A cloud forest is something otherworldly and magical, and no trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to Monteverde, considered to be the gem of Costa Rica’s cloud forests. Monteverde straddles both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the Continental Divide. A cloud forest occurs within tropical or subtropical mountainous environments, where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cover of clouds. Established in 1972, Monteverde’s protected lands cover over 35,000 acres (14,200 hectares) and it is home to a staggering number of plant and animal species, including over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. It is one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species of the cat family - jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis. It is also home to the famous and shy Quetzal bird. Historically sacred to earlier civilizations, this resplendent bird is cherished by birding enthusiasts and naturalists. 

 

To begin our Monteverde Cloud Forest Day Tour, you will be picked up at your lodgings by your chauffeur and bilingual certified naturalist tour guide at 5:00am. We will drive in a spacious and comfortable vehicle for about an hour before stopping for breakfast at a buffet style restaurant serving typical Costa Rican cuisine and pastries as well as fresh fruits and coffee. Then we will continue our drive for approximately 2.5 hours, during which your guide will share information about cloud forests, local history, and wildlife facts in preparation for our arrival at Monteverde.

 

When we arrive at Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, we will check in at their state-of-the-art facilities before setting out across the cloud forest on the Sky Tram Aerial Tramway. We will also explore an extensive system of hanging bridges and hiking trails. Next we will receive a bird’s eye view of this unique ecosystem on the Sky Trek Zipline - where we will ride 7 cables of up to 100m in height and 750m in length. We will enjoy incredible speeds and heights on one of Costa Rica’s most exciting canopy tours. 

 

After working up an appetite, we will drive 10 minutes to a typical “soda” for a late lunch, feasting on traditional dishes cooked over an open flame, a unique dining experience curated for our clients. “Sodas” are small, open-air restaurants that serve only traditional Costa Rican food.

 

After lunch we will drive around 45 minutes to the Viento Fresco Waterfalls, a series of four waterfalls ranging in height from 66ft to 312ft. The first waterfall is just 100m from the parking area while the others lie further down the moderate hiking trail, which consists of both stairs and trails. Then you can sit back and relax while your chauffeur sees you safely back to your lodgings, arriving between 6 and 7pm.

 

Who is this tour for?

The Monteverde Cloud Forest tour is perfect for active families or groups, birders and naturalists, and those who love outdoor adventures. It is suitable for people of moderate physical abilities. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Harder. General walking, trail hiking and hanging bridges. More extensive hiking if your group chooses to visit all four Viento Fresco waterfalls. Hike can be shortened based on group or individual preferences.

 

Your day includes:

• Door-to-door spacious and comfortable transportation with your private chauffeur and bilingual naturalist guide on board. Your day begins with a 5:00am pick-up.

• An hour-long drive to our breakfast stop at a buffet style restaurant, serving typical Costa Rican cuisine and pastries as well as fresh fruits and coffee. 

• A 2.5 hour drive to Sky Adventures Monteverde Park.

• Activities: Tramway, hanging bridges, zip-lining, hiking trails

• Typical Costa Rican lunch at Soda El Rancho de Juanita

• A 45-minute drive to Viento Fresco Waterfalls

• A safe return to your lodgings with an arrival between 6-7pm.

 

Included in your tour: Private certified guide and driver, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, all activities mentioned above, bottled water

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Not included: Tips, souvenirs

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What to bring: Good walking shoes, water shoes if desired, bathing suit and towel and change of clothes, including a jacket and long sleeve shirts (it can be chilly up in the clouds!), sunscreen, hats, bug repellent, cameras, binoculars, snacks (especially if traveling with children), motion sickness medication if needed (our Costa Rican roads can be bumpy). Bottled water provided, but feel free to bring your own beverages if preferred.

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