The village of Monteverde is 130 km from San José. This cloudy rainforest is home to many animals: over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds (including the Quetzal), 120 species of amphibians and reptiles. And let's not forget the region's flora, with over 3,000 species of plants: a paradise for nature lovers. Panoramic views of the rainforest can be enjoyed on excursions across the suspension bridges - for example - at Selvatura Park. You have access to a hiking trail (1h30 - 2h00) with 8 suspension bridges in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. In the same park, you can also go zip-lining: 15 cables and 18 platforms: the biggest zip-line in Latin America! You can also enjoy the scenery of the cloud forest, perfect for a good dose of adrenalin. Recommended for those who love adventure.
If you're looking for something a little calmer, you can visit the Monteverde Reserve: created in 1972, it's a private reserve located along the "Sierra de Tilarán", to the west of Lake Arenal. This reserve is the most famous in the country, but only 3% of the reserve's territory is open to visitors; the rest is under protection. If you prefer, you can take a nocturnal tour and enjoy the nocturnal biodiversity offered by a large number of animals: bats, frogs, snakes, spiders (especially tarantulas), porcupines among others... In addition, there's the Santa Elena Reserve, located at the top of the village of the same name. Here - like the Monteverde Reserve - you can observe many species of birds. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve has been open to the public since March 1, 1992. It was created thanks to the determination of the community and the participation of students from the Colegio Técnico Profesional de Santa Elena and their families, plus the support of organizations such as Youth Challenge Internacional and La Asociación Ambiental Vida. All with one aim: to share the benefits of tourism in the region.
Another recommended visit in your itinerary if you love coffee is the "Tour de café Don Juan". You'll have the opportunity to participate in and learn about the very traditional processes involved in planting and preparing our golden bean.
