Fancy a trip to one of Costa Rica’s cloud forests? Good idea, since there are a lot of lovely things to do in the area. Check ’em out here!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (3 hours – $20,- for foreigners)
Though the drive towards this most popular forest in Monteverde can be a bit bumpy, it’s for sure worth it. The forest is an enchanting place, with a habitat that is host to a huge amount of wildlife and a diverse climate too.
The park has some well marked trails, with relatively little elevation change that leads you over hangout bridges and to a lookout point. You can chose whether you’d like to do a small or large hike, or all of them. If you walk them all, it will take you about 3 hours.
The area is not totally wild, as said the area is well maintained, but a walk in here is still beyond imagining. Since this is primarily a birding area, it’s recommendable to go with a guide. This will add about $20,- on top of the entrance fee, but you will get more info about the birds and the flowers growing in the forest. Plus, you’ll most likely find them way easier. Resplendent quetzals only are for example extremely difficult to find on your own.
At the outer end of the park there’s the viewpoint over lush, surrounding areas. It’s a hit-or-miss experience; when there’s heavy mist you won’t see a lot, but otherwise you’ll have breathtaking scenery. Make sure to bring a light raincoat or poncho for your hike, or at least a windbreaker since you will be walking through mist at some point without a doubt. Take both long and short pants with you a decent pair of shoes. And be aware: things can get muddy!
Curi Cancha Reserve (3 hours – $35,- for foreigners)
Another wildlife spot, but a bit more expensive and a lot more exclusive. Curi Cancha is a private reserve and since the owners restrict access, you have to make sure to make a reservation in advance. A bit of a hassle perhaps, but it does mean there are fewer people around.
Curi Cancha has some 900 acres of trails over diverse habitat, ranging from closed tracks in cloud forest to more open areas where you can better observe the wildlife. Just like Monteverde Cloud Forest, this is a place for the birdnerds. Go with a guide if you’re more into watching animals than hiking. But don’t be disappointed in case you don’t see a lot; even the knowledgeable guides can’t control nature.
Good to know is that you have to pay the tour fee in cash. However you can use your credit cards for the entrance fee). You might need some binoculars. Those are available for rent at the reception place for $10,-. Or better… bring your own!
Lunch
- Taco Taco: A great Mexican restaurant just on the edge of the main town. The food is delicious at cheap prices (Costa Rica-wise); top that off with some tasty craft beers, a welcoming staff and a chaotic interior and there you have your recipe for a fun lunch.
- Stella’s Bakery: Are great place to go on your way back from the Monteverde Cloud Forest National Park. After a chilly and long hike in the forest, this place will certainly beat you up with its fresh soups, sandwiches, quiches, pasta and lovely pastries. Don’t miss out on their carrot cake. I just loved this place and it’s not expensive either.
Zip lining (2,5 hours – $45,- for foreigners)
If you’re in Costa Rica and you’re a bit of a trill seeker, then a couple of hours ziplining is a bare must. Monteverde is by far the most popular area in the country to do this and there are several companies you can go with; The Original Canopy Tour, Sky Adventures, Selvatura Park, Monteverde Experts and more. Ourselves we opted for the first tour operator, because it seemed the biggest one with the longest lines and because a couple of people we met recommended it.
The Original Canopy has several shorter ziplines, rappelling, a terrifying Tarzan drop, a climb up the inside of a ficus tree, and two really – yes really – long lines at the end. For me, those last lines were definitely the highlight of the tour. You fly above the trees over an enormous valley and have just some stunning views, if you dare to look around. If you’re lucky you even zip through groups of howler monkeys or flocks of birds.
You can easily arrange a tour on the day you arrive through your ho(s)tel/lodge. All of them have contacts with the tour operators. The tours start both in the mornings and afternoons.
Butterfly Garden (2 hours – $15,- for foreigners)
Costa Rica has many butterfly gardens, of which I visited quite some the last years. Therefore I was already quite spoiled before I came to the mariposario of Monteverde. I left therefore any expectations behind, but I really liked this lovely butterfly garden in the end. Not just because of the amount of butterflies, but mainly due to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, that all spoke English and Spanish and were very passionate about their working environment.
Near the entrance there was a chrysalis area with butterflies coming out. As we left for the tour we took several ‘newborns’ with us and released them in their proper habitat. I’d never had this experience in any of the previous butterfly garden visits, so I loved this.
The tour takes you through 4 different butterfly exhibits – each designed to cover a different terrain – , let’s you see inside a leaf cutter ant colony, then takes you to see some local insects up close (such as spiders, scorpions, stick insects, etcetera). All of the areas have numerous butterflies actively flying around and you have ample opportunity to take pictures.
After the tour, you can wander again through the areas at your own pace. Or you can buy some things at the gift shop, that is full of cool art and merchandises in which all proceeds go to the new public library. All in all, a visit to the Butterfly Garden of Monteverde is a fun experience and great for all ages.
Sunset
On the west side of the town you can enjoy a rather magnificent sunset. With a bit of luck and a good spot, you can see as far as the Pacific ocean. Grab a beer and enjoy the moment. Some things in life are just simple and plain good.
Dinnertime
- Tree House Restaurant: Dinner in a tree? It’s possible in Monteverde! Climb the spiral stairs around the huge living tree to enter the restaurant. The food is international and prices are a bit higher. Basically you come here to enjoy the ambiance, so perhaps just a cocktail or a dessert will do too.
- Restaurant D. Thomas: Wonderful little gem in the heart of the town. We actually found it by just following our nose, since the smell of the kitchen was mouthwatering. The place is small, but therefore its ambiance is nice and cozy and the owners are very sweet and careful. They named the restaurant after their son, who is now almost two years old. They have great pasta’s, fish and meat dishes. The glasses of wine are as generous as is the service and that’s always a plus in my book.
