What to Expect in Monteverde, Costa Rica: 15 Things to Know

Not sure what to expect in Monteverde, Costa Rica? Our list will help you decide if it’s the right destination for you.

We’re going to be completely honest with you. Monteverde is a destination that people either love or really dislike (hate is such a strong word). 

There isn’t anything wrong with Monteverde, per se, but its characteristics aren’t usually what people think of when they think of Costa Rica. That’s why we decided to put this list together.

In this guide, we’re going to share our top insights about what to expect in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Plus, we’ll include helpful tips so you aren’t taken by surprise, like we were the first time we visited.

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Top Things You Should Know About Monteverde

If you’re still in the planning phase for a trip to Costa Rica, take everything you’ve learned up to this point and put it to the side. Chances are, most of what you’ve heard or read doesn’t apply to Monteverde. 

Is it beautiful like the rest of Costa Rica? Yes, absolutely, but that’s probably where the similarities end. Everything else, including weather, accommodations, and restaurants, is completely different.

With that said, let’s take a closer look at what to expect in Monteverde.

1. You Don’t Need a 4×4, But It Helps

While you don’t need to rent a 4×4 when driving to Monteverde, we highly recommend that you do, especially in the rainy season.

As we already mentioned, a good portion of the route to get to Monteverde is along unpaved roads. This can be challenging even during the dry season, but more so in the rainy season.

We’ve come across every situation you can possibly imagine including roads covered in water that we needed to drive through. Navigating some of these situations was far easier with a 4×4 than it would have been in a sedan. You never know what lies beneath the water’s surface.

If this all sounds like a little too much to deal with, booking a shared shuttle or private driver might be the way to go.

We do recommend renting a car though. It’s our preferred way to get around the country because it offers the most flexibility.

2. Getting There Will Be Slow and Bumpy

Regardless of whether you’re renting a car or booking a transfer, there is no easy way to get to Monteverde.

While it may look close on a map, in reality, the route is going to take you around mountains, up and down hills, and along some very bumpy roads. 

The first part isn’t so bad because you’ll be traveling along mostly paved roads. 

However, about halfway there, when you really get into the mountains, the roads will switch over to dirt and gravel. 

Some roads won’t look like roads at all. Others will be so narrow in spots, cars traveling in different directions will need to take turns passing. 

Be sure to allow yourself plenty of travel time so you can take things slow and easy.

If you’re thinking about renting a car, our complete guide for driving in Costa Rica might be helpful:
→ Driving in Costa Rica: Essential Tips & Best Transport Alternatives

3. Hotels Have Limited Amenities

This is another area where Monteverde differs from other places in Costa Rica. If you’ve visited other parts of the country, you likely know that most hotels offer all kinds of amenities, including swimming pools, spas, kids’ programs, multiple dining options, etc.

These amenities are very rare in Monteverde hotels. You’ll probably find spa services in some of the higher end properties, like Koora Hotel. Others may have an outdoor pool, but these are exceptions to the rule as opposed to the norm.

Monteverde is very much a nature-first destination and this is reflected in the available activities throughout the area, including the hotels.

4. Not All Hotels Have Air Conditioning in Their Rooms

Since we’re on the subject of hotel amenities, let’s discuss air conditioning. One of the first things staff at hotels without air conditioning will tell you is that you don’t really need it.

While this might be true for some people, we are not those people.

We’ve stayed in plenty of hotels around the world without air conditioning. This includes Monteverde and Iceland, and not once have we checked out thinking, “I’m really glad we didn’t have AC.”

For example, in the case of our Iceland trip, we somehow managed to visit during what felt like the only week in the country’s history with five straight days of 85-degree weather and full sunshine. True story. Wish we had air conditioning.

Good for you if you can sleep without air conditioning, truly. But that conviction tends to fade fast when you’re lying awake at 2am in a stuffy room, staring at the ceiling.

We’re not saying it can’t be done. We just prefer options. If you like options too, we recommend choosing your Monteverde hotel carefully.

Want to know which of our favorite Monteverde hotels have air conditioning? Read our full guide:
→ Where to Stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica: 6 Standout Stays

5. You Can’t Walk Around the Jungle Alone at Night

I have to say, it would never occur to me to go walking around an unfamiliar place alone at night, nevermind a cloud forest.

However, as we learned through staff at our hotel, some people don’t abide by the same logic, so we thought this would be worth mentioning.

Please, whatever you do, don’t walk through the jungle alone at night. In fact, don’t walk around in the jungle at night, period. 

Many of the hotels have on-site walking trails, but that doesn’t mean they can be used 24/7. In fact, staff will likely mention this at check-in, and they discourage it for multiple reasons.

The first reason is that the majority of rainforest animals are nocturnal. This includes several dangerous species including venomous snakes and spiders which are difficult to spot at night.

Another reason is that walking paths aren’t generally lit. Combine this with Monteverde’s hilly terrain, and often rainy weather, makes for extremely dangerous walking conditions. One wrong step could be disastrous.

Lastly, Costa Rica has very strict conservation laws and environmental regulations. These limit nighttime hikes to those that are conducted by certified naturalist guides. 

If you want to explore at night, sign up for one of the many nighttime tours that are offered.

Want to know which activities in Monteverde are worth it? Read our full guide:
→ 5 Best Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica (+ What to Skip)

6. The Weather Is Cooler (and Wetter) Than You Might Expect

Many people are surprised when they get to Monteverde and the weather is nothing like the rest of the country. 

If you’ve been reading up on the best time to visit, you’ve probably heard that the dry season, December through April, is the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t really apply to Monteverde, regardless of what you may have heard. 

Monteverde is susceptible to rain, mist, and high winds pretty much any time of the year. We know because we’ve visited during the supposed “dry season” and it was wet, cold, and extremely windy.

Monteverde was actually our first stop for this particular itinerary, and the temperatures didn’t get out of the 60’s the entire time. Combined with the wind and rain, it felt even colder. Seriously, there’s a reason most of the lodges have fireplaces.

Our next stop after Monteverde was along the coast, and the temperatures were in the 90’s every day and not a cloud in the sky.

We’re not saying this to discourage people from going, we’re just trying to manage expectations. And that leads us to the next thing to expect in Monteverde…

Want to read up on the best times to visit Costa Rica? Check out these other helpful guides:
→ Costa Rica Dry Season: Travel Guide for December to April
→ Costa Rica Rainy Season: Travel Guide for May to November
→ Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: The Ultimate Seasonal Travel Guide

7. Activities Aren’t Usually Canceled if it’s Raining

Since rain and mist occur more often than not in Monteverde, activities aren’t usually canceled by the tour operators due to these conditions. The exception is if the conditions are deemed to be unsafe, which happens with thunderstorms, high winds, or lightning.

We know this because we booked a canopy and hanging bridges tour in advance. The day of the tour was rainy, cold, and windy.

I have to say, it wasn’t our favorite experience. However, we had paid for it, so we decided to see it through to the end.

The weather may be fantastic when you visit. Just be aware that if it’s not, and you decide not to go, the tour operator most likely won’t refund your money.

8. Bug Spray and Rain Gear Are Essentials

As we’ve already mentioned a few times, Monteverde is subject to rain, mist, and possibly wind the entire year.

This means that running into mosquitoes is a very real possibility, given the dampness of the area. I’m always aware of this because if there’s a mosquito anywhere nearby, it somehow always manages to find me.

That being said, when we visited, this wasn’t an issue. I’m guessing the high winds kept the little suckers at bay.

However, we highly recommend bringing mosquito repellent with you, just in case. You can also check with your hotel because some of them provide it, free of charge.

Also, don’t forget to bring some rain gear. If nothing else, you’ll at least want to bring a rain jacket, but if you plan to do some long hikes, rain pants might not be a bad idea. 

Some hotels might even provide rain boots for you to use if your heading out onto the trails, though not all. Hotel Senda Monteverde is one that does offer this nice service.

9. Wildlife Sightings Aren’t Guaranteed

If you plan to visit Monteverde simply to see different animals in the wild, just know that this isn’t going to be a guarantee. 

To be completely honest, we saw more animals on the grounds of our hotel than we did in the cloud forest.

The majority of animals here are nocturnal so your best bet is to take one of the guided night tours that are offered.

However, seeing animals on the night tour isn’t guaranteed either, but you might get lucky.

10. You Probably Don’t Need More Than 2 or 3 Days in Monteverde

If you’re still in the process of planning your itinerary, we recommend planning for 2 days, 3 at most, in Monteverde.

While Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, it’s also relatively small and easy to explore in a short amount of time.

For most travelers, 2 days is enough to experience the area’s highlights, while 3 days gives you a slower pace with room for an extra activity or two.

Most people come to Monteverde for the cloud forests, hanging bridges, ziplining, and wildlife experiences, all of which can realistically be done within a couple of days.

Since many of the top attractions are located close together, you won’t spend a huge amount of time traveling between activities like you might in larger regions of Costa Rica.

A typical 2-day itinerary usually allows enough time to:

• Visit a cloud forest reserve
• Go ziplining or walk the hanging bridges
• Take a night tour
• Explore the town of Santa Elena
• Enjoy a coffee or chocolate tour

Adding a third day is ideal if you want a more relaxed schedule, plan to do multiple guided tours, or simply want downtime to enjoy the cooler mountain atmosphere.

It’s also helpful to spend extra time if the weather impacts your plans since Monteverde’s cloud forests are known for frequent rain and fog.

Beyond 3 days, many travelers start to run out of major activities unless they’re specifically interested in birdwatching, hiking multiple reserves, or spending extra time at their hotel.

Since Costa Rica has so many diverse regions to explore, many visitors prefer to use the extra days elsewhere in their itinerary.

11. There Are Multiple Cloud Forest Reserves

Many people don’t realize that there are multiple cloud forest reserves around Monteverde. 

Both the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve offer incredible cloud forest experiences, but they each have a slightly different feel.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the more famous and heavily visited of the two. It’s known for its extensive trail system, rich biodiversity, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for birdwatchers hoping to spot species like the resplendent quetzal.

The forest here tends to feel denser and more dramatic, with thick vegetation, hanging moss, and constant mist creating that iconic cloud forest atmosphere. Because it’s the most popular reserve in the area, trails can sometimes feel busy, especially during peak travel seasons.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, on the other hand, is typically quieter and a bit more rugged. Located at a slightly higher elevation, it often feels cooler and foggier, which many visitors love because it creates an even moodier cloud forest experience.

The trails are generally less crowded, making it a great option for travelers looking for a more peaceful hike.

While wildlife sightings can be a little less predictable than in Monteverde, the reserve offers beautiful viewpoints and a more off-the-beaten-path feel.

In general:

• Choose Monteverde if you want the classic, most biodiverse cloud forest experience with better chances for wildlife spotting.
• Pick Santa Elena if you prefer fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a quieter hiking experience.

Many travelers actually visit both since they each offer a slightly different side of Costa Rica’s cloud forests.

12. Santa Elena Is Small Enough To Explore Quickly

While people usually refer to the entire area as Monteverde, the actual main town closest to the cloud forest reserve is Santa Elena. 

This is where you’ll find most of the restaurants outside the hotels along with a few small souvenir shops.

Even though some hotels are fairly close to Santa Elena, they’re positioned on a hillside, so you’ll need transportation to get to the downtown area. Others are too far away to walk.

That being said, we weren’t overly impressed with Santa Elena and it’s not a place we would recommend budgeting a lot of time to explore. It might be worth it for a hour or two at the most.

13. Restaurants Are Good, But Limited

The restaurants we visited in Monteverde were actually very good, but the options are extremely limited.

This probably isn’t a huge deal most of the time since people tend to stay an average of 2 or 3 days in Monteverde.

If you happen to be staying longer than that, just know that Monteverde doesn’t have a wide range of restaurants and you might find yourself eating at a couple of them more than once.

Check out our recommendations for the best restaurants in Monteverde:
→ 7 Restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica You Shouldn’t Miss

14. You Shouldn’t Leave Anything Outside Your Room

When you check into your hotel in Monteverde, the staff will most likely warn you about leaving anything outside your room, whether it’s on the deck our outside the door to your room.

Blame the wildlife, specifically the coatis, who wander the hotel grounds freely and have absolutely no qualms about taking whatever catches their eye.

This is also why you should be sure to keep the doors to your room closed.

15. You Might Find Critters in Your Room

Even with the doors closed, you may occasionally find a critter in your room. This can be another from small lizards to different kinds of insects.

This is a normal occurrence, and if you happen to find an unwanted visitor in your room, feel free to contact the front desk. They’re usually more than happy to come and take care of it for you.

Whatever you do, please don’t take matters into your own hands and try to kill it. Most are harmless and can be easily removed using a glass and paper, or you can simply sweep them out of the room.

Answering Your Questions About Monteverde

What’s the difference between Monteverde and Santa Elena?

Santa Elena is the main town where most hotels, restaurants, and tour companies are located, while Monteverde often refers to the larger region as a whole. Many people use the names interchangeably when planning a trip.

Which cloud forest reserve is better?

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is more famous and known for wildlife spotting, while the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is typically quieter and less crowded.

Is Monteverde difficult to get to?

Getting to Monteverde can take longer than expected because of the winding mountain roads. While roads have improved in recent years, some sections can still be rough depending on your route and weather conditions.

Do you need a car in Monteverde?

Not necessarily. Many travelers use shuttles and guided tours since attractions are spread out and parking can sometimes be limited. However, having a car gives you more flexibility.

Is Monteverde colder than the rest of Costa Rica?

Yes. Because of its higher elevation, Monteverde is usually much cooler and wetter than Costa Rica’s beach towns.

Is Monteverde family friendly?

Yes. Many activities in Monteverde are great for families, including hanging bridges, wildlife tours, coffee tours, and beginner-friendly nature walks.

Our Final Take: What to Expect in Monteverde, Costa Rica

So there you have it, our list of what to expect in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

This list certainly isn’t meant to discourage anyone from visiting, we just want you to have all the information so you can decide if it’s the right destination for you.

If you decide it isn’t, there are plenty of other places in Costa Rica worth considering.

If you have any questions about Monteverde, please let us know.

Talk Soon!

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