So you are planning to vacation in Costa Rica, but you are not sure which of the most popular destinations to visit? Or maybe you prefer a bit more of an off-the-beaten path destination? Well, one could argue that Monteverde is the perfect mixture of both. Monteverde is easy to access via both private and shared shuttles, yet far enough off the beaten path that it has unique characteristics unlike any other destination in Costa Rica. So let us help you find a few more reasons to visit Monteverde on your Costa Rica vacation.
What Makes Monteverde, Costa Rica So Unique?
The first thing you should know about Monteverde is what makes it unique from the rest of the destinations. Costa Rica is known for its variety of destinations that are all uniquely distinct. And, if you have read anything about Monteverde, the one thing that is truly unique to Monteverde and Santa Elena is the rich cloud forest. As a matter of fact, the Monteverde cloud forest is listed as one of Costa Rica’s 7 natural wonders. The Monteverde cloud forest is also known for its healing properties. There is actually clinical proof that we can all benefit from a walk in the woods, especially after a year like we have all had. Not convinced? Just check out all the health benefits of the Rainforest and Cloud Forest in Costa Rica!
That said, it is no wonder nearly every activity in Monteverde involves something to do in the cloud forest. Here is our top pick for unique things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Treetop Climbing Monteverde Cloud Forest at the Finca Modelo Private Nature Preserve
So you can zip line through the canopy in most destinations in Costa Rica. There is also an abundance of places to rock climb and rappel waterfalls. However, there is no other place in Costa Rica that you can scale a 40 meter (131 ft) tall Ficus tree except in the Monteverde cloud forest. More specifically, on the Brenes Family’s organic farm and private nature reserve. The Brenes family loved the unique tree on their property and had the creative vision to make it a playland for adults and children alike. Thus the Monteverde Treetop Climbing Tour they created.
You can climb the Ficus right up the hollow middle of braided branches, use a system of metal rods for scaling the outside of the tree or use a rope to climb straight up to the top platform. Coming back down, you can choose to climb down, or take the leap and rappel down over 100 ft!! For an extra special treat, check out the Night Hike at Finca Modelo when the tree is all lit up and you can climb up just in time for sunset.
The Bat Jungle – Discover The Secret Lives of Bats
Something else that is entirely unique to Monteverde is the biologist Richard Laval and his love of bats. In fact, Dr. Richard Laval loved bats so much, in 2006 he opened his very own bat exhibit, The Bat Jungle. And I for one am certainly glad he did. There are over 90 different bats to view in the 17 meter (57 ft) long enclosure. Here you can observe how they make their homes, birth and nurse their babies, eating habits and all other everyday habits of the 8 species of bats found here. You can also listen to them socialize using a special ultrasonic microphone that allows you to hear the bats echolocating. So cool!
The entire tour takes less than an hour, but packs in more interesting facts about bats than you will ever retain anyhow. You can squeeze a visit to The Bat Jungle into any itinerary. Best of all, it is located right in the center of town, so you cannot miss it. The entrance is also very economical, so anyone can afford to check it out.
Don Juan Coffee Tour – Learn the Importance of Coffee, Cacao & Sugar in Costa Rica’s Culture
Ok, so a coffee tour is not so unique to Monteverde, but organic cloud forest coffee certainly is. Only in this region can they produce the flavors that the cloud forest climate brings to the coffee beans. The site itself has dreamy views of lush green hills with the cloud forest looming in the background. This is also our favorite family activity for those with small children or elderly. The trails are super accessible, and with all the hands on activities, your kids will not get bored while taking in a bit of culture.
Oh! Did we mention they now offer chocolate tours included with the coffee tour as well? Oh yes, mix coffee, chocolate & sugar and what do you get? Only the best mocha in the cloud forest! Don Juan Coffee farm also offers a night walk tour so you can check out the critters that come out of the cloud forest to visit the coffee farm by night.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges – Tiptoe Through the Treetops
Again, hanging bridges are not unique to Monteverde. In fact, hanging bridges are actually one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica. Not just in Monteverde, but in several different regions. However, the unique ecosystem you can only find in the Monteverde cloud forest reserve is what makes the Monteverde hanging bridges tour so special. There is an abundance of wildlife living in the cloud forest canopy. So, strolling along the nature trails crossing suspension bridges hanging over 100 ft high is the perfect way to spot them up close. Best of all, you do not need to haul around any bulky safety equipment. It is just you and a birds eye view of nature up close and personal.
We also love this one as it was built on a family’s property. We love to support family owned and operated businesses, and Monteverde is full of them. Just the vision some of these family had is incredible. The 100% Aventura Adventure Park also offers horseback riding and a zip line canopy tour on site. So if you are traveling with a multi-generational family, there is a bit of something to offer everyone. Don’t forget to bring a sweater and a rain poncho though. The weather in the cloud forest canopy changes from moment to moment.
Monteverde Bungee Jumping – Extreme Bungee Jumping in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest
Bungee jumping is now a truly unique activity in Monteverde. There were a couple of other places set up for bungee jumping in Costa Rica in the past, but now only the king of bungee jumps remains. And fortunate for you, it is in the lush Monteverde cloud forest. Really, can you think of a better place to bungee jump in Costa Rica anyhow? Lush cloud forest, views of the mountains all the way to the ocean, and well… leaping from an aerial tram platform from 143 meters (469 ft) up. Wow what a rush!
Honorable Mention: Monteverde Cheese Factory
There is one other activity in Monteverde I feel worth mentioning as well, a visit to the Monteverde cheese factory. I know, that does not exactly sound like a thrilling experience, but when it comes to learning about the unique culture derived from the Quakers that settled into Monteverde, this tour gets to the heart of it all. And if you love cheese as much as I do, you will definitely appreciate the quality of cheese they produce in Monteverde. In fact, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I was a bit of a cheese snob when it came to cheddar. It was always Tillamook cheddar, no substitutes. Well the Monteverde cheddar really gives Tillamook a run for their money.
So that is our list of our top 5 unique things to do in Monteverde. Hope you all have a great time exploring the cloud forest when you come visit us in Costa Rica. We are happy to help answer any questions you have or assist you in booking your tours in Monteverde. We also appreciate your feedback. Have you been to Monteverde recently and discovered another unique gem? Let us know in the comments below so we can check it out on our next visit to Monteverde.
Pura Vida Amigos!