Monteverde | Costa Rica - A Backpacker’s Guide
Things to do
☁️Monteverde Cloud Forest
This reserve offers walking trails, viewpoints, a suspension bridge through the forest, and a small waterfall. It is to walk around and try and spot wildlife throughout. There is a Quetzal nest on the Sendero George Powell trail which is marked with signs.
🎟️Entrance fee: $26 by cash to card (no additional fee). This can be done in person or online in advance through their website.
🚌Getting there: You can take either public transport or shuttle directly from most hostels and hotels.
To take public transport the route departs outside the Banco Nacional is downtown Santa Elena at 6:15 am, 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 1/1:20 pm, and 2:30/3 pm. There are conflicting bus schedules so better to be there early just in case.
The return buses run from the reserve back to Santa Elena at 6:40 am, 8:30 am, 10:40/11 am, 2:40 pm, and 4 pm. This bus should cost $1-2 each way.
An alternative option to the public bus if this sechedule doesn’t work for you is the shuttle. This can be arranged from your accommodation and usually runs on the hour every until 2pm with various return times which will be given to you when you book. You don’t have to choose a return time when you book, just return down to the car park for the shuttle you wish to take. This option will cost ₡4000.
🌙Another option is to do their night tour. Much of the wildlife is more active and night and during this tour a naturalist will guide you through the forest. It costs $25 without transport and $31 with transportation and includes the entrance fee.
Free Things to Do
☕️ Coffee Tasting
🥾 Hikes and Viewpoints
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