Or head over to mydestinations pageand explore my interactive map, its pretty fun. Spend your afternoon indulging in Costa Ricas natural elements. After a quick walk through the forest, youll soon discover the towering hollow tree, which is very distinctive from all the other trees surrounding it. The drier season lasts 8.1 months, from September 26 to May 30. Curi Cancha Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the many beautiful forest reserves near Monteverde, Costa Rica. Even spending 5 days or less in Costa Rica will allow you to visit two major . I recommend spending at least 2 nights, but 3 nights would be ideal to visit all the various attractions and do some adventure tours. Note: The trails can get really muddy during the rainy season. If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. As for where to stay, you'll find quite a variety in the area. Otherwise, check out the full list here. Monteverde Tours is a local travel and transportation company based out of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Monteverde is a beautiful area offering some incredibly unique sights and experiences, making it a perfect addition to your trip to Costa Rica. Located about 1.5 hours from the center of Monteverde or 2 hours from Arenal, Viento Fresco can be a day trip or combined with a transfer to Arenal/La Fortuna. The maximum temperature during these . The wet season is longer than other regions in Costa Rica due to its location in the mountains. Is one day in Arenal and two days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. But if you really have to split it up, Tourmaline's answer is good too. It is a fun way to be immersed into Costa Rican culture and I highly recommend this type of experience (you will definitely need a 44 for this). Curi Cancha only allows 50 visitors into its park at a time, allowing you to enjoy the park with a moderate amount of guests. But don't rush through it. So enjoy shopping and support the local community at the same time! They recommend that you book in advance for special tours. The second scenario assumes that you arrive at Monteverde in the evening on day 1, stay for two nights, and then depart early on day 3, representing the most typical case of travelers who visit Monteverde. La Guayaba Monteverde: Avg Cost $60.00 $100.00 CAD per night, 1. This itinerary highlights the top things to do if you only have two days in Monteverde. You can also do a 4-in-1 tour; this includes coffee, chocolate, sugar cane & a night walk. If you dont, add the 1 km hike to the start of the trail and back, dont attempt to drive the road. Youve come to the right place. It features 6.5 miles of trails on eight different trails and one 300 foot suspended bridge. 15 Awesome Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica. to answer this question by using data from travelers who stayed in Monteverde between January and August of 2021. With a smaller network of trails and a variety of landscapes including a pond (great for frogs), open grasslands and forest trails, it is one of the best places for a night tour. Ill share all the best things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica from zip-lining through the cloud forest, night wildlife viewing, finding the elusive quetzal in Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde to shopping at CASEMCooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde. Read More Sunrise at Volcan Baru: Jeep TourContinue, Are you thinking of hiking the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail? It includes a full day (and overnight) in Monteverde, complete with a zipline excursion, nature walk, and naturalist-led night hike. I recommend Sky Adventures Park. Built around a massive tree, this fun restaurant is known for its cocktails and atmosphere, including live music. The map below will take you to the restaurant/ticket office. You can switch off these cookies easily if you wish. The temperatures range from low/mid 10C high 30C (50-86F). Here is my suggested Monteverde itinerary for making the most of the area. Until next time! Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve does a great job of educating their guests about the history of the area and they have informational text along the Sendero Bosque Nuboso trail to help guide visitors about what they are seeing. Our group was diverse but wi", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in June, 2023, "A wonderful family trip of a lifetime! Learn more about Rio Celeste in our hiking guide. You'll need the better part of a day to transfer to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Check out my posts below on the various regions in Costa Rica. Typically, people spend 1-2 nights in Monteverde and 2-3 nights in La Fortuna. If you do a night tour in addition to a day tour, they will offer you a discount on their entrance fees. Pack your bags, follow this itinerary, and embark on a Costa Rican adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime! Most travelers spend 6-7 days in Arenal and Monteverde combined Visiting Arenal and Monteverde in 4-5 days is possible, but will feel rushed With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip The most common extensions are Manuel Antonio, Gulf of Papagayo, and Tamarindo Head to breakfast at Choco Caf Restaurant & Coffee Shop, I am sure you are not sick of chocolate and coffee yet (haha). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. I believe the rooms are up to $200/nt (as opposed to more like $125/nt when I first stayed there just a few years ago) but that comes with free admission to the hot springs which normally go for $29 per person if you stay anywhere else. This easy, scenic hike is one of the best places to see fall colours in the area. 1. It is AMAZING!! The guides made it easy to enjoy the adventure because they do all the work for you! Monteverde has a laid back vibe with plenty of hotels and restaurants to make it a comfortable place to stay. Many travelers use this cozy pueblo as their base for exploring the Monteverde region and its endless attractions. It may be in the middle of the cloud forest, but Monteverde has many very nice and comfortable hotels to choose from. Monteverde (which means Green Mountain) houses 2.5% of worldwide biodiversity, and it's one of the best examples of sustainable tourism that you can experience. If you do choose to go to Monteverde Cloud Forest, please be advised that you must pay for parking at the parking lot below and they shuttle you up to the cloud forest. If you want to read more about what zip lining is really like with Sky Adventures, click the button below to read my full review. The lady at the checkout counter called up to her and she came downstairs to say thank you and give us a big hug. This park features eight hanging bridges spread across a 3-kilometer nature trail (2 miles) and offers the most fantastic and panoramic views of the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Swimming with turtles is one of the top things to do in Barbados, and for good reason. Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast. Monteverde receives rain almost year-round, but the dry season is from January till April. Currently, you need a 4 x 4 to drive up into the mountains. Day 1: If you stay two nights in Monteverde, you will likely arrive late on the first day, and you might have also had a long day traveling. From thrilling zipline adventures through the canopy to peaceful walks along suspension bridges. A 2.5-hour drive northwest of the countrys capital of San Jose, Monteverde is an excellent destination, even for a short trip. If you are spending just a few days in Costa Rica, make Arenal Volcano a must-visit site. Afternoon: Relax with the slow-paced yet interesting coffee and chocolate tour at Finca . Seven adults, five kids, and one epic Costa Rica adventure. After a full day of exploring the cloud forest from above, I suggest ending your first day in Monteverde with a guided night hike. It was one of our favorite things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Looking for the perfect Monteverde Itinerary? I am Joanna. The road to the parking areas is dirt and bumpy. During my night hike, I saw many tropical birds, snakes, and a tarantula, all at a comfortable distance. Monteverde has many restaurants that cater to your palate and have some unique restaurants to enjoy. There is a bus that goes from San Jose to Monteverde. Youve come to the right place. You can arrange a tour on their website or book a privately guided tour on your own. To get from Liberia to Monteverde, you can take a public bus, a private transfer, a minivan, a taxi, or rent a car to drive. Approximately 80% of our customers visit Monteverde under these two scenarios. As always, secure your belongings. At the Orchid Garden, you can take an hour-long guided tour to see more than 460 species of beautiful orchids that are grown here. Day 2 - Guanacaste (Optional stop at Rincon De La Vieja National Park) Day 3 - Tenorio Volcano National Park (Optional stop at Monteverde Cloud Forest) Day 4 - Arrive in La Fortuna. Spending at least 2 days in Monteverde, Costa Rica is imperative in order to get the best experience in the area. To get from San Jose to Monteverde, you can take a minivan, a public bus, a private transfer, a taxi, or drive a rental car. It was my first dining in a tree house. If you need help planning things to do in the area, send us a message, and we will happily assist you! You can swim and venture in and around the waterfalls at all four locations. Follow along as I share my adventures and travel tips. It has been voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with close proximity to popular attractions such as Rio Celeste and Viento Fresco. The same goes with horseback riding; some people will love the feeling of riding under the rain, while others will not appreciate it. You may also see porcupines, grey foxes, tarantulas, sloths, and much more. Sign up for the latest itineraries, travel guides, packing lists & more, straight to your email! There's also shared shuttle services which will cost around $57 USD and take 3.5 hours. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater, Beaches & Volcanos - 8 Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- Best Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica For Every Level, How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal / La Fortuna. Take a hike through the farmland or go on a fun ox-cart ride. This Monteverde itinerary would be incomplete without ziplining. Birthday Calculator - Find when you are 1 billion seconds old. This itinerary goes to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. I suggest spending 3 nights and 2 full days (with the days before and after for transfers). I suggest spending 3 nights and 2 full days (with the days before and after for transfers). So you end up needing the second night there for sure. If you have only one day to hit a second location, skip either Arenal or Monteverde and better stay 3 nights in only one place, or finish your trip with one night in Alajuela close to the Volcano or close to the Airport. This region of Costa Rica is KNOWN for them. With an extra day or two, venture into the surrounding countryside for coffee plantation tours and special garden visits. Theres something for you in this mountainside town, from ziplining and nature walks to coffee plantations and horseback riding. We just returned from one of the most memorable trips we've taken in years - my wife and 2 kids", "Eight family members traveled to Costa Rica with three generations ranging in age from 5 to 70. Day 1 - Arrive in Guanacaste via Liberia International Airport. This is why I am giving out all these recommendations to choose which ones resonate best with your personality. You can visit one of the below mentioned parks or opt for the hanging bridges walk at the Sky Adventures Park (this can be purchased as part of a package with your zipline tour). This February, we're traveling for music festivals, perfect weather, and more. It is known for its luscious cloud forest, waterfalls, plant life, exotic animals, eco-friendly initiatives and memorable adventures. The other couple was really interested in birds, Christian helped the gentleman check off the majority of the birds on his list and even followed up with an email detailing the birds and information about them. You will enjoy your trip more if you spend all 3 nights in either Monteverde or Arenal. There are so many cute stores & souvenir shops. Talk about personalization! Our trip went very smoothly, allowing everybody to relax and enjo", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in July, 2023, "Wonderful trip, Olman found us the best guides for all our experiences. Arrive the night before to use this day as your first full day in Monteverde. Our", "We had the most amazing vacation trip to Costa Rica in June 2023. 3 Day Monteverde Itinerary. In recent years, Monteverde has sought to become its own canton. The views are amazing, and, while driving, the regions change, resulting in a change of the scenery. The best time to visit these are first thing during the day or as a night tour (save the zipline tours and such for the afternoons). Date Calculator - Add or subtract days, months, years. Extend your trip to include Rincon de la Vieja national park and the laid-back Guanacaste region on the Pacific Coast. Keep an eye out, in particular, for the colorful resplendent quetzal, hummingbirds, and toucanets. Day 1 - Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Monteverde & Santa Elena Cloud Forest Bird Watching Tour. Planning on visiting La Fortuna/Arenal? Here is my post for ourfavorite activities in Manuel Antonio. If you only have half a day, you'll need to choose between the two, although if you have longer, you can visit both. How many days are you in CR altogether? See how these important crops are grown and harvested, and even get the chance to taste some fresh sugar cane juice, coffee, and chocolate, as well as other tasty treats. Be sure to wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and insect repellant. Check it out here. At Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, visitors can enjoy a guided walk through the canopy and ride along a network of gondolas before whizzing through the jungle on a series of zip lines. We love helping visitors, connecting them with the different tours and activities to have a memorable experience in Monteverde. How many days in Arenal and Monteverde? The rainiest months are generally September and October. You can climb to the top of the forest canopy if you dare. Beautiful lights illuminate the Falls and the surrounding area adding colour and life. It is the largest reserve in Monteverde and is visited by over 70,000 guests per year. our top recommendations for things to do in the area. The cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica is a great place to book a night tour. Any of these ways could be done but its squeezing a lot into a little time. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains. I will give you specific advice on fully utilizing this time and get the most out of your short visit to Monteverde. I would schedule for you at least two nights in each location, leaving on the morning of the third day so you take advantage of the visit. It's unlikely that you'd be able to fit much else into a 2-3 day Costa Rica itinerary, though, so if that's all the time you have, you'll need to make some tough decisions about which of Costa Rica's many attractions is your priority. All the children gave him", "AMAZING !! Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Avg Cost $350.00 CAD per night, 3. tour package that includes pick up and drop off here. Where else are you going? In short, Monteverde is worth the trip and a must-visit location for your Costa Rica itinerary. Planning a three-day trip will allow you to see even more of Monteverdes incredible sights, but two days will work. I'm on a journey to show you that beauty and adventure are everywhere, whether it's at the beach, in the city or in the mountains. After a fabulous breakfast, head for your first adventure of the day Ziplining! In 2007, Monteverde was recognized as one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders by popular vote, highlighting its natural beauty and attractions. You can book a tour directly through the Curi Cancha website, or arrange a private guide to tour with you through the reserve. Monteverde has 2 seperate primary cloud forest areas and numerous trails elsewhere that are unlike anything you will find near Arenal. Whether youre looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Monteverde has something for you. The wet season is from May till December. Consider this quick trip, perfect for travelers with limited time. Ziplining is one of the most popular activities in Monteverde, and for good reason. Two to three days in Monteverde means you can fit in all of the above-mentioned activities that interest you. If youre looking for a fun and unique Costa Rican experience, add Monteverde to your itinerary. We can get a free night Arenal Kioro if we stayed an extra night but that would only leave us one night in Monteverde. Check out our top things to do in that area. My partner and I love spending time in the outdoors and dining out in Monteverde. You'll also have time to fit in some extra activities, such as a coffee and chocolate tour or a sugar cane mill tour. The Tree is a Ficus tree, also known as a Strangler Fig, a general term for tropical ficus trees that attach to a host tree and usually strangle it to its death. If you can only spare two or three days to explore Monteverde, youll be glad you took the time. Answer 1 of 2: We are spending 2 1/2 days in Arenal starting from 25th Dec 2013 , 2 nights in monteverde and 1 1/2 days in Manuel Antonio 9 counting travel time) , should we cancel Monteverde and spend more time in one of these two places or it's worth. Why book with Sky Adventures for their Monteverde, Costa Rica zip line trip? Understanding this context, I will give you the following recommendation on how you can spend these two half-days in Monteverde: Day 1: First, check-in at your hotel or AirB&B (you may not be able to use your room yet, but you can ask the owners if you can drop your bags, which according to Hotel El Bosque, is a common practice in the area), have a quick lunch and do the Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour from 1:30 pm to 4 pm. Weekday Calculator - What Day is this Date? This tropical island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and is a popular turtle nesting spot, so there are often sea turtles around. Want to visit both cloud forests in one day? TIP: Make sure you head to your Airbnb/Hotel before dark. Day 2: Wake up, have breakfast, and then you can choose to either go on a Zip Lining Tour, visit the Hanging Bridges or do a Chocolate and Coffee Tour. Check out our top recommendations for things to do in the area. The routes are paved, however, as you enter Monteverde the roads are not as smooth. So we are going to break up this question into two possible scenarios. 1. Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days. From Liberia To Monteverde: You need to take a bus from Liberia to Canas, Canas to Tilaran, Tilaran to Monteverde. Lunch:Have a delicious pizza lunch at Bon Appetit! Either one should get you to Sta. The first scenario assumes that you arrive at Monteverde at around noon on day 1, stay for a night, and then leave the next day at noon, which is typically the case if you are coming from Arenal and Monteverde is just a one-night stop on your trip to the Pacific coast. Recommended length of stay in Monteverde: 2-3 days. Travel First-timer's guide to Costa Rica: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and more Published: Mar. Rainy season starts around mid May to beginning of December. Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. Taking a minivan, private shuttle, taxi, or driving a rental car will cost more but save you time. I live in Monteverde, and I love nature, adventure, and Mountain Biking. I strongly encourage you all to stay at a finca! Going ziplining is a fantastic way to see the area from above, which is hard to experience otherwise. Of all the Monteverde hotels, the El Establo Lodge . I highly recommend booking an afternoon zip line adventure. I hope this information helps you plan your Monteverde itinerary. As a general rule, you can do between one and two activities on the day of your arrival to Monteverde and then one or two more activities on the day you leave, Scenario A: One night and two half-days in Monteverde, First, check-in at your hotel or AirB&B (you may not be able to use your room yet, but you can ask the owners if you can drop your bags, which according to, , is a common practice in the area), have a quick lunch and do the, Next, after you finish the Cloud Forest Tour, visit the Monteverde Coffee Center for a hot beverage or a smoothy, along with some pastries. When we were about to head over, we were told that the hanging bridge was closed for maintenance. April is the warmest month and the coldest months are June-January. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Obviously, I am starting the Monteverde itinerary with food Grab a bite to eat at Tico Y Rico for traditional Costa Rican cuisine or grab an iced coffee at Panaderia Jimenez. While there is no definitive answer to this question, I recently did a study with Hotel El Bosque to answer this question by using data from travelers who stayed in Monteverde between January and August of 2021. If you're driving, you can still leave Tabacon in the early afternoon and make it to Monteverde before dark (it takes a while but not a WHOLE day). All of the parks above have a safe parking lot, so you should be okay with leaving your belongings inside your car. Our Experiences You can also combine ziplines with hanging bridges at 100% Aventura Park, Selvatura Park, or Sky Adventures Monteverde Park. During my visit, I had a milkshake and dinner, and the vibe of the Tree restaurant was unforgettable. Not sure if you made your decision yet, but we spent 3 nights in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From the parking lot, youll descend hundreds of stairs (around 500), breaking off the trail to view the four different waterfalls before returning back to the trail. In 24 hours, you can do many of the activities that make this area famousziplining, canopy walks on suspension bridges, and naturalist-led night hikes. I have shared the above recommendations with dozens of customers who have reached out for help planning how to spend a couple of days in Monteverde. On the other hand, if you did do the night tour on your arrival day, then I recommend you head to Santa Elena to spend the evening exploring the local life and finding a good place to have dinner or drinks before ending your day. September 10, 2022 Hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve Monteverde Costa Rica is the top eco-tourism destination in the country and a must-visit along your Costa Rica itinerary.