Activities and Tours in Monteverde and Santa Elena

Activities and Tours

Hidden Valley Night Walk Tour

This is a two hour hike in the early evening perfect for listening to and spotting nocturnal life in the forest. The walk takes place on the Hidden Valley trails located between Santa Elena and the Monteverde Reserve entrance. The jungle activity is different at night, and it is possible to see sleeping birds, tarantulas, spiders and other creatures. The tour includes naturalist guides who keep in contact with other guides in the area via radio; so if something good crawls, climbs or slivers around the trails then the rest of the guides are notified as to its location. You are provided with a simple flashlight but you can bring your own if you have a good one. It is also advisable to take raingear and covered shoes. This can be booked through Desafio Adventure Company in Santa Elena.

The Frog Pond / Ranario

This is a museum/zoo/conservation program for native frogs and toads. Entrance includes a guided tour and a second entry on your own the same evening or next day. The frogs are in terrariums that simulate nature. There are over 20 species of frogs and other amphibians, including poison arrow frogs, the marine toad and the famous red eyed tree frog. You are taken on a one hour walk through the exhibit by a guide equipped with facts about the different frog and amphibian species. Your ticket is good for the whole day so make sure you come back as the sunsets to here the chorus of frogs come to life. To get there follow the road where Desafio has their office and loop around the back of it following the dirt road up the hill. It is 300m north of Monteverde Lodge. Note: Flash photography can blind the animals.

Serpentarium / Snake House

There are more than 40 species of snakes, reptiles and amphibians. You are guided around the indoor terrariums to view the snakes with explanations on each the particular snake species. The poisonous snake section is a little eerie once you discover what they are capable of but good to know how to identify a poisonous snake. You will have the chance to hold a living boa constrictor if you are game. To get there head down the hill from the Banco Nacional on the main street of Santa Elena; you should spot the green building on the opposite hill. It is a good idea to get there as the sunsets as the snakes are more active at this time, but remember flash photography can blind the animals.

Insect Museum

This tour starts in the insect museum exhibition with a 10 minutes chat about the insects of Costa Rica, which is followed by a visit to the butterfly garden where you will be surrounded by a beautiful variety of live butterflies native to Costa Rica. For the next 45 minutes the guide will take you past 30 terrariums and talk about fun facts and qualities of the each live species that you encounter. The tour concludes with a visit to some look-out platforms, where visitors can appreciate the magnificent views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the beautiful mountains of Monteverde - a perfect photo opportunity!

Butterfly Garden

This tour includes a 1.5 hour guided tour through four gardens, each representing a different local butterfly habitat. The guide shows and explains various species of insects and butterflies. They raise over 40 species of butterflies strictly for educational purposes.

Horse Riding

The horses provided by the Desafio team are well looked after and well mannered to ensure a comfortable riding experience. They offer three horse tours including transport and ponchos in the event of rain. Contact: Tel. (506) 645 5874, Email: info@monteverdetours.com

Forest & Farm Ride - This is an off-road ride that goes through farm and forest areas, with beautiful views of the Pacific Coast (weather permitting). This is about a 2-2.5 hour ride. The best time for this ride is at sunset. You should wear long pants and covered shoes, take cameras. Ponchos are provided if it rains. Tour: daily anytime. Cost: 28US$

Ride to San Luis Waterfall - You will spend 5 hours with an experienced guide through rolling hills covered by lush coffee plantations. Tour includes horse guide, 1 hour return hike to the waterfall, beverage and entrance fee. The starting point for this ride is from La Colina Lodge. Tour: daily 8am. Cost: 53US$.

In the Clouds Horse Ride - This ride takes you along the Continental Divide for some stunning views of the countryside. As it is a longer ride, it allows you to penetrate deeper into the countryside. The tour includes, horse guide, 3.5 hour ride, and transport. Tour: daily anytime. Cost: 44US$.

Canopy Tours

Sky Walk

This is a series of 2.5km of trails, 6 suspension bridges and platforms built in the cloud forest to appreciate the canopy flora and fauna from within the forest and above the canopy. This is a self-guided tour that can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Sky Trek

This is a secure system of trails and zip lines. There are 11 cables in all, ranging in lengths between 120feet to 2310 feet, heights ranging from 60 feet up to 480 feet, and the fastest cable can reach speeds of up to 64km/hour. The tour lasts about 2 hours. Enjoy the adventure and the panoramic views of Costa Rica from above the canopy!

Sky Trek/Sky Walk/Serpentarium Combo

Desafio Adventure Company has a special package which includes Sky Trek, Sky Walk and the Sepentarium combined for the price of 53US$. Contact: Tel. (506) 645 5874, Email: info@monteverdetours.com

Selvatura

Selvatura is a different company that offers a similar tour. Combo tour (ziplines, bridges)-- 20 platforms + tarzan swing. Cost: 40US$.

Don Juan Coffee Tour

Monteverde sits at an elevation of around 3,500 feet, making it ideal for growing good coffee. This tour is a fun way to visit a coffee plantation to learn about picking and processing ....from the plant all the way to the cup. The tour includes transportation, bilingual guide, 2 hour tour, and chance to buy and taste the coffee. Part of the proceeds from the tour goes to the local coffee cooperative.

Tours: daily 8am, 10am, 1pm & 3pm. Cost: 25US$.

Cheese Factory

This tour includes a walk through the factory with an explanation of the cheese-making process by a bilingual guide, and you get to watch the process from an observation window. There is also a slideshow that details the history of Monteverde, how the Cheese Factory was established, and the story of the evolution of the cheese-making process. The factory produces 13 types of cheeses which you are able to taste at the end of the tour.

Tours: daily 9:00am, 2:00pm. Cost: 10US$