Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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- SuzeHHLondon, United Kingdom1 contributionA beautiful place to exploreWe had a lovely day wandering round this beautiful reserve. We’d booked on a guided tour which we enjoyed and was worth doing to learn about the forest and its plant and animals. We were lucky to get some good sitings of wildlife including resplendent quetzals, a stunning bird which was high up our list of birds we’d hoped to see in Costa Rica. The tour lasted three hours but as it started early was finished by 11- as we had nothing else planned for the day we decided to stay on and explore the forest (and trails not on the tour) independently. While our tour group had been not too big (8), the problem was it was one of many, making the trails quite packed in places and full of human sounds! Once we left our group we really got to experience the magic of the forest. Whilst we did pass some people, mostly we walked through the forest just by ourselves. We could really hear the sounds of the forest and experience the atmosphere. We got to pass over the lovely suspension bridge and walked to the view point where we had an incredible view of the continental divide - you can see across the vast forest and to the pacific. We were lucky it was actually a dry and clear day in the cloud forest! The forest is bursting with nature and biodiversity. That’s not the same however as having lots of animals you can see. Therefore maybe don’t come here expecting to see lots of animals and birds but do come for the magical experience of the beautiful forest.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 December 2022
- Jill C9 contributionsGreat wildlife!I barely got to see much of the reserve, but what I saw I was impressed with. Unfortunately the day we went the suspension bridge was closed, and some trails were closed due to high winds knocking some branches across trails. I did a tour there with a guide to spot some birds and other critters. We was a good amount of wildlife despite my visit there being short.Visited December 2022Written 11 December 2022
- NickStaffordshire, United Kingdom2 contributionsAmazing reserveWe had a great experience here. We got picked up from our hotel by a well timed and mannered driver who turned out to also be our guide. When we arrived at the resort our guide got our passes and took us into the reserve. Straight away we were informed of the nature and history of what was within the forest. This is a huge reserve and only managed to get around a small part of this (not the fault of the tour just how vast the area is). Within our tour around we saw many beautiful animals, flowers and nature. I do think the time of year will help out with what you would see in total as even though we saw a lot that was mostly our guide knowing to find them high up and out of normal view. Our guide did explain that coming at different times in the year would give a complete variety of nature to be seen. The reserve is very well kept and they are doing such a fantastic job of bringing back some truly amazing nature to this part of the world. Would highly recommend going and it is definitely worth having a guide to show you some of the most amazing things that could be otherwise missed.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 December 2022
- Matt Y8 contributionsGreat way to experience the cloud forest!We were able to hike the majority of the trails in less than half a day here. We decided not to hire a guide for this experience (best saved for night hikes) and still saw plenty of wildlife including a huge group of pizotes that walked right by us on the path. The entrance area can get a bit busy, but we found that the trails were large enough and spread out enough that we didn't feel an encomberance (but we did arrive early in the morning).Visited December 2022Written 26 December 2022
- IsahEl Paso, Texas21 contributionsAbsolutely breathtakingA must see experience. There are many paths to take. Be sure to layer up, depending on the weather that day the temperatures can range from cool to hot within 15 mins as the clouds more or the elevation changes. If you don’t get a tour guide you can walk at your own pace with no pressure to rush. Be sure to visit the hummingbird garden while you await your shuttle or the local bus.Visited January 2023Written 4 January 2023
- applecrispNH34 contributionsLovely park, skip the tourThe park itself was beautiful with well maintained trails. I had tried to find a private guide for our family and struck out so we went with the group tour organized by the park. This was a mistake. The tour was slow and crowded. Our guide gave us some interesting information about the flora and fauna but in way too much detail and with much repetition. As adults we were antsy - I can't imagine a kid finding this enjoyable at all. I have since learned that if you go to the Trip Advisor "Things to do" section you can find private tour guides there. If you have only one day to visit parks in Monteverde, I recommend the Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena instead.Visited December 2022Written 8 January 2023
- ch363Oxford, United Kingdom262 contributionsResplendent like the quetzalWe came here on our own and were delighted to find lots of well maintained and clearly marked tracks. You can explore on your own without worrying about coming into contact with something dangerous, while not feeling like you’re in a theme park either. It was also big enough that you would pass people from time to time but were often alone on a trail. There were also some information boards on some routes that provided interesting information. We were lucky enough to pass a couple of groups looking at a quetzal who very kindly let us see it through their scope! This very much seems the feel of the place, people who are genuinely passionate about wildlife and want to share in it come here. We walked to La Ventana, the hanging bridge and the waterfall. We left and came back to use the toilets just outside the park at the entrance. I had been a bit nervous of the hanging bridge (don’t like heights!) but you can absolutely avoid it if you want to and can get to it and turn back. I didn’t need to though as the foliage is so dense underneath you, it doesn’t feel as high as it is. It is a bit bumpy though so I did walk purposefully across it in one go!Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 January 2023
- Elana GNew Mexico167 contributionsMost enjoyable hikingReception was friendly as they guided us to a path according to our needs. There are several and one can theoretically do 2 or 3 or 4 over the course of the day. We took two paths that were considered easy. The viewpoints were stunning as we saw the continental divide. The hike took us about 2 hours and we totally enjoyed. Hiking sticks, bug spray and sunscreen are recommended as well as water and a snack for energy. At the end we were surprised by a "posito" (cross between a racoon, possum, anteater) lazily climbing down a tree and parked on the sidewalk. So glad we did this.Visited January 2023Written 25 January 2023
- Sam S10 contributionsAmazing place for easy forest hikesWorth it just for the incredible views around the edge of the trails at the continental divide. Makes for amazing photos but those don't even do it justice. Plus you'll see the diversity of plant and animal life in the different layers of the forest. Park in the official lot a little outside the reserve and take a shuttle into the reserve, reception will take your payment and assign you a trail to start, though you can continue exploring the other trails at the end. The trails are very well maintained but definitely bring shoes that can handle getting muddy. At the higher elevations it started getting wet, so a rain jacket is recommended. This is a popular spot but we didn't run into other people too often. More people near the trailheads and the hanging bridges were a bit crowded, otherwise very peaceful.Visited January 2023Written 26 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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Petar S
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
If you want to get away from the fast pace city and relax in a mountainous landscape look no further, this place has views , wildlife great food and most importantly great nice honest people
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa H
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is an amazing place to experience! We saw lots of wild life. Our guide was very knowledgeable.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louisa W
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Wonderful experience wandering the trails at our leisure. Guided tours are available but we chose not to. The routes are easy to follow, and the forest is beautiful! The variety of plant life is mind blowing, we also saw various butterfly and bird species and a monkey and her (very small!!) baby!
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik
Amsterdam, The Netherlands22 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Many hike options, shuttle to entrance albeit you can park close to the entrance if there's space, could spend hours in there.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rohan M
10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a huge, beautiful park — we took a few different guided tours through it, and saw an incredible number of animals. Fantastic wildlife, and good trails.
However, we also booked a Night Tour directly through the Reserve, which was a horrible idea. We waited for our pickup outside in the rain. 30 minutes after we were supposed to get picked up, I called the Reserve, and was told that the driver "showed up, didn't see us, and left". This was a blatant lie, as we'd been standing outside the entire time, and not a single car passed us.
I'd recommend visiting, but booking your guide through some other service or platform.
However, we also booked a Night Tour directly through the Reserve, which was a horrible idea. We waited for our pickup outside in the rain. 30 minutes after we were supposed to get picked up, I called the Reserve, and was told that the driver "showed up, didn't see us, and left". This was a blatant lie, as we'd been standing outside the entire time, and not a single car passed us.
I'd recommend visiting, but booking your guide through some other service or platform.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gautam C
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Had a short and beautiful hike in the lush rainforest. The hike was perfect distance with lots of info points. The flora and fauna at display was amazing. The lookout point was out of the world, and very for refreshing
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
einat c
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Great easy going morning hike.
No animals at sight but the vegetation was vast.
We took the Nuboso A trail to the Nuboso B trail (a bit steep) and passed a nice bridge at Caminal trail.
No animals at sight but the vegetation was vast.
We took the Nuboso A trail to the Nuboso B trail (a bit steep) and passed a nice bridge at Caminal trail.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mvanroy
Merelbeke, Belgium725 contributions
Jul 2023
This privately owned national park has different signed trails which you can discover on your own or with a guide.
The official car parking is a few kilometers before the actual park entrance. Although there is a shuttle bus, a better option - if you are early enough - might be to park your car on the street. We where there around 7:30 am and we could park on a safe (the street is rather small) spot approx. 100m before the entrance gate.
As many others, we decided to explore (a small part of) the park with a guide. Each guide was responsible for only a small group but the guides were helping each other out in spotting the animals. They all had their telescope or spotting scope with them which helped to spot the shy birds like the beautiful Quetzal (which we saw 3 times), the bellbird (1 female spotted) and the toucanet (1x). Through the spotting scope we were not only able to see these birds from close by but we could also make some pictures with the cell phone (the birds were often too far away to capture them even with a 300mm lens). We were very lucky with our guide as he was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of good information and background stories on the animals, epiphytes and other jungle wonders.
After this bird spotting, we did the hike (or walk as it was rather easy) to the cascade / waterfall. On the way we spotted some more animals (pit viper, peccaries) and we passed some beautiful old trees, with the big strangler fig on the middle of the path being the highlight. The cascade itself is not so spectacular and only visible from rather far away.
After the 2h guided walk, the guide brought us to the colibri café and gave us some information on the different hummingbirds. Interesting and beautiful, but I would have preferred to have a bit more time with the guide in the cloud forest itself. Your ticket is valid for the whole day though so you can always go back on your own. At the entrance and next to the colibri café are two souvenir shops (good choice but rather over priced).
The official car parking is a few kilometers before the actual park entrance. Although there is a shuttle bus, a better option - if you are early enough - might be to park your car on the street. We where there around 7:30 am and we could park on a safe (the street is rather small) spot approx. 100m before the entrance gate.
As many others, we decided to explore (a small part of) the park with a guide. Each guide was responsible for only a small group but the guides were helping each other out in spotting the animals. They all had their telescope or spotting scope with them which helped to spot the shy birds like the beautiful Quetzal (which we saw 3 times), the bellbird (1 female spotted) and the toucanet (1x). Through the spotting scope we were not only able to see these birds from close by but we could also make some pictures with the cell phone (the birds were often too far away to capture them even with a 300mm lens). We were very lucky with our guide as he was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of good information and background stories on the animals, epiphytes and other jungle wonders.
After this bird spotting, we did the hike (or walk as it was rather easy) to the cascade / waterfall. On the way we spotted some more animals (pit viper, peccaries) and we passed some beautiful old trees, with the big strangler fig on the middle of the path being the highlight. The cascade itself is not so spectacular and only visible from rather far away.
After the 2h guided walk, the guide brought us to the colibri café and gave us some information on the different hummingbirds. Interesting and beautiful, but I would have preferred to have a bit more time with the guide in the cloud forest itself. Your ticket is valid for the whole day though so you can always go back on your own. At the entrance and next to the colibri café are two souvenir shops (good choice but rather over priced).
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat
Edinburgh, UK28 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Wow! The nature reserve is beautiful, with easy routes to follow, lots of benches and information boards, and great viewpoints! Would love to visit again soon!
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel G
21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Wow!! The views here were breathtaking and we had the absolute best time! My husband and I are pretty quick walkers and were able to get through all of the trails in the 5(ish) hours we spent here. If you are someone who is easily motion sick then the drive up will be very difficult. The roads are windy and very bumpy and it's a long drive. We drove from La Fortuna and left around 6 am. The drive took a few hours and wasn't an easy one. Once we got there, we paid to park at the lot and got the shuttle to the park. This was easy and kept our things safe in the car. It was one of our favorite things we did in our week in Costa Rica and are already discussing another trip to return to the cloud forrest. Some of the walks were pretty steep, but the views were gorgeous. It was nice to get there earlier in the morning because it wasn't as crowded as when the tours come in. Lots of people were dressed in pants and long sleeves, which was nice first thing. However, it did warm up. I wore shorts and a tank top (athletic clothes) and brought a flannel around my waist. I was glad I had it because at times it was chilly, but at our pace I didn't need it much after 10/11 am.
If you can handle the drive and can make it up early it will be better. This is a MUST on your trip!
If you can handle the drive and can make it up early it will be better. This is a MUST on your trip!
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crawlabout
Aldershot, UK231 contributions
Hi, I saw in recent reviews that the hanging bridge has been closed due to damage. Has this opened up again yet?
Also, would anyone be able to advise me on if there is a better time to take the natural history guided tour? I see there are a few times but wondered if there is a better time for wildlife viewing, or if chances are similiar throughout the day? We will visit in February
Thank you :)
Is it safe enough to leave suitcases and backpacks in our parked car at Monteverde Cloud Forest while we take a hike and tour for a few hours?
Cate
10 contributions
When we went to the rainforest Tourte and Monteverde the RedCross was managing the parking lot. And you would take a shuttle up to the reserve. They protected our vehicle so it was safe to leave items in the car. But as a general rule there is enough wealth discrepancy that it would not be recommended to leave things in your car whenever that can be avoided.
Kat
Berlin, Germany72 contributions
When does it usually get foggy (when it gets foggy) in the cloud forest? I'm specifically planning to take misty pictures.
Sarah
Ontario, Canada
Would like to know if any plus-sized persons have done the tour of the cloud forest and if they found it difficult or do-able. I really want to try to do it but I'm plus-sized (1x) and not in the greatest shape so I don't want to hold everyone up.
Scott & Bella
Afton, MN34 contributions
I think you will be just fine. Do it at your own pace. We spent 9 hours in the park and there are a variety of trails. Some are tough and some not that bad. If you have the time, go enjoy it and take your time!
bettybooSurrey
Weybridge, UK85 contributions
Where find best guides for cloud forest
Alex L
Seattle, WA12 contributions
contact nasua tours oscar is very good
Paradise53528230810
Morganton, NC7 contributions
Is this doable as a day trip from San Jose or should we plan on staying overnight?
nicole0327
Cambridge, NY192 contributions
I would recommend staying a night just to be on the safe side. Although it is possible to do it in 1 day it would be a very long day. It took us 3 hours to walk most of the trails in the cloud forest. GPS (google maps) shows its a 3 hour drive from San Jose to Monteverde but the closer you get the Monteverde the worse the roads are...very windy and large pot holes which easily make it longer the 3 hours especially with weather. You should be taking route 605/606 when you get close to Monteverde which they were just in the process of paving when i was there a month ago so depending on when you go the conditons might be better for you then they used to be but still windy of course. We could have spent another 2 hours, maybe a little less completely all the trails but i didnt have much interest, i was slightly disappointed in the cloud forest. Nice walk but trails around Lafortuna/Arenal Volcano are much better in my opinion! Enjoy!
Cheyenne1103
Grand-Fort-Philippe, France35 contributions
Bonjour,
Est-il possible de prendre un guide directement au parc ou faut-il réserver en avance?
Merci d'avance
Rebeca V
114 contributions
Hello!!
Yes, you can found a tourist guide in Monteverde.
Charles Wright
11 contributions
Hotels close to reserve?
Sloboda
Quepos, Costa Rica27 contributions
There are a lot of Airbnb properties available next in the area, in case that you’re looking for something more private or a little bit less expensive.
Personally my favorite formal hotel in the area it’s called “Los Pinos” It’s a small ecological resort right next to “El Establo Hotel” which is the biggest and most luxurious in town.
This place, “Los Pinos” is known for having beautiful Wood Cabins or cottages, they have organic plantations that you could harvest and they have their own small trail park.
I hope this answer is helpful.
:)
David
West Orange, NJ
I am planning a tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest and am looking for contact information for the following three guides: Ricky Guindon, Rigo Solano, Eric Bello. Can anyone send me their email addresses? Thank you. David
MissDCWilson
Costa Rica455 contributions
The MCFBP will surely not reply.
I can totally recommend and provide contact info for two of them.
Ricardo Guindon (506) 2645 50 85 / 85670405
Rodrigo Solano (506) 2645 5311 / 83541413
I will let them know you are looking for them. We work together and are also neighbors.
Have a great experience.
stefanigraff
Cherry Hill, NJ27 contributions
I know that the things you see during the day and night are different, but if we are definitely doing a night tour in the reserve, do you suggest we need to hire another guide the next morning to hike in the reserve as it is very pricey.
MissDCWilson
Costa Rica455 contributions
Hello there:
My name is Dulce Wilson and I am a Nature Guide.
It is very unlikely that someone from the preserve will get back to you so let me share a bit or my expertise with you.
1. You are absolutely right, day and night time in the cloud forest are opposite and different in good ways. A guided day walk and a guided night walk are the best options.
2. If you care for wildlife you will select to do both tours in one or two of our Cloud Forests in Monteverde and not anywhere else where sadly animals are fed or bought and placed in private backyards. Thanks for thinking about the cloud forest.
3. There are two cloud forests in our Monteverde community that you may visit on day time and at night: The famous and privately owned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve that charges more than any other park ($22) but I must say has excellent Nature Guides now AND Curi Cancha Wildlife Reserve which is located right next to the MCFBP but the entrance is a bit lower down the road by the Monteverde Cheese Factory ($15 per person and ID must be provided to enter) Both places have primary cloud forest, secondary forest and Curi has more trails and also open areas. Curi also has excellent Nature Guides.
4. You may consider getting a freelance Nature Guide instead of one from the park, however, not all nature guides are good, sorry to say that but it is a small community and we do know each other too well. Because I'm a Nature Guide and I belong to a small guiding company I will not suggest you go with us because that would be unethical but I have friends who are wonderful Nature Guides you can try to look up such as Esteban(he has his own TA page), Oscar Fennell, Ricardo Guindon, Coki Porras, etc.
5. I must add that for Night Guided Walks you may consider the 4 options we have in the Monteverde Community and that I can totally recommend because of honest and professional service: The one at the MCFBP, the one in Curi Cancha and the new one called Monteverde Night Tour.
6. No matter how good the guides in all these places are, no one can promise to find wildlife nor to have the perfect weather. But I am sure they will do their very best.
There is no other Night Guided Walk in the cloud forest of Monteverde except for those, so I can't honestly recommend any other no matter how famous they are because they are probably not even in Monteverde at all and we support the cloud forest and its inhabitants and none of these places I mentioned will feed animals nor will purchase them. These are professional people who care.
I hope these few ideas may help you come out with the best experience when you visit our precious but highly endangered cloud forest in Monteverde.
There are mostly birds on day time (500 total for this area) few nocturnal ones. 169 mammals and only 9 are active on day time, the rest at night. Few reasons why both tours may be significant experiences if you are able to join both.
Have a nice evening!
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Claim your listingMONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST BIOLOGICAL RESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest nature walk (From RM 88.77)
- Selvatura Park Hanging Bridge Tour in Monteverde (From RM 278.47)
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges (From RM 256.98)
- Regular Guided tour Monteverde Reserve (From RM 177.55)
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Zipline Tour (From RM 411.16)
- Hotels near Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve:
- (0.00 km) Hot Tub! Newly Renovated! ½ Mile From the Reserve. Perfect for families!
- (0.02 km) La Casona Lodge
- (0.08 km) Green Garden B&B
- (0.34 km) Mariposa Bed & Breakfast
- (0.36 km) Naturalist's Cloud Forest Haven
- Restaurants near Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve:
- (0.04 km) Cafeteria Colibri
- (0.05 km) Cafeteria el Colibri
- (1.80 km) Stella's Monteverde
- (1.88 km) Cafe Cabure
- (2.06 km) Restaurante Celajes at Hotel Belmar