, the mist settles in like a soft veil, welcoming you to the magic and majesty of one of the world’s rarest ecosystems. (Fun fact: According to National Geographic, tropical montane cloud forests are estimated to occupy just 0.14% of the world’s land surface.)
Consider this your official Ocotea invitation to explore these scenic spots with an open heart and a spirit grounded in respect – for the environment, for our Monteverde community, and for the unpredictable beauty of the cloud forest itself. Whether you’re toasting on our rooftop, wandering through quiet trails, or resting on a roadside bench, every moment is a window into Monteverde’s extraordinary world.