Wondering what makes Monteverde special?
Monteverde has cloud forests - which are a truly unique ecosystem. (I should add here, that as a former English teacher I don't throw the word "unique" around lightly -but in this case, it's true!).
Located in the Tilaran Mountain Range at 4,600 above sea level, Monteverde is an ideal location for seeing birds you might not (and in some cases won't) see elsewhere. This type of forest is characterized by persistent cloud cover, normally at canopy level. Cloud forests are important because there are birds and plants that are only found in this type of ecosystem. For example - Monteverde has been named the best place in the world to see the iconic Resplendant Quetzal because of the abundance of protected cloud forest.
And really - I wouldn't classify myself as a birder, but how beautiful is this bird???
In the Cloud Forest you're inside the clouds above the canopy - allowing you see birds that are most active in canopies and edges like the cloud forests.
Unfortunately cloud forests are highly vulnerable to climate change, and it's a possibility that eventually cloud forests will disappear entirely.
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that still has healthy protected cloud forests - and it has three separate cloud forest reserves: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most popular cloud forest with the most animals, and it has Selvatura Park - an adventure park that includes ziplines through the canopy as well as some of Costa Rica's famous hanging bridges. These treetop walkways (as the park calls them) provide a great way to safely look at the cloud forest canopy and the variety of flora and fauna at your own pace. This is true biodiversity not found anywhere else in the world. From here you can observe all levels of the cloud forest.
You can traverse 1.9 miles trails, and cross eight bridges of various lengths. Each bridge is five feet in width which is nice as well - you'll feel secure while you're standing amongst the clouds!
You might see some sloths while walking around the cloud forest, but if by any chance you don't, you're guaranteed to seem them in the Sloth Sanctuary. This sanctuary was created with the Caribbean Sloth Sanctuary - and their shared vision of conservation has created a natural exhibit where sloths can freely travel between paths, and general move about as they would outside of a sanctuary. You'll be enough of a distance away so that you won't disturb the sloths - but close enough for great observation. You'll learn all about sloths and about all that the sanctuary is doing for rescue and to help sloths in the wild.
The park also offers butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and yes a reptile exhibit. (But if you know me at all you'll know I'm not talking about or sourcing pictures of that 😂).
Where to Stay?
There are plenty of places to stay in Monteverde even though it has less of a touristy feel than other areas. You're most likely not going to need too much time in Monteverde - maybe two days, but it's still nice to have someplace you can really relax in when you're spending your days hiking and zip-lining! My pick? The Senda Monteverde Hotel
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Senda Monteverde is a newer eco-hotel in the area. In 2018 the owners took over a closed down older hotel, completely redid it and created a warm, inviting, "cozy mountain lodge with all the essentials." They bill themselves as "for those who seek a peaceful down to earth stay." This is a casual laid back space to relax and have some quiet downtime before and after your Monteverde adventure - but it also offers some great amenities as well. The location is perfect - at Senda Monteverde you're only a 15 minute walk into town. Whereas at many of the other area hotels you could find yourself two hours from town.
Senda Monteverde has a variety of suites and rooms (24 in total) that spread out across the property in mountain bungalows. Some are on hilltops with views that span all the way to the Gulf of Nicoya, while others have incredible views of windows into the cloud forests.
One aspect I love about this place is that they have the Senda Mountain Suites that can hold up to four adults and two children.
Complimentary breakfast included:
Amenities include private nature trails, complimentary access to Aguti Wildlife Reserve (which includes On-Property Nature Trails & Terrace Look-outs), Yoga Mats, Rubber Boots & Walking Sticks, and Hanging Bridge & Peaceful Look-outs.
Know Before You Go:
The roads to Monteverde are not the easiest - be prepared for a somewhat bumpy ride!
It's also cooler than other areas of Costa Rica and is often fairly chilly at night. In the dry season is often sprinkles in the morning and afternoon - which is why Monteverde is known for its rainbows.
You're going to need pants, a sweater, raincoat, and if possible, closed toed hiking sandals.
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