5 Best Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica (+ What to Skip)

Curious which things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica are truly worth your time – and which ones you can skip? Keep reading to find out!

Monteverde, Costa Rica is an amazingly beautiful place. Sitting at an elevation of over 4,600 feet (1,400 meters), it’s known mainly for its unique cloud forest ecosystem.

Home to over 400 bird species and more than 100 mammal species, it draws people from all over the world to explore its hiking trails and other activities. It’s a perfect destination for true nature lovers, adventure seekers and photographers.

With so many options for things to do in Monteverde, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s actually worth your time. We’re going to try to help you sort through some of the noise.

Why can you trust our recommendations?

We’ve traveled to Costa Rica frequently over the last 30+ years and have tried pretty much every activity imaginable. Some have been completely worth it and others, not so much.

There’s nothing worse than planning a trip for months and being underwhelmed by some of the expensive tours you were looking forward to. We’re going to tell you which activities we think are worth your time and which ones you can probably skip.

Top 5 Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Monteverde Costa Rica, you might notice this list is shorter than most — and that’s intentional.

While there are plenty of activities in Monteverde, not all of them offer real value for your time or budget. Instead of overwhelming you with every possible tour or attraction, we’ve narrowed it down to the top experiences that are truly worth it.

Monteverde is a unique destination, but it’s not for every traveler. It’s ideal for those who love outdoor adventures, cloud forest hikes, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictable weather. If that sounds like you, this list is designed with your Costa Rica travel style in mind.

However, if you’re a first-time visitor choosing between Monteverde and Arenal (La Fortuna), we recommend Arenal. It provides the classic rainforest experience. With its lush jungles, waterfalls, hot springs and easier access, its what many travelers expect when visiting Costa Rica.

Monteverde offers something different, but it may not be the right fit for everyone.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the main attraction for anyone visiting the area so it makes sense to put this at number one. It’s hands-down, the original and best cloud forest experience.

What to Expect

The reserve has a large network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the forest. You’ll find incredible biodiversity within the forest along with a vast array of bird and mammal species including quetzals and howler monkeys.

Time Needed

Guided tours are typically 2-3 hours long but you could easily spend more time if you’re on a self-guided tour.

Guided vs. Self-Guided

You have the option between guided and self-guided tours. The guided tours are great for anyone that wants an in-depth explanation of the ecosystem or would like the benefit of having someone spot wildlife that you may miss on your own.

However, if you’re more interested in photography or hiking and exploring on your own, save yourself the money and opt for a self-guided tour instead.

When planning a trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest, there are a couple of things you should know in advance to help you better plan for your visit. Here are a couple of tips and insights:

• Arrive early (7 AM opening) for best wildlife viewing
• Bring layers – the temperature drops significantly inside the forest
• Don’t expect to see everything in one visit

Personal Take

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a stunning destination, especially if you love peaceful hikes, fresh mountain air, and being surrounded by lush greenery. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the top things to do in Monteverde Costa Rica.

That said, our experience wasn’t quite what we expected. We didn’t spot much wildlife during our visit, and surprisingly, we saw more animals right from the deck of our hotel room!

While the forest itself was beautiful and atmospheric, after hiking for a while without many sightings, it started to feel more like a quiet (and rainy) nature walk than a wildlife adventure.

We considered booking a guided tour, which might have helped us spot more, but after a disappointing experience on a hanging bridges tour (more on that later), we decided to explore on our own this time.

Still, if you’re visiting Monteverde for the first time and love being surrounded by nature, the Cloud Forest Reserve is worth a visit, especially if you go in with the right expectations.

Cost

Guided tours start at $35 per person but usually don’t include the entrance fee. For a more personalized experience, you can book a privately-guided tour.

2. Explore the Hanging Bridges

We definitely recommend exploring the hanging bridges if you have the chance because the views are beautiful.

There are a few hanging bridge tours in the Monteverde area including Selvatura Tree Top Walkway and 100% Aventura Adventure Park which both consist of 8 bridges in total. There’s also Treetopia (formerly Sky Adventures) which only has 6 but one is actually the longest in Costa Rica at 774 feet.

What To Expect

The thing to know about the hanging bridge tours is that they’re part of a larger “adventure park” which usually includes other activities such as canopy tours, cable car rides and various reptile and amphibian displays. 

This is a fairly easy activity for just about anyone. The bridges themselves are flat so it’s not very strenuous. 

However, some of the paths that you need to navigate to get from one bridge to another are dirt and a little steep in some areas. If the ground is wet, which is pretty often in Monteverde, it can get a little slippery. 

Another visitor, not in our group, took a bit of a fall when we visited recently. Thankfully, he was okay but it’s something to consider for anyone with mobility issues.

Here are a couple of tips if you plan to do a hanging bridge tour.

• Bring binoculars since not all tours provide them
• Bring layers – temperature drops significantly inside the forest
• You may not see all the wildlife

Time Needed

The time needed for a hanging bridge tour will depend on whether you do a guided or self-guided tour. 

A guided tour will take between 2 and 3 hours since you’ll be stopping to view wildlife that the guide points out. If you choose to do a self-guided tour, you can likely do this in much less time.

Personal Take

We were really excited to explore the hanging bridges in Monteverde. While the bridges themselves were absolutely stunning, we chose the guided tour hoping it would give us a deeper look at the wildlife. In hindsight, though, it wasn’t the right fit for us.

The tour ended up being very focused on birdwatching. If that’s your thing, you’ll probably love it. Our guide was incredibly skilled at spotting even the tiniest birds we never would’ve noticed on our own.

He also gave everyone a chance to look through his binoculars, which was a nice touch, though it did slow things down quite a bit, especially with a larger group.

To be fair, several people on the tour seemed to really enjoy it, but for us, it felt slow and a bit underwhelming — we were hoping for more variety in the wildlife and found ourselves getting restless by the end. Aside from a few birds, we didn’t see much else.

Next time, we’d skip the guided version and take our time exploring the bridges on our own. That way, we could move at our own pace and fully soak in the views and atmosphere.

Cost

Guided tours start at around $35 per person.

3. Night Walks – When the Forest Comes Alive

For all you night owls out there, what better way to experience the cloud forest than at night?

If you don’t have any luck spotting wildlife during the day, try giving one of the night tours a shot. Approximately 80% of the cloud forest wildlife is nocturnal so it’s an ideal time to explore. 

What to Expect

A night tour in Monteverde is a slow-paced, guided walk through private forest trails after dark, usually lasting about 2 hours.

You’ll be given a flashlight, and your naturalist guide will help you spot nocturnal wildlife like frogs, insects, sleeping birds, snakes, and sometimes even mammals like kinkajous or armadillos. Don’t expect constant action. Sightings vary based on weather and season.

Trails are generally easy to moderate, but closed-toe shoes and a light rain jacket are highly recommended.

Time Needed

These tours are typically around 2 hours long.

Personal Take

We were curious, and honestly a bit skeptical, about booking a night tour in Monteverde. We’d heard mixed reviews: some travelers raved about spotting all kinds of nocturnal creatures, while others said it felt more like a walk in the dark. Still, the idea of exploring the cloud forest after sunset was too intriguing to pass up.

Once we got going, it was clear this was a totally different side of Monteverde. The forest comes alive in a way you don’t experience during the day.

We were lucky enough to spot several sleeping birds, a few frogs, and some insects we never would’ve seen on our own. It wasn’t packed with wildlife, but there were definitely memorable moments.

That said, if you’re expecting to see larger animals or a constant stream of wildlife, it might not match those expectations. It’s more about the atmosphere.

For us, it was worth it for the experience alone. If you’re even a little curious and enjoy nature, a night tour in Monteverde is definitely something to consider.

Cost

Shared tours will cost around $30 per person.

4. Zip-lining Through The Canopy

We love ziplining. We’ve done several different ones over the years and we’ll probably continue to do them because they really are fun, with the right conditions. I’ll go more into this in a moment.

There are many zipline tours in and around La Fortuna and Monteverde so finding one won’t be difficult. 

Two of the better ones are Selvatura Adventure Park and the Original Canopy Tour. Here’s a look at the differences between the two.

Selvatura vs the Original Canopy Tour

Much like the hanging bridges tour, ziplining tours vary a bit depending on which one you do.

Selvatura

As mentioned earlier, Selvatura is an adventure park with other available activities including the hanging bridge tour. 

Selvatura has a total of 13 cables in varying lengths which zigzag among the treetops. 

You can combine this with the hanging bridge tour for a longer day. This is actually what we did. 

This is a good option for anyone that wants more ziplines as it has more than the Original Canopy Tour.

Original Canopy Tour

The Original Canopy Tour is conveniently located at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge. The entrance is located across from the check in building. 

This zipline tour includes 9 regular ziplines and an added bonus of 2 superman style ones. There’s also a Tarzan swing, bridge and rappel.

This is a great option because of the mix of activities. 

What to expect

Zipline tours are a great way to view the cloud forest from a different perspective. 

It’s definitely for those that love an adrenaline rush and aren’t afraid of heights. You’ll reach some pretty high speeds on some of the cables but there are guides at both ends to assist you and to make sure your gear is working properly.

Some tours will allow children of a certain age to participate. You’ll need to confirm this with the tour company prior to booking. Younger children may be required to go tandem with an adult.

Who Should Skip It

If you have a fear of heights or any physical limitations, this may not be an ideal activity for you.

Time Needed

If you’re only doing the zipline tour, this will take approximately 2.5 hours. If you combine it with hanging bridges, it will be closer to 5 hours.

Personal Take

This one’s a bit mixed for us. Monteverde is truly a beautiful place, and zip-lining there is a unique experience but it didn’t quite end up being a highlight of our trip.

The tour itself was well-organized, and the staff were great. Since we were visiting in March, we booked in advance to be safe. In hindsight, we probably would’ve benefited from waiting until closer to the day to decide, based on the weather.

Unfortunately, the day of our tour turned out to be rainy, windy, and quite chilly. Tours in Monteverde typically run rain or shine, which is understandable given how much precipitation the area gets.

Part of the appeal of a canopy tour is enjoying the views, and with the heavy cloud cover, we didn’t get to see much. Plus, zipping through the rain at high speed was a little less fun than we’d imagined.

That said, this wasn’t a reflection on the tour itself, it just came down to timing and weather. If you catch it on a clear day, I can imagine it being an incredible experience.

For comparison, we’ve found that the canopy tours near La Fortuna suit us better. The warmer, sunnier weather make it easier to enjoy the scenery. But Monteverde still has a lot to offer, and with better weather, it could be a totally different experience.

Cost

Pricing starts at $80 per person for the canopy tour. A combination tour will be closer to $125 per person.

5. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve – The Hidden Gem

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a less-crowded, community-run reserve in Monteverde offering rich biodiversity, cloud forest trails, and stunning views.

There are five scenic hiking trails (from short loops to 4-hour treks), that wind their way through moss-covered trees, hanging vines, and lookout points. It’s home to hundreds of bird species, howler monkeys, sloths, and rare cats like ocelots.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest is great for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful walks in the forest. All proceeds support local conservation and education.

Time Needed

Around 3 hours

Cost

Pricing starts at $35 per person for a guided tour. Private tours are around $65 per person. The entrance fee is an additional $18 per adult and $9 per child 7-12 years.

What We’d Skip (And Why)

While Monteverde can be packed with memorable experiences, not everything lives up to the hype or is worth the time and money for every traveler.

Here are some activities you might want to consider skipping in Monteverde, depending on your interests, budget, and expectations.

Hummingbird Galleries (If You Want a “Wild” Experience)

While the hummingbird gardens in Monteverde are undeniably beautiful, they rely on feeders to attract the birds, which can make the experience feel a little artificial for travelers hoping to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

Instead, consider visiting reserves like Curi-Cancha, where you can often see hummingbirds in the wild as you hike through the forest. This offers a more authentic and immersive experience.

Souvenir Shopping in Tourist Traps

Many of the gift shops in Monteverde can be overpriced and often carry generic, mass-produced souvenirs that don’t reflect the local culture.

For more meaningful purchases, consider browsing artisan cooperatives or looking for handmade items sold directly at your lodge or nearby eco-lodges. These often support local artists and offer truly unique keepsakes.

Butterfly Gardens

Monteverde has multiple butterfly gardens, but they tend to be very similar and not particularly unique to the area. If you’ve already visited one elsewhere in Costa Rica or Central America, you may want to skip this. In addition, they tend to be overpriced for what you get.

Snake or Insect Exhibits

These indoor reptile/insect museums (like the Serpentarium) are small and can feel a bit outdated or overpriced. They’re fine for rainy days or kids, but if you’re in Monteverde for natural wildlife experiences, they might not be worth your time.

Horseback Riding Tours

While scenic, horseback riding in Monteverde is often on well-worn trails without much wildlife or unique views. Plus, there are concerns about animal welfare with some operators. If this isn’t high on your bucket list, you might want to skip it.

Coffee Tours (if you’re heading to other coffee regions)

Coffee tours in Monteverde are enjoyable, but they’re not quite as authentic or in-depth as those in Costa Rica’s more renowned coffee regions like the Central Valley or Tarrazú. If you’re visiting those areas too, save the experience for there.

Frog Pond

The Frog Pond in Monteverde can be interesting, but it’s often skippable for most travelers. The space is small, the visit is short, and the entrance fee may feel steep for what you get.

Since frogs are mostly nocturnal, they can be hard to spot during the day, and even night visits don’t guarantee active sightings.

If you’re doing a night tour or exploring the cloud forest, you’re likely to see frogs in the wild making the pond less essential. With so many other standout activities in Monteverde, this one’s easy to pass on if time is limited.

If you’re short on time, focus on the cloud forests, hanging bridges, and wildlife tours, which are truly unique to Monteverde. Skip anything that feels like a filler activity unless it aligns with your personal interests.

When To Visit

You can use the following information as a general guideline for what the weather is like in Monteverde throughout the year.

However, Monteverde’s high elevation makes it susceptible to unpredictable weather including rain, mist and high winds at pretty much any time of year.

There are certainly clear days as well but this is never guaranteed.

How To Get To Monteverde

Whether you’re traveling from San Jose, Liberia or anywhere in-between, there are a few transportation options available to get you to Monteverde.

We highly recommend either a private transfer, shared shuttle service or rental car. We’ve used all three of these options and highly recommend them. Read our post about driving in Costa Rica here.

Essentials To Pack For Monteverde

When visiting Monteverde, you’ll definitely want to be prepared for varying weather. The weather here is completely different from other parts of Costa Rica.

We recently visited Monteverde in March, which is technically the dry season, and it didn’t get out of the low 60’s. That may not sound too bad on the surface but tack on the rain and wind and it’s a whole other story.

By contrast, we visited the Tamarindo area right after Monteverde and it was sunny and in the low 90’s every day.

Here’s a list of some things you might want to consider packing when visiting Monteverde:

Weather-Ready Gear

• Light Rain Jacket or Poncho – It rains often, even in dry season.
• Waterproof Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners – Trails can be muddy and slick.
• Quick-Dry Clothing – Avoid cotton; it stays wet and gets cold.
• Warm Layers – Temps can drop to the 50s°F (10–15°C) at night.
• Umbrella – Optional, but handy for light drizzles although we prefer rain jackets or ponchos. Carrying an umbrella can get a little tedious.

For Outdoor Adventures

• Daypack with Rain Cover – To carry layers, snacks, and gear on hikes.
• Binoculars – For spotting birds like the resplendent quetzal.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated during hikes and tours.
• Headlamp or Flashlight – Especially useful for night walks or power outages.
• Bug Spray (DEET-free if possible) – Not as buggy as the jungle, but still helpful.

For Photos & Memories

• Camera or Smartphone with Zoom – Great for wildlife and sweeping views.
• Dry Bag or Ziplocks – Protect electronics from humidity and rain.

Just in Case

• Motion Sickness Tablets – Roads to Monteverde are steep and winding.
• Small First Aid Kit – Blisters, scrapes, or sore muscles are common.
• Cash (Colones or USD) – Some places don’t accept cards or have spotty internet.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the more common questions people often have about visiting Monteverde.

Is Monteverde, Costa Rica worth visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting Monteverde if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching or photography and you don’t mind doing it in the rain or wind.

What to do around Monteverde?

There are several activities available in and around Monteverde Including hiking trails, zip lining tours and hanging bridge tours.

How many days should I spend in Monteverde Costa Rica?

Two days is a sufficient amount of time to get the feel for Monteverde.

In a Nutshell: Things To Do In Monteverde, Costa Rica

There’s an incredible array of things to do in Monteverde for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its rustic charm and ever-changing weather may not suit every traveler, but for those who don’t mind a little wind or rain, it’s a dream destination.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that Monteverde’s cloud forests are true to their name. Mist, rain, and strong winds are common, and most tours operate rain or shine. If you’re booking in advance, be sure to review the cancellation policies just in case.

If Monteverde doesn’t quite match your travel style, that’s okay too. Costa Rica is full of diverse destinations, each with its own unique appeal. There’s something here for everyone!

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