Monteverde has become a very popular place to observe wildlife in the cloud forest. North American Quaker families arrived here many years ago, lived a peaceful life and started protecting the beautiful nature. They founded the Monteverde Reserve, which today is one of the most important attractions in Monteverde. Tourism soon became an important source of income for the area which is why tourism infrastructure in Monteverde has seen some respectable developments during the past years. Almost all hotels are owned by Costa Rican families, and that makes Monteverde very special. Within the last years, a lot of new activities have been developed and you can experience the cloud forest in many different ways. You can visit, for example, the Skywalk or the walkways of Selvatura. These are trails through the cloud forest where you walk on suspension bridges and observe the biodiversity in the canopy of the jungle. 3 different and adventurous canopy tours can also be booked at the tour desk of any hotel. However, the Monteverde Reserve and the Santa Elena Reserve are the most beautiful places to visit in this area and You shouldn't miss them. Birdwatching too is excellent in the cloud forest, with over 250 species of birds. The main village of the area is Santa Elena where restaurants, bars and shops can be found. A snake museum, a butterfly garden, a hummingbird gallery and a cheese factory are additional attractions of he area. Monteverde is located between 1400 and 1600 meters above sea level and it can be rather cool at night.

Day 1:

You will be picked up at your hotel in San José by collective bus (Interbus) and drive via San Ramón and Puntarenas to Monteverde. Please be prepared that the last 35 km are really bumpy. Check-in at Hotel Belmar*** (Mainbuilding). The rest of day is at your leisure. You can book any tour at the hotel reception and it's recommendable, that you ask for the travel advisor at the hotel upon arrival. They will explain all the activities and organize local guides for you. Overnight at Hotel Belmar*** Mainbuilding.
Included meals today: none

Day 2:

Today you will be picked up at your hotel's reception at about 8:30am for an excursion to the Selvatura Walkways. These are trails through the cloud forest where you walk on suspension bridges and observe the biodiversity in the canopy of the jungle. It will take you about 2,5 hours to explore the reserve. After the tour, transfer back to the hotel. In the afternoon at about 14:00pm you will take part in a guided coffee tour and learn more about this important export crop. Among other things you will visit a coffee plantation and get to know all the manufacturing processes, from growing and harvesting the plants to roasting and packaging them for export. And of course you will also have the chance to taste the aromatic drink. After the tour, transfer back and overnight at Hotel Belmar***(Mainbuilding).
Included meals today: breakfast

Day 3:

The morning is still at your leisure. In the afternoon you will leave the magical cloud forest and drive back to San José with the collectvo bus (Interbus).
Included meals: breakfast

RATES PER PERSON FOR 2009

Please note: This tour does not include any guided services, but they are available and can be booked and paid for at the hotel.

NOTE: All our Costa Rica adventures can be combined to form individualized packages. Please ask if you need help creating your own itinerary. We also offer fly drive packages and some short mountain biking and white water rafting tours that are not mentioned in the index. Please ask.

For booking inquiries and further information, please contact Sacred Earth.

Options & Combinations:

Additional nights can be booked upon request.

Option 1) with beach hotels in Tamarindo

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to the destination mentioned above at an extra charge. This transfer takes place in the morning.

Option 2) with beach hotels in Quepos / Manuel Antonio

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to the destination mentioned above at an extra charge. This transfer takes place in the morning.

Option 3) with La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano at an extra charge. This transfer takes place in the morning.

Option 4) with Rincón de la Vieja

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to Rincón de la Vieja Mountain Lodge**(*) or Hacienda Guachipelín Lodge**(*) at an extra charge. This transfer takes place in the morning.

Option 5) with Sámara

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to Sámara / Carillo or Nosara at an extra charge. This transfer takes place in the morning.

Option 6) with Tambor or Montezuma

Instead of driving back to San José, you can book a collective transfer (Interbus) to Tambor or Montezuma at extra charge. The driver accompanies the clients to the ferry, where he hands them over their luggage. The ticket for the ferry is included in the price. On the other side the driver for the rest of the journey already waits for the clients and takes over the luggage again. On the ferry, the clients travel on their own. This transfer takes place in the morning.