Planning your Costa Rica adventure and dreaming of visiting the cloud forest? We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Monteverde with kids, to help convince you to add this magical place to your Costa Rica itinerary.
Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and is home to some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes on. And it’s a fantastic place to explore with kids, with some of the best family adventures in Costa Rica.
Monteverde is truly a magical place, with the cloud forests providing a surreal landscape that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Walk through the cloud forests on one of the many well-marked trails, take a canopy tour through the treetops, or go for a night walk to see some of the nocturnal animals that come out to play.
And don’t forget to sample some of the delicious coffee that is grown in Monteverde – it’s some of the best in the world!
La Fortuna vs. Monteverde
While similar to La Fortuna in some respects, Monteverde is also very different, both in environment and highlights.
Situated high in the mountains, Monteverde is not as humid as La Fortuna and is often windier. Temperatures are a little cooler than in other areas of Costa Rica.
Although it’s in the rainforest region, you’ll also be able to experience the mystical cloud forests where you’ll feel like you’re actually in the clouds.
Monteverde vs. Santa Elena
Monteverde literally means “green mountain” and refers to the region, while Santa Elena is the town where you’ll find many hotels, restaurants and activities.
The town of Santa Elena is small and easy to get around on foot, but you will need transportation to many of the activities which are located a few kilometres from the downtown area.
We refer to Monteverde throughout this post as it’s the more common name, but we’ve differentiated between the two in the accommodations area.
How to Get to Monteverde
Monteverde is located about 2.5 hours from both the San Jose airport and the Liberia airport. Car rentals are available from the airport or shuttles and private drivers are available if you aren’t renting your own car.
From La Fortuna, there’s a taxi-boat-taxi option that takes you across Lake Arenal and is definitely quicker than driving around!
**NOTE – If you rented a car and are driving to Monteverde, the road is VERY rough. Some sections are paved while others are not. Be aware and it’s suggested to drive during the daylight only.
About the Cloud Forest
Did you know that only 1% of all forests in the world are considered cloud forests? You need to experience it!
Cloud forests are exactly what they sound like. The clouds have basically come down to cover the top canopy of the forest, and you’ll see the fog or mist surrounding the upper canopy of the forest, before it condenses onto the leaves and trees.
Monteverde is located on the transcontinental divide, where the Caribbean and Pacific regions meet. The temperature and humidity create a unique wet and humid environment that is ideal for the growth of these lush, green forests.
Best Things to Do in Monteverde with Kids
1. Explore a Cloud Forest Reserve
There are three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde: Santa Elena, Children’s Eternal Rainforest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
While any of the reserves are sure to offer a fantastic experience, we chose to visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, or Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena.
Guided or self-guided hiking takes you through a hazy mist on narrow trails, where you’ll see plenty of green, mossy trees. Listening to the sounds of birds, it’s like you’ve stepped into another world.
The Youth Challenge Trail is a short, easy trail that’s a definite must. Other trails are longer and can take up to a few hours to hike.
There’s also an observation tower that offers fantastic views of the Arenal Volcano on clear days -though unfortunately not the day we were there!
Other Cloud Forest Reserves
Children’s Eternal Rainforest – Bosque Eterno de los Ninos – was started by Swedish schoolchildren and is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. Hike the 4.5km trail and try to spot some of the birds and mammals that are protected here.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, or Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, was established by the Quakers and is the oldest reserve in Monteverde.
It’s the more original cloud forest reserve and the more well-know one in Monteverde, so it does get busy. There’s 13 km of trails to hike, as well as a suspension bridge and a viewing deck where you can see the continental divide.
2. Take a Canopy Tour
This is where canopy tours first originated in Costa Rica and Monteverde is home to some of the best zip lining in the country. It’s an exhilarating way to see the forest from a whole new perspective.
While we didn’t do a canopy tour (we’re saving it for a later trip when the boys are a bit older), we met quite a few people who had done the canopy tour and they said it was fantastic!
It’s not for the faint of heart though, as you’re flying across the top of the forest on a zip line, but it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
There are plenty of companies offering tours, including Selvatura, Original Canopy Tour, 100% Aventura, Sky Adventures, and Monteverde Extremo.
3. Walk the Hanging Bridges
Many of the adventure parks also have hanging bridges as part of their packages, but you can also book them separately.
The bridges at Selvatura are a great way for families to experience the cloud forest and allow a chance to spot wildlife up close. Take your time hiking the trails and crossing the bridges to see what cloud forests are made of.
The bridges offer some excellent views of the upper canopy of the forest as well as a glimpse down onto the tops of the trees below.
They’re safe for kids and are one of the most stable sets of suspension bridges that we have been on.
4. Have a Cup of Coffee
You’re in one of the best areas in Costa Rica for growing coffee, so be sure to sit and enjoy a cup! Cafe Monteverde is located downtown and serves up some delicious coffee.
Sit and enjoy your cup inside or buy some coffee to take with you.
5. Go On a Coffee Tour
After you’ve sampled that delicious cup of coffee, go on a coffee tour to learn about the process of how coffee goes from bean to cup.
There are several different tours offered in Monteverde and Santa Elena, where you’ll learn about the different types of beans, how they’re grown, harvested, and roasted.
Don Juan offers a popular tour where you’ll visit all parts of the plantation and learn how coffee is made from bean to cup. You’ll also taste the delicious chocolate that Monteverde is known for and even try your hand at making sugar cane juice.
6. Go for a Night Walk
Monteverde is home to some amazing nocturnal animals, including kinkajous, tarsiers, owls, and sloths. Seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience.
These night walks are family-friendly, and kids will love seeing these unique animals up close. One thing to know before going to Costa Rica is that the sun sets around 6 pm throughout the year, so these night tours aren’t too late for younger kids.
Many of the companies that offer canopy tours also offer night walks, or others such as Curi Cancha Reserve, Kinkajou Night tour, Santa Maria Night Walk or Valle Escondido Night Walk.
7. Explore the Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden is a great place to learn about the different species of butterflies that call Monteverde home.
You’ll see them in all stages of life, from caterpillars to chrysalis to butterflies.
They even have a glass-enclosed room where you can walk among the butterflies. An hour-long guided tour is included with admission.
8. Visit the Bat Jungle
The Bat Jungle is another great place to learn about the animals that call Monteverde home.
You’ll learn all about different kinds of bats, see them up close in their natural habitat, and even get to see them fly, as they’re on a reversed schedule so they are active during the day.
9. Go Horseback Riding
Plenty of horseback riding tours are offered in Monteverde, where you can explore the area in a different way.
Tours run at different times of the day, whether you want to have an early morning ride when you’ll have the best opportunities for bird watching, a late morning tour where you’ll have the clearest views or an afternoon tour where you can see some spectacular sunsets.
No experience is necessary. Many tours require children to be six years of age or older.
10. Visit Selvatura Park
Although we’ve mentioned Selvatura above for their canopy tours and hanging bridges, they also have other things to see and do on-site.
There’s a reptile and amphibian exhibit in the Herpetarium, as well as a sloth sanctuary, butterfly garden and hummingbird garden to explore.
Each activity is an additional fee or can be packaged with the other tours.
11. Explore the Orchid Garden
For a break from the adventure activities, head to the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Wander through the gardens and listen to the knowledgeable guides explain about orchids, including tips on growing your own orchids at home.
Magnifying glasses are provided for close up views of the flowers and tours last around 45 minutes.
12. Visit the San Luis Waterfall
The San Luis waterfall is a bit of a trek to get to, but if you have some extra time in Monteverde, it’s worth a trip!
It’s about a 3 hour hike, or you can take a taxi to the research station and hike around 45 minutes to get the waterfall. A dip in the waterfall will be rewarding after that hike!
13. Explore Santa Elena
The small town of Santa Elena is where you’ll find most of the hotels and restaurants, as well as the activity booking offices.
Stroll down the main street, do some shopping at the local souvenir shops, and grab a bite to eat!
Where to Eat in Monteverde and Santa Elena
Tico Y Rico
Right on the main street in Santa Elena, Tico Y Rico serves Costa Rica food and natural juices. The service was fantastic and we visited several times while we were in Santa Elena. Their selection of natural juices was incredible!
Morpho’s Restaurant
Serving a variety of options from soups, sandwiches and hamburgers to pasta, meat and fish, Morpho’s is a great place to have a tasty and reasonably priced meal. Stop by for a late afternoon snack or early dinner and enjoy the fantastic sunset view!
Tree House Restaurant & Cafe
A unique restaurant that’s been built around a 100 year old tree, it’s a bit pricier than other options in the area but you’re paying for the unique atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Monteverde and Santa Elena
Accomodations can be found in both Monteverde and Santa Elena.
We stayed in Santa Elena and found that to be a good choice for us. Our hotel was just a few minutes walk from the downtown area of Santa Elena and nearby to both the Santa Elena Reserve and Selvatura Adventure Park.
I suggest choosing your activities first and then booking accommodation based on that.
Selina Monteverde
A well known chain of hostels, Selina Monteverde is set close to the cloud forest and a great budget place to stay in Monteverde. There are dorms as well as private room options.
👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Hotel Don Taco
A mid-range hotel, Hotel Don Taco has clean rooms and a large terrace to enjoy the afternoon sun or watch the sunset. There’s a restaurant on-site offering lunch and dinner options; breakfast is included in the rate. Staff are friendly and helpful, and will assist in booking tours and arranging transportation. The hotel is only a short walk (under 5 min) to Santa Elena’s downtown.
👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Hotel Belmar
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, Hotel Belmar is a great choice. With an onsite spa, several restaurants and bars, an infinity pool with stunning views, and large well-equipped rooms, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. It’s also eco-friendly and has earned recognition from Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism program.
👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Final Thoughts: Family-Friendly Things to Do in Monteverde
Monteverde is one of the many unique places that Costa Rica has to offer and should definitely not be missed on your Costa Rican adventure. There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Monteverde and activities that the whole family can enjoy.
For more Costa Rica travel ideas, be sure to check out these posts:
- Top Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids
- Manuel Antonio National Park: A Guide to Visiting with Kids
- Best Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids: Epic Family Adventures
- 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
- 18 Things to Know Before Going to Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Travel Budget: How Much Does 10 Days in Costa Rica Cost?
- Complete (and Printable!) Costa Rica Packing List
