Things to Do in Monteverde and Santa Elena

Start With the Forest

Cloud forest walking is the main reason to come. The valley is cool and misty, high in the Cordillera de Tilarán, and there is no coast nearby. The reserves are run by different groups, and each sells its own tickets.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve

The Tropical Science Center has run the Preserve since 1972. Entry works by timed slot: one ticket, one circuit, booked in advance at cloudforestmonteverde.com . The trails open between 7:30am and 4:00pm. Foreign adults should expect about $29 per circuit, and children 5 to 11 about $16.

The shortest circuit is the 1.4 km Essence Trail. The 2.8 km Heart of the Forest route adds the hanging bridge, and the 4.1 km Continental Divide route leads to the La Ventana viewpoint. Park at the Visitor Center below the entrance and take the free shuttle up.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

This 310 ha reserve raises money for the local technical school. Self-guided entry in 2026 is 10,000 colones for adults, about $22, and 5,500 colones for children 8 to 12. Twelve km of trails include a tower on the Youth Challenge route. Hours are 7am to 4pm.

Bajo del Tigre and Curi-Cancha

Bajo del Tigre belongs to the Monteverde Conservation League and charges adults $18 for a self-guided visit. Curi-Cancha is a private family refuge where the same walk costs adults $25.

After Dark

Night walks are a Monteverde specialty. At the operators with posted rates, expect to pay around $30 to $35. The Preserve’s walk begins at 6pm. Bajo del Tigre departs at 5:30pm, as does Curi-Cancha’s. Groups are capped at 9 or 10, and the Preserve guides in English only. Take a warm layer, because nights drop to 12 to 14 C, and keep cameras flash-free.

Bridges, Cables and Zip Lines

Three parks sell the high-adrenaline options.

  1. Selvatura: a bridge walk for $49 and a canopy tour for $80, before 13 percent tax and fees.
  2. Treetopia: the Sky Walk at $49, the Tree Tram at $59 and the Sky Trek zipline at $99.
  3. Monteverde Extremo: a 143 m bungee jump and a long canopy tour. The park is in La Cruz de Abangares, and a $10 transport service runs from Monteverde.

Ask each operator about age and weight limits. Many travel insurance policies leave out zip-lining, so read yours first.

Gardens, Coffee and Crafts

The Orchid Garden in Santa Elena holds about 450 species and includes a guide in the ticket. The Butterfly Gardens in Cerro Plano charge adults $20. Coffee lovers can visit Don Juan Tours or the Cafe Monteverde farm. The CASEM cooperative sells local crafts in town.

Practical Notes

  • About 450 colones buy $1, and most places take dollars or cards.
  • The main road, Route 606, is mostly paved. A regular car is fine, but the drive is steep and foggy, and best done by day.
  • Wildlife should never be fed or touched.

Read more: adventure sports in Monteverde and sightseeing in Monteverde .

Look for packaged tours on Viator . Rates for the Santa Elena trails are at reservasantaelena.org .