Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the most famous, offering incredible biodiversity, hanging bridges, and guided wildlife tours. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is less crowded, with misty trails and stunning viewpoints. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Monteverde’s nightlife is low-key but fun. Enjoy craft beers at Monteverde Beer House, cocktails at Bar Amigos, or live music at Selina. Night walks through the cloud forest offer a unique way to experience nocturnal wildlife. While it’s not a party town, Monteverde has great spots to unwind after dark.
Monteverde is known for its cloud forests, not swimming spots. There are no natural lakes or rivers for swimming, but some hotels and lodges have pools. For a refreshing dip, consider a day trip to the waterfalls near San Luis or head to the beaches in Puntarenas or Guanacaste, about 2-3 hours away.
Monteverde offers great activities for kids and teens! Join a night walk to spot nocturnal critters, visit the Bat Jungle, or explore the frog pond at the ranario. See sloths, butterflies, and cool reptiles on the Selvatura Park Leaf Pack tour.
Monteverde has some great free activities! Enjoy stunning views at San Luis Viewpoint or hike the steep but rewarding Cerro Amigos (Radio Tower) trail. Stop by Café Colibrí for coffee and free access to their hummingbird garden. For a small fee, catch a sunset at Cerro Pinocho or visit the Ficus Tree Bridge ($2/person).
Monteverde offers incredible experiences in its famous cloud forests. Explore the treetop canopy with ziplining, hanging bridges, and aerial tramways combo tours. For wildlife lovers, visit the Sloth Sanctuary and Butterfly Garden on the Selvatura Leaf Pack tour. Guided hikes through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve reveal rare birds like the resplendent quetzal, while night tours showcase the forest’s nocturnal wonders.
Yes, Uber operates in Manuel Antonio, but availability can be limited, especially outside Quepos. Many travelers rely on taxis, private shuttles, or local buses for transportation. If using Uber, expect longer wait times, and for shorter trips, taxis may be more convenient. [View Full Blog Post]
Manuel Antonio is better if you want to stay near beaches, wildlife, and luxury hotels with ocean views. Quepos is a good option for budget travelers or those wanting a more local feel, with easy access to the Marina Pez Vela and affordable dining.
Manuel Antonio can get crowded, especially during high season (December–April) and weekends. Manuel Antonio National Park has a daily visitor limit, so advance tickets are recommended. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or explore lesser-known spots like Playa Biesanz
Yes, Manuel Antonio has street vendors and peddlers, especially near Playa Espadilla Norte and the park entrance. They sell souvenirs, beach gear, snacks, and drinks. While most are friendly, some can be persistent. A polite "No, gracias" is usually enough if you're not interested.
