Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The extensive trail system of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers short, intermediate and long hikes winding through several different types of vegetation. At the Monteverde Reserve you will see secondary forest that is fully recovered and primary forests. You will have the opportunity to visit the Continental Divide and hike in the dwarf forests that have adapted to the winds and the rains of this impressive location.

This reserve is the best place to observe the Resplendant Quetzal, which if you're lucky can be seen January through July. It is also the Reserve where you have a better chance of seeing mammals although it's not likely that you will see many species. For mammals you may want to consider a visit to the Ecological Sanctuary or spend some time in the Monteverde Lodge Gardens where the White-Faced Capuchin, the Two and Three-Toed sloth, the Agouti and Coatimundi visit regularly.

At the entrance to the Monteverde Reserve, visit the Hummingbird Garden where you will have the opportunity to see and photograph as many as nine different species of hummingbirds. You may also want to bring some extra cash along; there are two very nice shops right outside the Reserve entrance.

If you are not reserving a complete package (which already includes this tour) we highly recommend that you reserve your Cloud Forest experience at the same time you reserve your room. You can do this by writing a comment in the comment box on the Reservation Form.

You can also book this tour once you are in Monteverde Lodge with the front desk.

Santa Elena Reserve

The lesser known Santa Elena Reserve is a cloud forest that should not be missed. Its higher elevation makes it cooler with more wind you often hike in the clouds, giving you a real sense of a Cloud Forest. The Santa Elena Reserve sits on the Caribbean Slope and has an extensive trail system covering patches of secondary forest as well as extensive areas of primary forest. Depending on your interest the trail system offers short, intermediate and long hikes.

Santa Elena is the best place to search for the Three-Wattled Bell bird, their hummingbird gallery is busy with five different species of Hummingbirds and its trails are busy with mixed flocks of birds.

For mammals you may want to consider a visit to the Ecological Sanctuary or spend some time in the Monteverde Lodge Gardens where the White-Faced Capuchin, the Two and Three-Toed sloth, the Agouti and Coatimundi visit regularly.

From a botanical point of view, Santa Elena offers many opportunities to observe plants and learn about the interactions that take place in this complex ecosystem.

If you are not reserving a complete package (which already includes this tour) we highly recommend that you reserve your Cloud Forest experience at the same time you reserve your room. You can do this by writing a comment in the comment box on the Reservation Form.

You can also book this tour once you are in Monteverde Lodge with the front desk.

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens / Optional Activities

Have you thought about the optional activities that you would like to do while you in Monteverde?

There is so much to do in Monteverde, it's worth taking some time to review the activities that are available and plan your days. Below you will find descriptions and prices for many different activities.