Monteverde is a place of diversity, both in terms of the incredible variety of life that thrives here and the many experiences that will appeal to different types of people.
While, in theory, it is possible to appreciate all that Monteverde has to offer from a distance, those who haven’t been here will never truly understand the profound effect that this amazing place can have on your very soul. There truly is something unique about the very air you breathe high up in the mountains of Costa Rica, and a unique twist to the warm and welcoming Pura Vida culture for which the residents are famous.
With so much to see and do, we put together this comprehensive guide about the types of experiences you can have in Monteverde, sorted into these categories:
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Touring/hiking in the Cloud Forests
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Birdwatching
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Tours and Excursions
Touring/Hiking in the Cloud Forests
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve
Visiting the El Tigre Waterfalls
Why is Monteverde So Rich in Bird Species?
When to Come Birdwatching In Monteverde?
What to Watch For in Monteverde?
Birdwatching while at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel
A Brief History of Coffee in Costa Rica
Enjoy a Canopy Zipline Adventure
Five Experiences to Enjoy Monteverde's Nature Indoors
Touring/Hiking in the Cloud Forests
There is little doubt that the main draw for visitors to Monteverde is the Cloud Forest. Only 1% of the world’s forests are classified as cloud forests, and Monteverde is one of the places where the perfect conditions have created this rare and wonderful environment.
Within and around Monteverde and its neighboring community of Santa Elena, there are over 50,000 hectares of protected forest, with miles and miles of trails accessible to visitors through 3 main reserves: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and is regarded as one of Costa Rica's most prized natural areas. This 4,000-hectare (9884-acre) private reserve safeguards a fragile and endangered ecosystem: the tropical cloud forest.
As you can read in our articles about the history of Monteverde, a group of Quakers knew that the cloud forests were the water source for many communities from here to the coast and that something this important must be protected. So they set up the reserve to protect the water surrounding forests.
A non-profit organization currently administers the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and travelers from all over the globe visit to learn about the unique cloud forest. You can always choose between taking a guided tour or enjoying the beauty of a cloud forest on your own.
Getting To the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is roughly 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel ( a drive of about 15 minutes).
Taking a Private Tour
This is generally considered the best way to see the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! With fantastic optical gear, the tour guides have years of experience spotting even the most elusive creatures and will help you to see magnificent birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal or the Three-Wattled Bellbird, and learn about the magnificent ecology of these remarkable forests.
The tour will pick you up at your hotel reception and drive you to the reserve and back, getting you out of parking and driving hassle.
Please contact us and we will arrange the best tour for you!
Finding the Park
If you are in your car, you travel east from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel to get to the main road, and then turn left. After passing the gas station in Cerro Plano, you will notice that the road turns to gravel.
You will continue on this road for a little less than three miles until you arrive to the parking lot. Just follow the signs.
Find a space in the new parking lot, leave your car locked, and take the keys. A shuttle with a friendly and bilingual driver will take you to the reserve's entrance, pick you up, and take you back to your car.
Parking and the shuttle from this official parking area to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve go for a small fee per vehicle, but the reserve is closed to direct traffic, so if you drive up, the guard will likely direct you to return to the parking lot. You may see cars parked on the side, but we don’t recommend parking there.
Group Tour
Sometimes travelers enjoy going on group tours, and it's a fantastic way to explore the area.
We may also arrange for you to go with a naturalist guide and more people.
Shuttle Bus
You can also reserve a shuttle bus in advance to get to the reserve. Let us know, and we will get it for you in advance.
Important Notes
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The reserve is open daily from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. every day
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We recommend leaving yourself a decent amount of time to explore and savor every moment and trail
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We advise you to take a picture of the trail map on the way in.
Trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Here is a route recommended by a local guide.
“I usually start with Sendero Nuboso to the viewpoint at La Ventana, where you get to see the Intercontinental Divide, which is a beautiful viewpoint where you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Monteverde. ; Then, on the way back, I take Camino to get to the Wilford Guindon. From there, I go across the bridge and, depending on the time I have — and how I feel — I decide whether to extend my trip by taking the strenuous El Roble and then Chomogo or go straight to Tosi and Cuecha via Sendero Wilford Guidon to get back to reception.”
Sendero Nuboso (1125 m)
The Nuboso is a relatively easy, flat trail in its first part. It will come to an intersection where you will find the second part (yellow on the map) that comes with a severe sign: “Very steep.” And it is!
Take this path to go to the Continental Divide viewpoint where you can overlook the Pacific and Caribbean sides (Not the oceans but the different landscapes). The paths are well-kept and marked, with excellent signage for a stress-free trek. After 300 meters, Sendero Nuboso becomes Sendero La Ventana. You will notice a change in the vegetation as the trees turn into bushes due to the strong winds.
To Go to The Hanging Bridge
Unless you wish to continue back through Sendero Nuboso, you must return to the beginning of Sendero La Ventana and turn left to Sendero Camino. You will be in Sendero Camino for another 300 meters before turning into Wilford Guindon to reach the bridge which is definitely worth a visit!
The bridge is relatively short compared to the ones in Selvatura. However, nature is magnificent on both sides, and the views are beautiful and quite mystical. This is where you must decide if you take El Roble and Chomogo, which are pretty tricky and filled with uphill stairs, or if you want to stick to a faster and easier (yet beautiful) route. To choose the easier route, just continue on the way you are going, to venture up to El Roble, take the set of stairways going up. This will take you to the most pristine and least visited of all trails in Monteverde.
Sendero Tosi and the Waterfall Route
From El Roble, you will get into Chomogo to go down to the Tosi trail. In Tosi, you will find a giant ficus tree. Soon after the ficus, you’ll merge with Sendero Cuecha, the waterfall trail, and finally, after half a kilometer on Sendero Cuecha, you arrive at the waterfall. The waterfalls are small but immersed in an area of the forest where you can spot many species of birds.
From there, you can return to the parking lot by walking back down Sendero Cuecha, which has lots of clear signage to guide you back home.
Winding Down Your Trip
On the way out of the reserve, you can have a typical Costa Rican lunch at the restaurant. The food is delicious, and you will eat right before this magnificent forest landscape.
If you are driving your car, that is where you arrange the shuttle to the parking lot.
What Should I Take to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?
It’s a good idea to wear light clothes, like breathable shirts, long slacks, and hiking boots. A good rain poncho and a hat are great to have in the backpack, and in it, a good-sized water bottle (Refillable), bug spray, some nut or granola bars, a few candies (in case my sugar levels go down), and a container with some fruit in case you go hungry while walking.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
In this section, we will talk about the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, a lesser-known but fantastic protected area. Keep on reading to find some good information about the trails, fauna, and flora, and tips to enjoy it fully.
With a higher elevation of 1600 meters (5250 feet), the Santa Elena Cloud Forest has 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of well-maintained trails with picturesque viewpoints. Over 300 hectares (741 acres) of land are safeguarded there, primarily by the efforts of the Santa Elena Professional Technical High School, which runs it privately with the support of the Costa Rican Ministries of Environment and Education.
Where Is The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve?
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve can be found on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide, 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the town of Santa Elena.
It is referred to in Spanish as La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena on Google Maps and Waze.
Going on a Tour to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Whether you take a private guide or go with an open group, a tour will always allow you to learn more and enjoy more. There are so many fantastic facts about this type of forest that visiting without a guide can be a mistake.
Tour Guides know the area intimately, they can easily find the animals and birds that, for us, are harder to find, and they carry professional optical gear so you can see everything in detail.
Visiting Santa Elena By Car
The drive from the town to the cloud forest reserve is simple, although it is important to know that the road to Santa Elena is not paved, and depending on how intense the rainy season is, it might be in poor condition. Our recommendation is to ask the Ocotea Boutique Hotel staff about the condition of the road before you head out, and if the road conditions are not optimal the staff can arrange for private transportation that can take you and pick you up later, or book you a tour (Information below) that includes transportation.
However, if you are used to your 4X4 rental or are staying with us in the middle of the sunny season, we recommend downloading your map from Waze or Google Maps, as there are areas on the road where the signal is not available.
Three Key Landmarks
The app may send you in two directions from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel:
To the left and up the hill:
This is a good shortcut. You just have to make sure not to turn anywhere than how the map marks it. You will know you are on the right track because you will find one of our favorite Italian-style restaurants in Monteverde, Bon Appetit!, to the lefthand side after (approx) 10 minutes of driving.
To the right-hand side and downhill:
As you get to the main road, turn to the righthand side, and as soon as you get to the intersection of Santa Elena town, go downhill past the Shopping Center and into the center of Santa Elena.
You will arrive at the Banco Nacional corner and take a right here. Go past the town, and the plaza, and then you will get to Bon Appetit!
After Bon Appetit!, you will start getting out of the town and into the road that takes you to the reserve.
You will find a couple of intersections: keep on the right side. After you find the last crossing, you will find Selvatura Nature Park on the right. Keep on going. The road turns right, and at the very end, you will find Santa Elena’s Parking Lot. (Free Parking)
Spending a Day at Santa Elena
Once you’ve arrived at the reserve, they will give you a map at the office where you can buy your tickets and go inside. Once inside, you will find a small restaurant, bathrooms, and the trails' beginning. At this point, everything is paved. There is an accessible trail created for people with different capacities, children, and seniors.
It’s a good idea to take a picture of the trail map and have it on your phone. You can also download it here.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs 16 USD for adults and 7 USD for children.
As you can see, the Reserve has five well-defined trails, and it includes four different ecosystems.
Youth Challenge Trail:
The kilometer-long "Youth Challenge Trail" takes about an hour. It is the easiest and quickest trail on the reserve and is great for bird and volcano spotting on a clear day.
At the trail's end is a lookout tower with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and other natural landmarks on a clear day. If you want to see the volcano, get to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve very early clouds set in.
This is a favorite for tour guides and groups.
Caño Negro Trail:
This 4.8 km long trail takes about three and a half hours. It runs through the Santa Cloud Forest Reserve, making it the longest trail on the reserve, and is quite a challenging ride with steep climbs and descents. You can also spot a lot of wildlife along this trail.
**This is a strenuous but fantastic walk. For those traveling during the green season, there is a pretty steep part of the trail that is frequently quite muddy.
Encantado Trail:
This 1.4 km long takes about two and a half hours. It is excellent for spotting bird and wildlife viewing. You might even see a Resplendent Quetzal or a Howler Monkey if you're lucky!
El Bajo Trail:
The 1.6 mile (2.6 km) Bajo Trail takes about an hour and a half. It crosses a secondary forest with a multitude of birds and is a part of the greater Caño Negro trail system.
Sendero Mundo Joven:
The 0.3 Km (0.48 mi) Young World Trail is a great option for families as it only takes ten minutes, and due to the excellent views of Arenal Volcano, the Encantado, and Cano Negro trails, it is highly recommended.
Conditions of the Trails
The trails are well maintained in general, and most of them are covered with a thin layer of gravel. However, as it drizzles very frequently in the cloud forest (even in the sunny season), the trails can be muddy at times.
All the pathways are surrounded by a stunning moss-covered collection of tall trees. As layers of plants, moss, and epiphytes are strewn across the ground floor, the dense vegetation doesn’t allow you to see the ground.
The sensation of wilderness at times can even be overwhelming! It is a very magical forest where you almost expect to see some ancient dinosaurs wandering through the mist.
Taking Care of Santa Elena
The community that maintains the reserve (The High School of Santa Elena students) does a great job keeping this network of trails. Because of the pandemic, some of the trails deteriorated a bit, but right now, they are back on track and with great signage. However, just in case it’s nice to keep your map with you at all times.
The paths are easy to walk, and they have benches, making them welcoming to visitors of all ages. Santa Elena benches in the cloud forest even have moss covering them, a friendly reminder that even in this preserve, you’re in the cloud forest.
The animals of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest can be elusive, but keep your eyes and ears open. They are there, it is just that sometimes it is impossible to pinpoint their location due to the dense and thick forest canopy (another reason a guide can be helpful).
Coatis, agoutis, and monkeys are a few of the animals you might see frequently. If you’re lucky, you can see the colorful Quetzals in Monteverde between February and July if you're lucky.
However, the best of the Santa Elena Reserve is the wilderness sensation that you experience, especially if you go on the Caño Negro Trail.
Supporting Nature and Community
Money from the tours, self-guided hikes, and other services provided by the reserve is used for the protection and management of the reserve itself, but also to support educational centers in the area and in neighboring communities.
Santa Elena is one of the first communities in Costa Rica to own and direct an ecotourism project. It is, therefore, an excellent example of what an organized community can do to conserve and learn from its environment.
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve
Visitors to the area can also visit private reserves such as the Valle Escondido Reserve with its onsite accommodations and farm-to-table restaurant and learn about organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and how the use of permaculture design can create naturally sustainable ecosystems.
Valle Escondido is a private reserve that protects 17 hectares (44 acres). It’s also a little lower in elevation, making it a transitional forest, instead of a cloud forest. As the name suggests, the transitional forest is the name given to an area that is between other classifications and will, therefore, contain some aspects of the flora and fauna from both, including many species of orchid which use the supporting branches of towering trees to maintain access to the sunshine that isn’t available under much of the canopy.
Valle Escondido is well worth a visit for those interested in the agricultural aspects of life in the rainforest, and they offer tours of their onsite permaculture garden as well as both daytime and nighttime tours of the forest. To learn more, follow this link.
Another popular pastime is visiting one of the beautiful waterfalls in the area, and perhaps the best known is El Tigre.
Visiting the El Tigre Waterfalls
About El Tigre Waterfalls
El Tigre Waterfalls is a project in the outskirts of the Monteverde region. With 148 acres (60 hectares) of primary and secondary rainforest, it encompasses four waterfalls, a couple of hanging bridges (not the wide, metal ones, but the ones made of rope and wood), tree trunk bridges over the river, and great trails.
You can also bring your bathing suit and take a dip surrounded by paradise!
Located around 6 miles (10 Km approx.) from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, it takes around a half-hour drive on a partly paved road. (At the end is a gravel road in good condition). If you go in September or October (the Caribbean Coast’s sunnier period) for the morning tour, the views of the Northern plains are magnificent.
Whether you drive your car, take transportation, or decide to take the tour and go with a group and guide, El Tigre Waterfalls is a fantastic adventure and one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.
When Should I Hike at El Tigre Waterfalls?
There are some differences between going in the sunny and rainy seasons, such as the time of day in which it’s best to go. In the sunny season, you can take the hike at different times throughout the day, while in the rainy season, hikes are taken mainly in the mornings.
Regardless of what time of day you choose, you can’t lose, since this decades-old preserve is open and beautiful throughout the year.
El Tigre Waterfalls History:
Tigre means tiger, but no, we don’t actually have tigers in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans for many years used the word tiger interchangeably with jaguar, though that’s been changing in the past decade or so.
But no matter the name, big cats certainly play a big role in the history of El Tigre. As the story goes, a few decades ago in 1985, when Costa Rica’s environmental restoration movement was still in its early years, a displaced jaguar wandered into the farmlands of Don Aurelio Rodriguez and his family, where over the course of a year it ate dozens of cows, calves, and horses.
It’s a sad day when displaced wild animals resort to hunting livestock because it can be incredibly difficult to relocate and reacclimate an apex predator. The titular jaguar was eventually put down by rangers from the community. It is a sad story, but this story has an inspiring ending. Monteverde — and Costa Rica in general — have been developing tourism since the late ’80s. During that time, the Rodriguez family, as well as many other families in the area, switched from the beef cattle business to the conservation and sustainability efforts that have allowed the travel industry in Costa Rica, and particularly Monteverde, to thrive.
Still, the story of that lone, displaced jaguar was not lost on the Rodriguez family, who have developed an environmental project called “The Cry of the Puma and the Farmer”, to protect these far-ranging felines and teach farmers how to prevent predator attacks and keep those beautiful big cats wild. Now, countless farmers around Costa Rica have learned to manage their farms with nonintrusive, big-cat discouragement measures established by specialists all over the world.
The Different Ways to Hike El Tigre Waterfalls
The Full Tour
This is probably the best way to see El Tigre Waterfalls. They will pick you up early in the morning by a local tour guide who will tell you everything there is to know about the preserve and can provide some friendly company along with an expert look at the life in the surrounding rainforest.
This is the option we recommend the most, and can be done through our good friends at Ocotea Tours & Transfer.
Or Venture On Your Own!
The other option is to visit the preserve yourself. If you are driving and choose to go to El Tigre on your own, you have two different tour options:
The Waterfall Tour
The first option includes hiking (5 Km/ 3 Miles) to visit all the waterfalls and then returning by horseback riding or on the safari jeep, which you can organize at the entrance to the reserve.
The Big Hike
The second option is to do the entire trail system on foot, which includes all four waterfalls as well as a challenging but beautiful ascent out of the valley. This hike is almost twice as long (8 Km/5 Miles) and is recommended for avid hikers who want to see everything they can on foot.
Zipline on a Bike?
You can also choose to add this fantastic and quite unique experience at the end of the tour. If you’re in Monteverde, you’ve obviously heard of ziplining, but at El Tigre you can change this experience up, by riding a modified bike on three separate wires that are between 100 and 150 meters long and up to 70 meters above the earth.
The experience is truly breathtaking, completely safe, and has to be seen to be believed!
Hiking Trail El Tigre
Although the waterfalls are the main draw of El Tigre, the route itself is spectacular. The views and sounds of nature will accompany you during your walk.
The route begins with a steady descent, with occasional challenging spots where little streams flow across rough ground. It's a lengthy hike until you reach the first waterfall, but you shouldn't become too tired because it's primarily downhill. However, it puts a lot of strain on the knees, so remember to pause along the route.
The first waterfall and onwards are a mix of up and down. While on the trail you will find a couple of rustic hanging bridges and eight bridges that are cut logs put across the river and with a rope on the side to hold on.
These planks are firm and broad enough, and not really high above the water but they can be a bit challenging for those who are afraid of heights.
You just have to be cautious and take it easy. The first ones may be a bit more challenging, but after the second, or third, you realize there is nothing to fear. Enjoy the adventure!
Most bridges have a maximum capacity of one person at a time.
Make Sure to Bring Snacks
We highly recommend you take a few granola or nut bars and some fruit. Near the second and third waterfalls, the river bank is an excellent place to stop to take a break and the snack you brought.
Then, you will begin going uphill up to the area where you can find the bathrooms and where you will find the horses or 4x4 drive.
If you do 'The Big Hike' rather than the 'Waterfall Tour,' the latter section of your hike will be entirely uphill. As you climb higher, the sights of farmlands and mountains gradually replace those of the rainforest.
And What About The Waterfalls?
1st Waterfall
In terms of sheer size, the first waterfall is the most impressive of all the waterfalls. After a time of hiking downhill, you will come to a bifurcation with trail markers. The route to the right leads to an observation deck from where you can see the waterfall from a distance, but the path to the left leads you closer to the waterfall.
I spent a long time at this observation platform, admiring the spectacular sight while flying water droplets brushed my face. Then I returned and climbed the steps to get a better look at the waterfall.
This waterfall can be seen from several different angles of the trail, and I suggest taking your time to get all the beauty in.
Waterfalls No. 2 and No. 3
The second and third waterfalls are relatively close together, and much smaller. There is no particular viewing platform for these two, and you cannot enter their natural waters from the trail, but there’s no need to take a side trip to see these two waterfalls because you can see them from the trail. The third one has a front perspective from one of the hanging bridges.
Compared to the first and fourth waterfalls, waterfalls number two and three are smaller and quieter, but they are beautiful, with the surrounding wilderness framing their white veils.
4th Waterfall
The fourth waterfall is a long way off the main track, along another path marked by trail headings. But despite the uphill trek, we would still recommend taking this detour. The waterfall is stunning, with an adjacent smaller and broader waterfall that falls like a curtain, striving to protect the cliffs behind it.
Standing along the pool's edge, you can enjoy an elevated perspective of the river below and the forest as far as the eye can see. Here, you have the option of swimming in the different ponds of the river at the 1st and 4th waterfalls, and I highly recommend doing so. I also recommend you bring water shoes and wear your bathing suit (there aren't any facilities to change on site).
Protocols for El Tigre's Safety
El Tigre Waterfalls are buried in dense forest cover, deep in mountain valleys distant from the main town. It's no surprise that you cannot get any phone signal.
And if you set out without a guide, the excursion is a self-guided trek in a remote location. As exciting as the experience is, it also requires careful attention to safety precautions.
Fortunately, the management has put in place some safeguards to ensure the safety of their visitors.
The person recording your registration at the reception desk will show you the map and give you a comprehensive briefing about the place. It is a good idea to photograph the map or bring a copy with you.
Then, if you are going by yourself, they will give you a walkie-talkie and check on you throughout the hike also have yellow boxes along the route that have emergency first-aid kits and radios in case you need to call for help.
I didn't need to use any of these, but it’s comforting to know that if I had any sort of emergency (Especially going by myself) I would be in good hands.
Tips from Our Expert
Before we wrap up, we have a few recommendations and tips for you!
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This is a trail for experienced hikers, especially if you do it in the rainy season.
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Bring waterproof hiking boots, and if you don’t have any, at least tennis shoes with good soles. The trail can be muddy and slippery on some tracks and rocky on others.
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A good rain poncho is a good idea, even in the sunny season.
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Walking sticks (at least one) can be helpful. Even if you are an experienced hiker and in great physical condition, the trail can be tough at times, and a stick will give you safety and stability.
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Bring enough water. There is one recharging station, but it’s almost at the end of the hike.
Birdwatching in Monteverde
Every single morning a tap on the window wakes you up. Tap, tap, tap... Tap, tap, tap. A Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) discovered that there are (probably) dozens of tiny mosquitoes around the windows of your bedroom.
In the back, the tree where my tapping friend is nesting is full of mixed flocks, and you can hear the wooing of the Lessons’ Motmot (Momotus lessonii) entangled in the multiple chirps, whistles, and songs of a wide variety of birds that live in the cloud forest in my back patio. From a tree beyond, a whistling sound is quite familiar; the Long-Tailed Manakin males are calling from the depth of the understory.
This is a song and video created by one of Costa Rican most recognized musicians, the dance of the “Toledos”, the beautiful Long-tailed Manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis).
Enjoy:
As you walk to the nearby Zucchero bakery to get some bread for breakfast, you run into at least three groups of birdwatchers with their binoculars pointing at a Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus), the purple prince of hummingbirds, or a small but bright Collared Redstart (Myioborus torquatus).
You also spot tour guides with their telescopes showing a Pale Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis) after hearing their distinctive screeching sound.
Why is Monteverde So Rich in Bird Species?
When you walk in the different reserves of Monteverde, you will find some lookout points with the sign: Continental Divide of the Americas.
A continental divide is a drainage divide on a continent such that the drainage basin on one side of the divide feeds into one ocean or sea and the basin on the other side feeds into a different ocean or sea. (1)
As rains come from the Caribbean Sea, they arrive in the area of Monteverde and turn into dense clouds that cover the peaks of the mountains. This phenomenon creates a misty fog caused by the low-hanging clouds that blanket the forests, providing the mystical atmosphere that draws so many travelers.
But it is the adaptations to this environment, where the blazing tropical sun has difficulty breaking through the dense cloud cover, that has created a vibrant and impressive ecosystem.
Orchids, lichens, bromeliads, ferns, and tall trees abound in the cloud forest. This breathtaking wilderness draws a wide range of bird, animal, and amphibian species because of the abundance of food in the environment.
The result is a diverse range of magnificent reserves, which offer the opportunity to see around 400 different kinds of birds, making Monteverde a must-see spot on any birdwatching excursion.
When to Come Birdwatching In Monteverde?
Despite climate change consequences, in Monteverde, we can identify three significant periods or seasons:
The rainy season lasts from May to November and is distinguished by sunny mornings, with brief aguaceros (afternoon storms) that punctuate the afternoons and evenings. Every once in a while, you also get a heavier storm during September, October, and November, but for the most part, it’s just a bit rainier than usual.
Early to mid-November, the trade winds break, and enormous amounts of mist begin to be transported into the mountain range. You also get some stronger wind gusts up in the mountains. This transition is known as the windy-misty season, and it can extend until mid to late January.
The dry season lasts from January through April. During this period, the trade winds slow down, and cloud formation decreases.
Migratory birds begin appearing as early as September, but you can see dozens of mixed flocks with the newcomers adapting to the environment by late October or early November.
For many visitors, January to April is a favorite time to come visit and go birdwatching, but for the locals it’s different. We know that there’s beautiful birdwatching to be done any time of year!
Where to go? What to see?
In Monteverde, there are no national parks. Not one. However, several different forest preserves make Monteverde a nature lover's haven.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve which we mentioned above is a magnificent site for nature lovers, with 365 species of birds, 122 different species of amphibians and reptiles, and over 3,000 different kinds of plants.
The cloud forest is home to the area's most sought-after bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal, the Long-Tailed Manakin, the Fork Tailed Kite, the Squirrel Cuckoo, the Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, the Black Guan, Three-Wattled BellBird, to name a few.
The entrance to the reserve is a great site to see a variety of hummingbirds, including the Violet Sabrewing, Costa Rica's largest hummingbird. The best trail to see birds is the Nuboso, followed by Camino Trail and ending in the Cuecha Trail that goes to the waterfall.
Personally, I usually hike up to El Roble, the most strenuous of all trails, going up and down in what seems to be an eternity of stairs. It’s a great bit of exercise and fantastic for a true hiking lover, but all of the trails have incredible wildlife!
Private Cloud Forest Reserve Curicancha
Curicancha is a lovely 205-acre property purchased by the Lowther family in 1970. Curicancha, which means "Golden Enclosure," is a name taken from the Inca language.
The property had 12 acres of pristine rainforest and 12 acres of open grazing land. The Lowthers were dedicated to reforesting the pastures to restore Curicancha to its former splendor as a rich, exuberant cloud forest.
The variety of habitats is one factor contributing to Curicancha's popularity as a birding destination. There is some primary forest, pre-montane forest, and open pasture area. Birders and photographers may visit all of the varied locations on wide, beautifully made trails, with the opportunity to see the birds that prefer each habitat.
Curicancha is an excellent spot to watch the Quetzal, Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird, Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Emerald Toucanet, and other cloud forest birds.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest
With 765 acres (310 hectares) of cloud forests, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is slightly higher than the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and less visited and smaller.
On the other hand, the plant-rich cloud forest provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal and Collared Trogon. The cloud forest is an excellent location for hiking and getting an unobstructed view of the tropical vegetation.
Santa Elena also offers a fantastic tower for observation and a tour to see the sunrise at the top of the forest.
Children Eternal Rainforest:
The Children's Eternal Rainforest Reserve is Costa Rica's largest private cloud forest reserve. Donations from youngsters in 44 countries around the world helped to establish the reserve. The reserve is managed by the Monteverde Conservation League, a non-profit conservation organization.
The Reserve is divided into four areas: Bajo del Tigre, San Gerardo, Pocosol, and Finca Stellar.
Bird watchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts can tour the area independently or with a guide. With a great network of trails, the Bosque Eterno will place you right on the level of the treetops in some areas, and if you take the Murcielago Trail you will arrive at a marked area to spot the Three-Wattled Bellbird.
This reserve is ideal for substantial mixed flocks as well as army ant swarms. A swarm of army ants can produce the Zeledon's Antbird and the Ochre Breasted Antpitta. The Quetzal, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Green Hermit, and Buff Fronted Quail Dove can also be found in this reserve.
Walk Around Monteverde
Birds and birdwatchers fill Monteverde with life and sounds, joy and colors.
Monteverde is a paradise for residents and migratory birds to find shelter and abundant food with several different ecosystems. Even beyond, it is a place where the community revolves somehow around birdwatching and birdwatchers.
For starters, the one thing in common for all tour guides in Monteverde is excellent optical gear. Beyond the expensive binoculars, having a good telescope makes a Monteverde tour guide a pro. After all, providing a good sighting of the bird you are watching is the goal of any naturalist tour guide!
It’s also worth noting that outside of the preserves, Monteverde is full of places to watch birds!
When you take a walk in Monteverde (I suggest you take the road that goes from Cerro Plano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve), you will find, scattered, several benches looking out at the majestic view of the Nicoya Gulf. However, closer than that, there is the gorgeous forest of the Bosque Eterno de los Niños and a great chance to see hawks, kites, vultures, and even eagles flying above it.
Map from Ocotea Tours to Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve:
If you walk towards the Monteverde Preserve on the sidewalk, you will arrive at a curve and a handrail on the right-hand side. This is an opening to a good cliff and to the tops of some great trees that host great mixed flocks early in the morning.
As you walk some more, you will get to a bridge over a clear water creek coming from the forest as you walk. If you stop there, the chances of seeing a multitude of birds are very high. (You will also find benches for you to sit, with your binoculars, and your bird guides, and watch for as long as you want).
I have seen several types of toucans, black guans, the Golden-browed Chlorophonia(usually in big mixed flocks), and the squirrel cuckoo.
As you go on walking after the river, you will notice you are surrounded by forest. You can almost stop everywhere to watch some of the distinctive species of the area, and now and then, get a clear view of a rare target.
The forest to the right-hand side is part of the Children's Eternal Rain Forest. As you arrive in the small plaza, you may choose to sit around there and wait for some passing by Keel-Billed Toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus) on the nearby branches of the clearing: Or a mixed flock with tanagers, honeycreepers, orioles, warblers, and even at times, gorgeous hummingbirds foraging in the abundant closeby trees.
From this plaza, you may choose to walk a bit more to go into the Curicancha Preserve or the Children Eternal Rain Forest.
What to Watch For in Monteverde?
This beautiful region has many reasons to be a birdwatchers' haven. The place is breathtaking; there are different ecosystems, with all the various niches necessary to have natural biodiversity in birds.
It has a great network of well-set trails through the forests. Pasture areas, clearings, secondary forests, and quite unusual weather.
Staying in Ocotea Boutique Hotel, all you have to do is open the massive window of your bedroom and some great targets like the Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) and the Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), may come to forage in the nearby trees.
But when it comes to bird species, there are some that birdwatchers and photographers from all over the world come to Costa Rica to see. These include:
Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)
When you see a Resplendent Quetzal flying iridescently through the cloud forest, you can understand that it would have been considered a god for the native inhabitants of Central America.
The Resplendent Quetzal is an astonishing sight with its shimmering plumage of metallic blues, greens, and reds.
Males have a crest of bristly golden-green feathers and extended upper tail feathers that form a lengthy, floating tail during the breeding season. This magnificent species is a member of the trogon family, a colorful group of fruit-eating birds found in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
Three-Wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus)
One of the most remarkable experiences for a newcomer to the Monteverde trails is the almost dissonant sounds that come from the tops of the trees. The bell sound is clear, and so loud it echoes throughout the forest. A call for the present moment, to stop, listen, and point binoculars to the canopy.
If you are lucky and at the top of a trail or on a platform or bridge, you may see it close by, doing all these strange cacophonous calls.
The male is unquestionable. The body is dark rufous, the head and breast are white, and three bare wattles dangle down from the bill. When singing, it usually sits prominently. The female is entirely different, having a drab olive body and yellower striping on the underparts. Identification is aided by the relatively big size, plump shape, tiny rounded head, and plain face. Found in woodlands, most often in the canopy. It's easiest to spot when it's singing, although it also eats on fruiting trees.
Spangle-cheeked Tanager (Tangara dowii)
A stunning multicolored tanager with an orangey belly, cobalt wings, and turquoise spangles on the breast, cheek, and nape. Face in black. Both genders are pretty similar, unlike the rest of the tanagers. They are small, lively, and typically seen in pairs following mixed feeding flocks in forests and margins.
Long-Tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis)
This attractive, chunky little bird is primarily found in tropical forests in dry and humid lowlands and foothills. Away from display areas, these birds are usually found in ones and twos perched quietly or feeding at fruiting trees and bushes from understory to canopy. Complex displays involve loud whistles and interactions between two males.
The adult male is unmistakable. Female and young are greenish overall with orange legs and relatively long tails. Immature males have varying degrees of adult male plumage; the sky-blue back is the last appearance feature.
Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
The Violet Sabrewing is one of the biggest hummingbirds worldwide, shadowed only by a few other species and surpassed by the Giant Hummingbird. Although the male and female have different plumage, they both have a broad, long tail with bright white corner feathers, wide wing feathers, a large stature, and a long, curved bill similar to a hermit.
The female's beak is particularly curled; she is dark green with a gray underside and a violet neck. On the other hand, the male's plumage gives the species its name: he has a deep, solid violet head and most of his body, with dark green on some wing feathers and the lower back, a blackish tail, and the aforementioned white tail corners.
This species is easy to see in the forest because it flies low and loudly, trapping many of the same flower species as some species in the area as the hermits due to their similar beak shapes. Violet Sabrewing favors — and is quite territorial around — heliconia and banana blooms. It may appear at dusk to rob the nectar of buds that have yet to bloom or at dawn to drink any remaining nectar left by the bats.
Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
This unusual nocturnal fruit-eating bird is hard to mistake as well! It is a rufous-brown bird with tiny white spots on the wings, tail, and body, and it has a pinkish bill with a powerful hook. Both sexes are comparable.
The oilbird breeds and roosts in caves or steep dark ravines in colonies, but away from a recognized colony, it isn't easy to find. You can occasionally spot it soaring over the forest canopy at dawn or dusk. If you do, its greater size, bulkier shape, and floppier flight style distinguish it from other crepuscular birds such as nighthawks.
And this is just the start!
Some other great targets in Monteverde are the Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), Magenta Throated Woodstar (Philodice bryantae), Collared Redstart (Myioborus torquatus), Azure Hooded Jay (Cyanolyca cucullata), Purple Throated Mountain Gem (Lampornis calolaemus), Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), Red-Tailed Hawk (Resident), and we can also mention some thrushes like the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus aurantiirostris).
Birdwatching while at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel
Our friends at Ocotea know a thing or two about birdwatching thanks to their decades of experience in the region, and this beautiful boutique hotel can be hard to beat.
Each of the spacious rooms has huge windows and balconies strategically situated to be facing the extensive views of the Pacific Ocean, or the gardens of the hotel filled with the trees that feed the Monteverde birds, including, of course, an Ocotea tree, the species of tree Resplendent Quetzals eat from.
You’re also located in the heart of Monteverde, just a few minutes' drive from all of its beautiful reserves and birdwatching spots. Add in the fact that the Ocotea team is basically on first-name terms with every naturalist and tour guide in the region, and you have a recipe for a birdwatching adventure of a lifetime!
Tours and Excursions
Life in Monteverde is one that is immersed in nature, so it is no surprise that the majority of its activities take place outside in the tropical sunshine or under the dense canopy of the local forests. Here are a few popular activities that you can enjoy.
Hanging Bridges
I can’t say enough about hanging bridge tours, especially with a local guide. There’s something to be said for familiarity with these vast, beautiful natural areas, and a local guide will know where everything is and help you spot it. They know the natural history of the place and provide a detailed, fascinating story of the forest that you won’t find on your own.
The bridges are wide and stable, giving you a platform to explore parts of the canopy usually reserved for the birds and the monkeys. And the views are absolutely breathtaking.
I have been lucky enough to visit them quite often, and each time has been different. One time, I saw the Resplendent Quetzal swirling and twisting directly under where I was standing. I’ve come face to face with a group of howler monkeys comfortably resting on very close branches. And last time, the bellbird was so close I could see it getting ready for its iconic cry.
But no matter what you may or may not see on the trails, you walk gently along the treetops, opening your eyes to a world we never get to see along the ground.
If you’d like to learn more about hanging bridge tours in our area and book one yourself, you can reach out to us here.
Now, the walk along the treetops is quite mild and very beautiful. Still, if you like to see nature from another perspective and feel the thrill of traveling in a completely new way, I highly recommend you go horseback riding!
Horseback Riding
There is something powerful about setting out to explore while in harmony with a powerful, majestic creature. Adventure is often about being part of something larger than yourself. In my opinion, there is no more significant example of that than setting out on horseback to explore this beautiful natural world.
Routes departing from Monteverde usually explore pasture areas and forest patches, alternating between quiet exploration of forest trails and rides along rolling hillsides with astounding views.
Just over a century ago, millions of people went everywhere on horseback. Yet, there is still this adventurous feeling when you find yourself on the back of such a majestic, intelligent, and large creature.
If you’d like to reserve this tour, you can reach out to us here.
Coffee Tours
Coffee. Nectar of the Gods. Giver of life. For many, this rich warm brew is the catalyst that starts their day. The magic that pries their eyes open, and helps them face the morning. There is something comforting about the distinctive scent of freshly ground coffee and the steady drip of the brewing process.
While the process of coffee making in Costa Rica is quite different from what I was used to in North America, the connection to it, and desire for it, remains. As a semi-retired woman, I no longer need it to kickstart my workday… but I still want it!
Why? Because Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world!
I have access to fresh, dark, rich Costa Rican coffee every day, and I’m going to enjoy it… one yummy cup at a time. Unlike the various North American methods of coffee brewing from perked, to French-pressed, to little prepackaged pods, coffee making here is utterly simple.
You grab a cup. You grab a coffee sock. (not the kind you put on your feet- a tube of simple cotton fabric sewn into a tube with a closed bottom called a colador or bolsa). The top is stretched over a circular wire frame with a hook on one end. If you’re feeling fancy, you hang the hook on a wooden frame made for that purpose, (called a chorreador). If you aren’t feeling fancy, you pop the sock in your cup. Then you measure some coffee grinds into your sock, and pour hot water in until the cup is full.
Then you stand over your cup with a groggy smile on your face sniffing the rich aroma for a few minutes while you pry your eyes open. Remove the sock, add your sugar or cream, and voila! Fresh arabica. It may not be fancy, but you can’t beat the flavor!
A Brief History of Coffee in Costa Rica
Coffee is not indigenous to Costa Rica, it arrived in the 1700s, from Cuba, brought in to see how well it would grow.
The answer was- incredibly well. By 1808, the Costa Rican Government realized the impact this amazing new crop could have on the country’s economy. Then-Governor Tomás de Acosta encouraged citizens to plant the crop by offering free land to coffee farmers, and production took off.
By 1821 there were a reported 17,000 coffee trees producing beans. The best coffee grows at altitudes of 1200 to 1700 meters, and thanks to the country’s year-round warm weather, rich volcanic soil, and many mountain slopes, these trees could be harvested three times a year.
The sheer volume of beans produced meant a need for improved infrastructure, roadways, and even railroads, so you could say the coffee industry has shaped the country.
The Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (ICAFE) was established in 1933 to support the industry’s commercial and agricultural development. They even established a law in 1989 that prohibited farmers from growing the robusta strain of coffee beans, so that only the best arabica beans could be used. Talk about dedication to quality!
In 1829, coffee surpassed sugar cane, tobacco, and cacao as the country’s number one export. In 1832, the beans were exported to Chile and Panama. From Chile, the beans were imported to England, where the population instantly took a liking to it.
The British Market was huge and the golden age of coffee production began. The Costa Rican economy thrived, thanks to the ‘golden harvest’ as it’s called until WWII when the British Army began rationing their supplies and demand dropped dramatically.
Coffee Fun Facts
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Costa Rica is famous for its brightly colored Oxcarts… but did you know that the carts were brought here by the Spanish in order to help move the coffee beans to the coast?
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The Tarrazú region is thought by many to make the best coffee because they are at the highest altitude. For a while back in 2012, the most expensive beans sold at Starbucks were the Tarrazú Geisha!
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In parts of Costa Rica, growers harvest the beans three times per year. The January harvest produces the biggest crop… so big in fact, that workers are brought in from neighboring countries to help out. The beans are picked, processed, and packaged within 24 hours! No wonder it tastes so fresh!
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Costa Rica exports between 1.2-1.5 million bags of coffee annually!
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Most of those beans are still picked by hand by workers carrying big baskets on their backs. Then the beans are transported to beneficios (processing plants) to be washed, depulped, and dried. In some cases, they are still left in the sun to dry.
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More than 70% of Costa Rica’s coffee production follows ‘adaptation actions’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (ICAFE, 2015)
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Costa Rica only has around 5 million inhabitants, living in 19,730 square miles…but in 2015 they produced 215,639,213 lbs and exported 131,305,680 lbs of coffee!
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In some cases, coffee beans will actually pick up flavors, not only from the soil but from other nearby crops
Coffee tours are a great way to see for yourself how the beans are collected and processed. You can also discover the various varieties of beans and the way the different growing regions affect the taste of the beans.
Ocotea Tours offers a great Coffee Tour. Click this link to check it out!
Enjoy a Canopy Zipline Adventure
Costa Rica is famous for several things, but when it comes to tourism, canopy ziplines, and eco-tourism top the list. I suppose in a way, those two things are connected because ziplining is a way for visitors to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the forest while leaving the smallest footprints behind.
Even though the country is known for canopy ziplining, many people don’t realize that it was actually invented here way back in 1979. The US biologist that invented it, however, wasn’t thinking about tourism at the time. He was studying the rainforest canopy and needed an easy way to travel amongst the trees!
Donald Perry may have invented it (thank you Donald!), but it was a Canadian entrepreneur who saw its potential for adventure and patented the technology. Darren Hreniuk opened the first canopy zipline in Monteverde in 1997. His attempts to maintain the patent and corner the market were mostly unsuccessful, however, and soon a growing new industry was born.
Today millions of tourists arrive in Costa Rica annually, looking for a tropical vacation and the ability to explore a diversity of nature that exists in few other places.
Fun Facts About Ziplining
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Ziplining actually originated in Ancient China, where the mountainous terrain and wide rivers led residents to search for an easy way to cross wide expanses of land or water quickly and safely. Ziplines were invented, proving to be quick- but not necessarily safe. Eventually, bridges replaced these ancient ziplines and the ziplines fell into disuse…
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Until the Australian military realized its potential during military campaigns. Ziplines were set up and used as a way to send supplies like food, ammunition, and mail quickly and safely into military camps.
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When Donald Perry first started exploring the rainforest canopy, in 1974, he needed a safe and efficient way to study the flora and fauna that he couldn’t see from the ground. Eventually, he discovered that he could use a high-powered crossbow to launch one end of the rope high into the canopy then he would tie the rope between the trees and zip along the rope using his mountaineering skill and equipment. This earned him the nickname “monkey man”.
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40% of all life on earth exists in what Perry termed the “main level” of the canopy. He spent much of his career studying this unique ecosystem and wrote a book about the subject in 1996, called Life Above the Jungle Floor.
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Donald Perry built the very first zipline in 1979 at Finca La Selva, near the Sarapiqui River using over 1000 feet of rope connected by a series of pulleys.
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Darren Hreniuk approached Perry about partnering in a series of zip lines for tourists, but the scientist wasn’t interested, so Hreniuk went to Monteverde and set up his own. The Original Canopy Tour, as he called it, opened in 1997 and is still running today.
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The highest zipline in the world is located in France at Val Thorens ski resort. The line which soars 820 feet above the ground is at an elevation of 10,600 feet above sea level!
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The longest zipline in the world is located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, the Jebel Jais Flight holds the Guinness World Record at 1.76 miles long. Those adventurous enough to give it a try can reach speeds of 93 miles an hour. Yikes!
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The longest zipline in Costa Rica comes in at 5220 ft (1590 m) and is part of the Monteverde Canopy Tour.
Why Are Ziplines So Popular?
While many around the world have embraced the adventure inherent in the sport of ziplining, there are others who, perhaps due to a fear of heights, wonder at its widespread appeal.
To be perfectly honest, my own fear of heights made it hard to understand until the day my youngest daughter decided to face her own fear and dragged me along for the ride. Are we still afraid of heights? Yes. Would I do it again? Definitely, and here is why.
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The experience. There is nowhere else on earth that you can soar so close to the canopy and get a true appreciation of the beauty that it holds- and the sheer size of some of these humongous trees.
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The exhilaration. There are a lot of ways to get your heart pounding and to trigger the burst of adrenaline that only happens when your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode. Few of them are as safe as a properly run zipline, thanks to the knowledge that goes into their construction, the regular maintenance that keeps them working properly, and the training that you’re given pre-tour to make sure you use your equipment properly.
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Bragging Rights. That’s right, I said it. Facing your fear and hurling yourself through the air under a tautly strung cable isn’t for everyone. So, those of us that do it earn the right to pat ourselves on the back and tell all of our friends how brave we were!
What To Expect When You Book Your Canopy Tour
Now that you’re all pumped up and ready to brave a Costa Rican Canopy Tour, there are a few things you should know.
The first is that there is no point in taking all sorts of “stuff” with you. Dangling from cables on a harness doesn’t leave a lot of space for purses or extra cameras, and if you drop them along the way- they’re gone forever. Some venues may offer lockers for your gear, but if at all possible, it’s a good idea just to lock it safely in the car out of sight once you have paid your fee. It’s also a great idea to have your keys on a lanyard or attached to a carabiner, and that applies any time you are adventuring in nature.
If you are worried that you won’t be able to prove you did it, don’t. Many of the tours have cameras along the way snapping pics for you. It will cost you a few dollars, but not as much as losing your camera and all your vacation pictures in the jungle. In some cases, you can bring your GoPro and attach it to your helmet, leaving your hands free during the tour.
You should also be aware that there are different parts to a Canopy Tour with a zipline. Their websites will list things like rope bridges, Tarzan swings, hammock bridges(aka hanging bridges), superman ziplines, and rappels. So, let’s take a minute and talk about what each term means.
Obviously, to zipline through the canopy, you have to first get up there. Sometimes this is done gradually through a series of ramps, or rope bridges that are attached to platforms built around the trunks of the trees.
A rope bridge (pictured above) is generally when a series of parallel ropes strung between trees that hold wooden slats together. There are ropes to hang onto as you cross, and the bridge will sway gently when you step on it.
A hammock/hanging bridge is similar but the structure is more substantial and they generally have high side railings. They are often used to cross rivers or gullies. They look like this…
A Tarzan swing is exactly what you would expect… swinging on the end of a long rope, except that you are safely clipped in by a harness, and yelling is optional.
Another term that is fairly easy to imagine is the Superman Zipline. While it’s not exactly flying like Superman, it’s about as close as you can get- safely and without superpowers. This is accomplished using a special harness that clips in at your back so that you swing facedown and then glide along below the cable.
Rappelling is done when the rope is running vertically from the top of a cliff or waterfall to the bottom. Climbers clip themselves to the rope using special equipment. It allows them to slide down the rope at their own pace while bracing their feet against the cliff face. In Costa Rica rappelling down waterfalls is a fun way to cool off!
As part of Ocotea Tours, we have been helping people find adventure through ziplining since 2008, and we are happy to give you the benefit of that experience. To learn more about our favorite local zipline or book a tour, click here!
Now that we’ve discussed all the fun activities you can enjoy outside in the sunshine, here are a few you can enjoy inside.
Five Experiences to Enjoy Monteverde's Nature Indoors
Monteverde is a place for nature lovers. That is its most recognizable feature. However, in recent years it has also become well-known for adventure travel. But not all of us are driven by exciting vacations filled with adventures, and even if you are, sometimes there’s time in the day for something a little bit more low-key.
Whatever the case, don’t let Monteverde’s new adventurous reputation intimidate you! In Monteverde, you can find fantastic opportunities to enjoy its magnificent nature without having to go for a hike that may take hours or tackle the heart-pounding thrill of zip lining.
That’s why in this article, I’m taking a moment to list some of my favorite easy-going and easy doing nature activities.
The Frog Pond
This is an enclosed facility very close to Santa Elena and a perfect choice for a rainy afternoon or if you prefer some easier activities related to nature.
Some of the fantastic creatures you will see in the Frog Pond are:
The Leopard Frog. This frog can be active both day and night, is terrestrial, measures about 9 cm, and inhabits Guanacaste and the coast of Puntarenas. Its name comes from the pigmentation on its back that looks just like a leopard.
The Common Rain Frog. This 5 cm frog can be seen all over the country except in the province of Guanacaste. It is nocturnal and can be found on the ground and in trees.
Fleischmann's Glass Frog. With a size of only 3 cm, this small nocturnal frog has the peculiarity of having semi-transparent skin, so you can actually see its internal organs from the outside. In Costa Rica, it can be found all over the country, except in the province of Guanacaste.
The Calf Frog or Chicken-Eating Frog. This rather large frog can measure up to 17 cm! In fact, they are so big that they feed on other smaller frogs, snakes, small birds, or even bats. They are nocturnal, live on the ground, and can be found all along the Atlantic coast, the southern Pacific coast, and most of the northern part of the country.
The Red-Blue Poison Frog or, as it is commonly known, the Blue Jeans Frog. Its name comes from its curious coloration as although it has a bright red body, its legs are blue, and so it looks like it is wearing blue jeans! Like other poison dart frogs, it does not need the protection of night, so it is diurnal. It is terrestrial and can be found throughout the Atlantic slope and most of the northern part of the country. It is also quite small, measuring only 2 cm.
The Granulated Poison Frog is very similar in appearance to the blue jeans. Some have orange bodies and green legs, and others with green bodies and slightly bluish legs. Like blue jeans frogs, this frog is diurnal and terrestrial. It can be found on the southern Pacific coast and measures only 2 cm.
The Rufous-Eyed Gully Frog. This small 3 cm frog can be found in the tropical forests of central Costa Rica. It is nocturnal and arboreal. It is one of the many species that are in danger of extinction because of the destruction of its habitat, which is why there are dedicated efforts to protect this species.
The Lancaster's Tree Frog. This beautiful spotted frog is nocturnal, arboreal, and can be found in the Cahuita area. As for its size, it is quite small, only 3 cm.
The Green-Black Poison Frog. This frog secretes a toxin that protects it from predators. Interestingly, its toxicity comes from its diet, as it eats beetles and ants that are poisonous. As it is protected by its venom, it has no problem being diurnal and terrestrial. It measures 3 cm and can be found along the southern Pacific coast, the entire Atlantic coast, and the northern part of the country.
The Milky Frog is larger than many of the small dart frogs, measuring between 7 and 11 cm. It is nocturnal and arboreal and can be found all along the Pacific coast.
The Crowned Frog. This frog’s name comes from the interesting toothed crown on the top of its head. It can be found in central Costa Rica, where it is nocturnal, arboreal, and measures about 8 cm. Another species we are working to protect!
Giant Toad or Cane Toad. This enormous toad can reach 17 cm and can be found active at night and during the day. Like all toads and frogs of its size, it is terrestrial. As for its location, it can be found all over Costa Rica.
The Splendid Frog. The brindle pattern on the underside of its body is beautiful, and compared to some other more protected species this frog is actually plentiful! It is nocturnal, arboreal, and can be found in lowland primary rainforests. In terms of size, it measures between 7 and 10 cm.
The Red-Eyed Frog. This famous amphibian has dazzling colors that make it a global icon. You can distinguish the blue on its hind legs, the orange on its front legs, the green on its back, the white on its lower body, and, of course, the red on its big eyes. A curiosity of this species is that the female is longer than the male, 5.5 cm for the male and 7 cm for the female. It is a nocturnal, arboreal frog and can be found in forests all over the country, except for the Guanacaste area and the central-southern part of Costa Rica.
Besides seeing frogs, you can also find other animals such as insects, spiders, some reptiles, and even some birds that have made their nests there (part of the roof of the enclosure is open). Definitely worth a visit!
The Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden in Monteverde is probably one of the best options if you’re looking for a relaxing nature experience. There are several reasons for this, but most importantly, this is a butterfly garden that has different sections with climate adaptations for the different species of butterflies.
Usually, butterfly species are mixed, and the focus is the experience of having these winged marvels fluttering all over the place. However, in the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, the research of insects, in general, is their main objective.
You will notice this from the minute you walk into the garden, as you will have a specialized guide who will give you a general explanation of the insects, their different diets, caterpillars, and the metamorphosis process. You may even get lucky enough to watch butterflies coming out of their cocoons!
As you walk from one chamber to the next, you will witness breathtaking miniatures like the glass-winged butterfly, pretty common in the dark shaded areas of the rainforest floors.
The educational side of this butterfly garden is what sets it over the top in my opinion. You learn a lot here: like, depending on the species, the chambers of the gardens may be sunnier or darker. You may witness the heliconia butterflies with bright colors and interesting designs in their wings, or the Capuchin and the Caligo butterflies. And at last, the glorious Morphos with their iridescent light blue colors, magically appear under the sun.
And all the way, your expert guide is helping you learn anything you’d like to know about these beautiful, entrancing creatures.
The Bat Jungle
The Bat Jungle Laboratory in Monteverde results from roughly 40 years of hard work by Dr. Richard Laval, who has committed himself to researching and investigating bat species all over the world.
In the Monteverde Bat Jungle, you will discover the biological history of these amazing flying animals, as well as the enormous variety of species that exist in Costa Rica and across the world.
The guides will give you an instructive lecture on bats, including behavior, food, breeding, and many other fascinating aspects of these species (like the fact that they are the planet’s #1 pollinators)!
You’ll also get to go in-depth to understand how these mammals developed to fly, exploring a magnificent mechanism that resembles bird wings, and understanding how they relate to bat flight! You'll also learn about the amazing mechanism they use to detect anything within the forest while flying through the dark night — echolocation!
What You Might Find Here
There are about 80 live and active bats in this fantastic laboratory, with huge flying areas to provide an ideal environment, similar to that of a real forest. During a Bat Jungle trip, you will see the various species approach the feeders in search of fruits and nectar. Further within, you will witness the hunting bats and vampire bats!
Vampire bats, of course, do not harm humans. They’re far more focused on other types of food (and scared of humans too). Still, the species is highly safeguarded by the protective glass, so you won’t have to worry about putting that information to the test.
The Audio and Interactive Experience
Another big reason to explore the Bat Jungle is all of the technology that helps you understand these often misunderstood creatures. In the Bat Jungle, you may listen to the various noises generated by each species, which they use to form the echolocation system and so travel around.
You can listen and appreciate these unique sounds thanks to an efficient amplification system, remarkable ‘bat ears’ that have been carefully created for human usage. With these ears, you will get a taste of bats' extraordinary hearing sensitivity. Definitely worth exploring!
The Monteverde Orchid Garden
The Monteverde Orchid Garden is a magnificent place where you can always witness over a hundred species of orchids in bloom regardless of the time of year in which you travel, as they have a collection of over five hundred species of orchids.
When you arrive at the Monteverde Orchid Garden, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of these delicate flowers, but don't just get carried away by your feet and wander around the garden. There is so much to learn here!
Our recommendation is to sign up for a guided tour to fully understand the complexity of orchids. You can learn where and how they collect the varieties of orchids in the garden, what are their characteristics, what makes them unique, and what pollination methods they use... You will also see the smallest orchid in the world, the Platystele jungermannioides.
With it, you will enjoy the extensive collection of miniature orchids that are quite common in the cloud forest of Monteverde and larger natural species that live in the transition from the rainforest to the humid tropics.
In your visit to the Monteverde Orchid Garden, you will also discover the difference between natural orchids and those created through artificial pollination and, yes, you will be given a series of basic tips for the care of orchids at home and even for the good maintenance of your garden if you have one!
A World Leader for Orchids!
Costa Rica is home to approximately 1,600 orchid species, most of which flourish in humid, tropical settings. However, with a few exceptions, the Costa Rican government has made it unlawful to collect them, making the Monteverde Orchid Garden even more unique. You will view (and smell) over 460 different types of orchids from all over Costa Rica, as you explore over 10764 square feet of tropical vegetation teeming with insects, birds, and butterflies.
The Monteverde Orchid has three sections. The first part has a variety of tiny orchids endemic to the Monteverde region, including the world's tiniest orchid, Platystele jungermannioides.
The second part contains bigger orchid species found in Costa Rica, such as Oncidium, Encyclea, Epidendrum, and Maxillaria, among others. These orchids are most commonly found in the transitional zone between humid and tropical humid woods.
The hybrid species are housed in the third and final area. These orchids are made in a lab by a process of cross-pollination. In this area, visitors may learn about the distinctions between naturally occurring and scientifically developed orchids.
As we mentioned before, the Monteverde Orchid Garden offers guided tours for individuals interested in learning more about orchids, and we highly recommend it. You’ll be escorted around the gardens by guides who can tell you about the orchid's natural environment, structure, and pollination procedures. You may also learn about various orchid smells, basic orchid care recommendations, and how to design an orchid garden. Most excursions range from 30 minutes to an hour and are available in both Spanish and English.
The Monteverde Orchid Garden is ideal for both children and adults, providing an immersive educational experience that will leave visitors in awe of the garden's vast number of orchids. So grab a magnifying lens from the front desk (you'll need it!) and begin inspecting the many orchids, which come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and scents
The Hummingbird Garden
It's difficult to think of someone who isn't fascinated by hummingbirds. They are really like fairies, with their iridescent colors, small stature, and seemingly supersonic speed, they enchant everyone from infants to the most seasoned birdwatchers.
In Monteverde, you can find up to 30 species of hummingbirds and see them all concentrated in hummingbird gardens. One iconic location is the Hummingbird Gallery, which has become a tradition for birdwatchers and photographers to come.
In Monteverde, there are a few places where you can see high concentrations of hummingbirds, including Curi Cancha, the Cloud Forest Reserve, and Children's Eternal Rainforest.
They zoom by, flashing bright colors of green, bronze, red, purple, gold, blue, and turquoise, so focused on their feast that they don’t perceive the human attention around them. They will zoom by within an inch of your ear if you stand in their typical flight route.
Some of the hummingbirds you can watch in these fantastic places in Monteverde are:
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the Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy),
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the Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii),
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the Coppery-headed Emerald (Elvira cupreiceps),
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the Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis),
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the Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus),
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the Little Hermit, aka the Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis),
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the Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris),
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the Magenta-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox bryantae),
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The Purple-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus),
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the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris),
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the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl),
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the Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla),
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the Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
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and the Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica), among other species!
A Place for Everyone!
Monteverde is such an amazing place that offers a bit of everything for nature lovers. And as you have read, even if you have hiked through all the beautiful trails, and have seen the forest from above and beyond, sometimes a magnifying glass can show us different dimensions, and amazing tiny landscapes.
Monteverde is full of bright colors and tiny wonders, and all of these can be observed and learned when you stay at Ocotea Boutique Hotel! Let us know which of all of these fantastic places would you like to see first!
We’d Love for You to Join Us
Whew! As you can see, Monteverde is a place for experiences, new ones, exciting ones, inspiring ones, or delicious ones (we will talk about those in another post). Whether your dream vacation involves hiking through one of the many trails in our protected rainforest, and doing a spot of birdwatching while you are there, or trying something more adventurous, like ziplining or horseback riding, you can find it here.
And while you are hiking and biking and riding, you are sure to discover the warm and welcoming culture of Costa Rica and the indescribable beauty of Monteverde. We hope you will join us and in doing so, create memories that will last a lifetime, right here in our mountain metropolis!
"Please do not mention or promote this garden as they have feeders where they feed the hummingbirds and this affects our CST for Tours & Transfers".
