ABOUT Monteverde

Monteverde is an extensive cloud forest located 3 hours north of San Jose, in an average elevation of 1400 meters (4600 ft) above sea level. Developed in the 50’s by Quakers from the USA whose pacifist values led to defy the American draft before the Korean War and lived from farming and cheese production, Monteverde is now a major tourist attraction in Costa Rica, mostly for those interested in wildlife, forests and plants. Activities available are hiking, hanging bridges and gondolas cruises, horseback riding in large farms, birdwatching and nature tours, zip line, coffee and sugar Mill “trapiche” tours, butterflies’ gardens, night tours and more. The small town of Monteverde offers numerous restaurants and shops and most hotels and lodges are built in walking distant or a short drive from “town”, some in the middle of the forest with stunning views to the valley. The area is quite touristy as all attractions are near the town, in a quite small area. Best way to go to or from la Fortuna from Monteverde is to take a boat across Lake Arenal, so you enjoy some touring during your transfer!
Recommended for those who want to experience the cloud forest. Please note that Monteverde is misty, humid, and windy, with a mean annual temperature of 18 °C/65°F and rainfalls are to expect anytime, although the area is drier between December and April. If you prefer a less touristic area, we recommend Los Angeles Cloud Forest located near San Ramon.