Monteverde Biological Reserve, 13 km of paths in the clouds: the complete guide

The Monteverde Biological Reserve is a rainforest that maintains this status thanks to timely intervention and collaboration between private individuals and public bodies. Located in the north of Costa Rica, the so-called Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest) offers breathtaking views in an almost surreal setting. Since this is a rainforest, the trees are almost always surrounded by a blanket of clouds that appear like vaporized rain. You will be able to fully enjoy it thanks to the famous suspension bridge, from which you can admire a breathtaking view.

Things to know before entering the Monteverde Reserve

The Reserve is managed by the non-governmental organization Cientro Cientifico Tropical and extends over a vast area reaching 1800 meters above sea level. An excursion to the Monteverde Biological Reserve can keep you busy for a whole day, thanks to the variety of paths and fauna and floral species within it. Be careful though, because entry is limited and if the park is full you will have to wait for some visitors to leave to enter.

Opening hours and prices of the Monteverde Biological Reserve

From Sunday to Saturday 07:00 – 16:00

Adults: $26.00

Children ages 2 to 12: $13.00

Infants: free

Guided tours: yes, various.

Regulations of the Monteverde Biological Reserve

Also in the Monteverde Biological Reserve there will be staff responsible for checking bags and backpacks. Furthermore, an electronic badge will be provided to each guest to contain too many entries and to preserve the tranquility of the park. We advise you to use the bathrooms before entering, because no services have been installed inside in order not to distort the habitat. Ah…don’t lose your badge otherwise you will have to pay $20.00…

What is allowed to do inside the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

• Take photos and capture videos WITHOUT FLASH
• Bring water with you, but only in water bottles or special containers
• Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent

What is not allowed inside the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

In Monteverde, as in all other protected areas, it is strictly prohibited:

• Taking Photos with Flash
• Bring food of any kind (not even in special containers)
• Introduce disposable plastic (bottles, packages, etc.)
• Bring alcohol and narcotics
• Feeding wildlife
• Speak loudly
• Collect flora, animals and minerals
• Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes
• Bring lighters and matches
• Bring pets
• Camping, hunting and fishing
• Using drones

How to get to the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

The Cloud Forest is located near the towns of Monteverde and Santa Elena. It may be an idea to look for accommodation in the surrounding area, rather than traveling from San José or other more distant destinations. In any case, here’s how to reach the park.

By Car

Reaching the park by car can be challenging for the less experienced, in the most mountainous areas of Costa Rica the roads are often rough: due to the frequent rains the asphalt gives way easily. A medium-sized SUV is recommended for getting around the northern area of ​​the country. To reach the Reserve from San José you can follow the route indicated here. In this regard, I advise you to get an eSim to be able to take advantage of the data network without having to spend a fortune with your operator or to download the offline map before leaving.

In autobus

From San José the bus is operated by Transporte Monteverde and the ticket price is around $9.00 for a duration of almost 4 hours and 30 minutes. The terminal to take the bus is located in San Josè and is 710.

From Puntarenas the ticket cost is approximately $6.00 and the journey time is 3 hours. The bus leaves from Calle 2.

You can consult our guide to bus times if your departure city is different.

Parking at the Monteverde Biological Reserve

The Monteverde Biological Reserve offers a car park which is approximately 1 km from the entrance. Don’t worry! Included in the price of parking is the pick up that will take you directly to the front of the reserve. You can also purchase your parking ticket online with a $5.00 surcharge on the entrance fee to Monteverde.

Tips for getting to the Monteverde Biological Reserve

The only useful recommendation we can give you about the Monteverde Biological Reserve is to rent a car capable of tackling steep (sometimes bumpy) climbs, if you decide not to use public transport. A medium-sized SUV is necessary.

What will you see in the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

Con 13 km di sentieri a disposizione avrai l’occasione di ammirare alberi di Ceiba immensi e numerose specie vegetali, oltre ai puma, gli ocelot, i giaguari, i serpenti e, ultimo ma non per importanza, il Quetzal. Questo uccello è da molti considerato come il più bello del mondo grazie al suo particolare piumaggio.

What kind of fauna can you expect in the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

• Capuchin monkeys
• Squirrel Monkeys
• Jaguars and Pumas
• Tapirs
• Sloths
• Coati
• Raccoons
• Agouti (rodents)
• Tamandua (Anteater)
• Snakes
• Golden toads
• Red-eyed frogs
• Bats
• Quetzal
• Other birds
• Various insects

What kind of flora can you expect in the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

The flora of the Monteverde Reserve is undoubtedly lush and varied. You will certainly be struck by the immense trunks of the Ceiba trees, which in “collaboration” with other plants form truly evocative designs. The Monteverde Reserve is identified as the area with the highest number of orchid species.

• Oaks
• Ceiba
• Ferns
• Orchids
• Milk trees
• Bromeliads

The paths of the Monteverde Biological Reserve

The reserve has 12 main trails that branch out in various directions, some steeper and more strenuous, others shorter. However, the paths are accessible to everyone, since they are well maintained and properly traced.

Cuecha Path

The Cuecha path is 480 meters long and leads to a waterfall.

George Powell Path

This is a rather short trail at 200 meters in length. The difference in altitude is approximately 20 meters and requires a 10 minute walk. It crosses a forest in formation and is dedicated to one of the founders of the Monteverde Biological Reserve.

Tosi Path

With a length of 660 meters the Tosi path joins the Wilford Guindon and Cuecha trails.

Wilford Guindon Path

This path is a route dedicated to another of the founders of the Reserve. Of approximately 970 metres, along the route there are various observation points for bird watching.

Bosque Nuboso Path

This path is probably the most visited, precisely because of its characteristic of being immersed in the clouds. 1.9 km long and with a difference in altitude of 65 metres, this route will take you approximately 1 hour and a half. Along its route you can find some very particular fig trees.

El Camino Path

El Camino is 2 km long with a height difference of 40 metres. The trail is wider than others and is home to many butterflies. Path particularly suitable for bird watching.

Chomogo Path

This walk is the most “tiring” with a difference in altitude of 150 meters and an altitude of 1680 metres. Given its length of 1.8 km it requires at least an hour and a half to complete, during which you will see oaks, bamboos and heliconias.

Robie Path

0.6 km long, this delightful trail is narrow and leads to a beautiful grove of heliconia trees.

Ponto Path

Standing 30 meters tall, this bridge offers stunning views of trees, bromeliads, orchids and more.

La Ventana Path

This 300 meter route leads to La Ventana (window), so called because it offers a beautiful view of the forest below.

Guided Tours

The Monteverde Biological Reserve offers numerous guided tours, including night tours to observe the magnificent fauna that tends to “rest” during the day. You can purchase tickets for guided tours on the Reserve’s official website or see our suggestions. 

Where to eat in the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

Inside the Reserve there are no spaces provided for catering, but before entering you can take advantage of the Colibri Cafe. Here, in addition to refresh yourself, you can enjoy the shows put on by the colorful Hummingbirds who give life to very fascinating dances.

Where to stay to visit the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

The ideal stop to visit the reserve is Santa Elena. In fact, the town is the closest point to access the Monteverde Biological Reserve, as well as all the other attractions in the area. As usual we recommend what we have tried firsthand.

Casa Clusias

Casas Clusias offers 3 independent houses that are very well equipped and at a truly affordable price. We advise you to request Casa 1, as it is close to the vegetation and is a daily stop for a very curious Coati.

Where to buy tickets for the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

Entrance tickets can be purchased online, as can the various guided tours that the park offers.

For the daily entrance ticket: Official website

For guided tours: Official website

How to contact the Monteverde Biological Reserve?

Email: monteverde@cct.or.cr

Tel: (+506) 2645-5122

Conclusion: our experience at the Monteverde Biological Reserve

The Reserve offers a one-of-a-kind experience, especially thanks to the clouds that infiltrate the treetops. Seeing a Quetzal was one of the memorable experiences of this trip, even if paradoxically we observed the most bizarre sight outside the Reserve. In fact, in the Coffee Shop in front of the entrance, a copious amount of hummingbirds enlivened our breakfast before entering Monteverde.