The Best Hotels in Monteverde and Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for an Unforgettable Stay

Your adventure in Monteverde should include not only thrilling activities but also the perfect place to unwind. After experiencing the tallest and longest canopy in the cloud forest, it’s essential to find a great spot to relax. Below, I present the best hotels in Monteverde, ideal for rest and reconnecting with nature, perfect for your next adventure!

1. Ficus Sunset Suites: Unforgettable Sunsets

Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Ficus Sunset Suites offers an elegant and cozy environment. Its spacious rooms with balconies provide spectacular sunset views, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. With excellent value for money, it’s the ideal choice for those seeking comfort and peace. Book now and enjoy the tranquility of Monteverde!

2. Jaguarundi Lodge: Connect with Nature

Just 100 meters from the Monteverde bus station, Jaguarundi Lodge offers a unique experience. Enjoy private trails where you can explore the local flora and fauna. It’s the perfect place for those seeking a balance between relaxation and adventure. With great value for money, this hotel is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Book your stay now and experience nature from your room!

3. Hotel Heliconia: Warmth and Tranquility

If you’re looking for a chalet-style hotel with wooden finishes that provide a warm atmosphere, Hotel Heliconia is the perfect option. Located near the cloud forest, it offers the chance to relax surrounded by nature with excellent service and customer care. Ideal for those seeking peace and comfort in a cozy setting. Book now and experience the warmth of Monteverde!

4. Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotels & Spa: Luxury and Relaxation by the Sea

For a beachfront experience, Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotels & Spa is the perfect destination. With stunning views and an exclusive spa, this hotel promises a luxurious and relaxing experience. Perfect for those seeking a luxury getaway after their Monteverde adventure. Book your beachfront luxury stay today!

Which Hotel to Choose in Monteverde?

These hotels are perfect for those seeking a unique relaxation experience, with options ranging from luxury to more nature-centric stays. All are conveniently located near Monteverde’s main attractions, like Selvatura Park, with some offering free transportation to the adventure park. Choose the one that best suits your needs and make your Monteverde trip unforgettable!

Ready for your adventure? Book your stay at any of these hotels now and make your Monteverde journey an unforgettable experience. Click here to reserve your hotel and start your adventure!

Private transportation in Costa Rica: an ideal service for family trips

As we’ve mentioned in other articles, private transportation in Costa Rica is usually more costly than other transportation options, but it’s more comfortable and the best choice when you’re traveling with your family.

Here, we will summarize some things to keep in mind if you decide to use private transporation in Costa rica, and we’ll make a few suggestions about where you can get a quote for this service.

Private transportation in Costa Rica: four things to keep in mind for the best family trip experience

1. Safety and flexibility while traveling to any part of the country. As opposed to group trips for tourists, on private trips you can decide where to stop and how long you want to take to admire the scenery

You can make suggestions to the driver, or ask them about the best routes to travel to Monteverde, if you’re planning on traveling to the cloud fores

2. Create the schedule that best suits you, that departs from any place, airport, hotel, or private home. This gives you more freedom to agree on decisions with your family.

You can have an itinerary ready for places to visit, but if anything unforeseen comes up, such as wanting to stay somewhere for longer than you had planned, you can just schedule your departure when you wish, without missing any trips that are scheduled for a specific time.

3. Travel in nice vehicles that have air conditioning and that are driven by dependable professionals. The quality of your transportation is a decision that you can make for the safety of your family.

If you’re traveling in a vehicle that’s in poor condition, you risk wasting time as it will be more likely to break down. This also means that you could miss your tour reservations, depending on how long it takes to fix any mechanical issues.

4. Save money in comparison with other group services, as private service prices tend to be charged per vehicle rather than being based on the number of passengers, so you can travel with various family members or friends.

If we compare prices, a group shuttle service usually charges USD 54 per person, so if you’re traveling with six family members and you multiply that amount by six, it would cost around 324 USD. Whereas you can hire a private service with a fixed rate, that starts at around USD 232. When we think about it like that, you’d be saving money and traveling more comfortably with your loved ones.

Private transportation services in Costa Rica: some alternatives

With TicoRaid, you can compare prices for private transportation services in Costa Rica, to find the one that’s economically best for you and your family.

If you don’t have time to drive all the way from San Jose to Monteverde, you can take a domestic flight once you’re in the country with NatureAir (flights cost between USD 65 and USD 160 and are subject to availability). Once you’re in La Fortuna, you can hire a private transportation service. We recommend getting a quote from Transnuñez, and if you have time you can also check prices with Morphovans.

If you want to escape daily stress and enjoy a great vacation with your family, private transportation services in Costa Rica may be the best option, so that you can just focus on enjoying an unforgettable experience in this Central American country.

If you’re considering a visit to the Monteverde cloud forest, keep in mind that you can use Selvatura Park’s transportation service when you book a zipline or hanging bridges tour at the park.

If you haven’t decided where to stay, you may be interested in these Monteverde hotels options, one of which is particularly good for family trips: Hotel Heliconia.

If you aren’t sure about what to do in Monteverde, we recommend the following article:

Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica: 5 activities that are not to be missed

Driving in Costa Rica: laws and tips that you must know

If you decide to rent a car for your trip to Costa Rica, you need to know about the main regulations set forth in the Costa Rican Traffic Law, so that you can have a pleasant experience.

Here below, we will explain current regulations regarding foreign driver’s licenses, the main points of the traffic law, and finally, four tips for driving in the country.

Foreign driver’s licenses

It’s important to know the rules of the road. Before you start driving, you must ensure that you have the correct kind of license for the type of vehicle that you want to rent.

The law allows foreign tourists to drive the kind of vehicle indicated on their license, so if you have a type E or Universal license, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if you don’t have that kind of license, keep in mind that up until 2017 the law stated that holders of B-1 licenses could drive motorcycles. However, with the modifications made to the law this year, those with foreign or national driver’s licenses can now only drive the vehicle indicated on their license.

Traffic Laws in Costa Rica

As we mentioned earlier, Costa Rica has regulations that apply to everything related to traffic on public streets and traffic safety. Here below, we will explain the main points that you must carefully follow to avoid any inconveniences in the “Pura Vida” country.

Wearing a seatbelt is required by law. The law strictly states that all passengers in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. For children, seatbelt modifications must be made.

Respect speed limits according to the area and the road signs. Speed limits can be seen on road signs. On highways the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour (kph) and the minimum speed is 40 kph. In urban areas, the speed limit is 40 kph, while in areas near schools, hospitals or clinics, it’s 25 kph. Unless otherwise stated, this is the law.

Driving on beaches or under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Unless there is no other route connecting two cities or towns, you cannot drive on a beach. It’s also entirely prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Traffic police are authorized to conduct breathalyser tests on drivers.

Bribes or demands that are not within the law. Under no circumstances should you give money to traffic police to avoid fines, nor should you allow your personal documents or car registration to be taken from you. The only things that can be taken from you in severe cases are your license plates. If officers are insistent about either of these things, ask to be taken to the nearest police station to clear up the situation.

Stopping and pulling over on the side of the road. If a traffic officer indicates that you need to stop and pull over, you must do so. This can happen to conduct general checks, if you have been driving over the speed limit, if you are driving without a license, or when there’s an accident ahead, among other things.

Four tips for driving in Costa Rica

1. Look into your route before you start driving

When driving in Costa Rica, it’s important to note that there are gravel and dirt roads here, as well as areas where roads have many potholes, so it’s important to look into the route that you plan on taking. By doing this you can avoid inconveniences caused by the physical state and safety of the area.

You should also be very careful if anyone signals you to stop your car. You can never be sure of the intentions of strangers. It’s also best not to park on streets that you think should be fine to park on, but rather to look for a safe parking lot and avoid leaving valuables in the car. Also try to keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times.

2. Practice defensive driving

Driving in Costa Rica requires knowledge about defensive driving, as this can help to avoid all kinds of unexpected events that can be related to the state of the driver, the state of the vehicle, or weather conditions.

It’s very important to be well rested, so as to avoid problems related to fatigue or vision while driving. That’s why it’s best to decide where you will be staying. If you’re going to Monteverde, you may be interested in these hotels.

If you’re well rested, then you can check the car. You must check the condition that the car is in before you start driving, including oil, brake liquid, tire pressure (including spare tires), the electrical system, windshield wipers, light changes, turn lights, and brake lights.

Next, you must make sure to be careful when driving at night. Depending on which area of the country you’re in, there can be a lot of fog at night. Be careful about your speed, visibility, and the lighting not only of your vehicle, but also on the road, to ensure that you can clearly see where you’re going.

Furthermore, it tends to rain in Costa Rica, so set out on your trip with lots of time to spare. You should drive more slowly in the rain to avoid slipping.

There are also many curves in the roads in Costa Rica, as it is a mountainous country. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the routes you’ll take, so that you can determine how long it will take to reach your destination, but also to learn about the precautions you need to take to avoid common accidents on curvy roads.

3. Emergency contacts in case of accidents

If you’re in an accident, wait for a traffic officer to arrive. Don’t move your vehicle, as this will hinder the officer’s ability to write up a report. You can also report your accident by calling 911, 800-123456, or the number given to you by the insurance you purchased before entering the country.

4. Follow all the regulations set forth in the law to avoid costly fines

Para terminar este apartado, evita hacer infracciones de tránsito para que no pagues multas de más de 500 dólares, interioriza las principales reglas y toma en cuenta los consejos. Conduce con seguridad por los lugares que te has planteado.

If you get a ticket, make sure to pay it at any state-run bank and present a copy of your receipt to the car rental agency when you return the vehicle. If you still haven’t decided where to rent a car from, we recommend the most well-known agencies in the country in this article.

If you’ve considered visiting the northern region of the country, make sure not to miss the Monteverde cloud forest. There are different routes to take so that you can enjoy the trip, as well as hotels where you can do more than just relax and things to do for a complete adventure during your vacation.

Are in interested in learning about how to get to Monteverde? Read the following article:

The easiest way to get to Monteverde

5 hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica, for your dream experience

Getting enough rest is something that I always make a priority. When you’re on an adventure-filled vacation, it’s important to have a good place to relax.

In other articles I’ve mentioned that I’ve visited several adventure parks in Monteverde, and I’ve talked about my favourite one. This article will be similar, but here I’ll focus on recommending the hotels near Monteverde where I usually stay when I want to connect with the community, and have the adventure of going on the highest and longest zip line in the cloud forest. I will share five hotel options in Monteverde, Costa Rica, so that you can choose the hotel of your dreams.

Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: rest and connect with nature

When people ask about the best place to zip line in Monteverde, the next question is always about the best hotel near the cloud forest. That’s why I will discuss the hotels that I recommend, so that you can choose which one is right for you. Personally, I have three favourite ones where I usually stay, because they are near Monteverde and include transportation to Selvatura Park, which is one of the adventure parks I often visit.

Chira Glamping Monteverde: a camping experience

At Chira Glamping Monteverde, you can enjoy a modern camping experience where the rooms are like tents, so your room, or more accurately your bed, is inside the tent. You also have access to a kitchenette, a fridge, and a private bathroom which isn’t inside the tent, but rather under a small roof.

This camping style hotel is located in Cerro Plano, very close to one of the most famous adventure parks in Costa Rica, Sky Adventures Monteverde. Staying here is an unforgettable experience because you have the sensation of going camping, but in a luxurious way. However, I feel that the prices are quite high considering the services they offer.

Hotel Belmar: quality and history

This is one of the hotels near Monteverde, and one of the oldest and most famous ones in the area. Its four stars mean that it’s reliable, and I recommend this hotel to anyone who has enough money to invest in lodging.

Hotel Belmar is synonymous with luxury, which is why the prices are the way they are. Although the rooms and the services at this hotel are high quality, I prefer to save some money to do other activities that allow me the following hotels that I will mention:

Hotels near Monteverde, Costa Rica, that detailing the free shuttle service to Selvatura Park

Hotel Jaguarundi Lodge: feel nature from inside your room

Hotel Jaguarundi Lodge is located around 100 metres north of the Monteverde bus station, and it’s another hotel that I’ve fallen in love with.

Making my way into the hotel’s private forest is one of my favourite activities. I don’t just come to this hotel to rest, but also to have peaceful adventures in nature as I can hike along their trails and see the area’s native flora and fauna. There’s nothing to worry about in terms of the value for money, as Jaguarundi Lodge meets all expectations.

Hotel Heliconia: experience warmth, find more than relaxation

I’m captivated by this hotel because of its chalet style. Its houses remind me of the ones I’ve seen in Sweden, but with their own special Costa Rican touch. I also really like the wood finishes, because they remind me of the warmth of home.

It’s always been easy for me to book a room here. Hotel Heliconia, will give you a feel for the immensity of the Monteverde cloud forest, while providing good customer service, too.

Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites: dreamy sunsets

Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites embodies comfort, relaxation, and adventure in its elegant design. The rooms are big and spacious.

I feel at home here, not only because it’s easy to get around and visit the surrounding community, Santa Elena, but also because I love to relax peacefully in the chairs on the balconies each room has, where I can watch dreamy sunsets. The value for money is up to par. This is the perfect place to relax during a good trip.

In conclusion, the last three hotels I mentioned are my favourites, which is why I rotate between them every time I take a trip. One year I book a room at the Jaguarundi Lodge, the next year at Hotel Heliconia, and the year after that at Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites. They all fulfill my expectations and I can’t choose just one.

I hope that this article has helped you make a decision. Even if you’ve already decided which hotel to stay at, there’s still more to experience. If you want to continue your adventure at the best adventure park in Monteverde, I recommend the following article. If you book the Gold Pack tour or other zip line tour, you can use the Selvatura Park transportation service.

The adventure continues after getting some rest

Selvatura Park, the adventure you deserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica

5 tours in Monteverde, Costa Rica that are not to be missed

There are countless reasons to visit Monteverde. If you like discovering exotic locations where you can have completely new experiences, this is the place for you. If you love nature, you’ll be amazed by the flora and fauna at this biological reserve. If you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, you’ll find the country’s best activities at this adrenaline filled sanctuary.

Whatever the case may be, in Monteverde you’ll have experiences that will help you to relax, learn, have fun, and enjoy time with your friends or family in the middle of a true jungle. Here below, I will share the 5 tours that are not to be missed if you visit this Costa Rican cloud forest.

5 tours in Monteverde that you should not miss

I’ve visited Monteverde many times. Although I like visiting new places, this forest has me completely enthralled. Every time I go back, even though I’m visiting the same adventure parks (because I’ve visited most of them already), I feel like I’m having new experiences. The nature at this biological reserve is just that fascinating.

Based on my experiences, I will talk about the adventures that I fell in love with from the first moment I tried them, and that I always seek out when I go back to Monteverde.

1. The best canopy or zip line tours in the area

There’s nothing like admiring the area’s natural beauty while you go zip lining. This experience is even better if the cables are high up and long. When you come to Monteverde, you should definitely go on a zip line tour. You’ll discover how amazing it feels to glide across a kilometre-long cable in the Superman position, as if you were truly flying above the jungle.

I must say that the best zip line option in Monteverde is at Selvatura Park: here I’ll tell you why.

2. Adventure on wheels: quadricycle tours

I personally really enjoy driving a quadricycle along uneven terrain and paths surrounded by nature, where I can drive fast while still feeling quite safe. If you’re someone who enjoys this type of activity, you can go on a quadricycle tour at the 100% Adventure park.

3. Just like Indiana Jones: the highest and safest hanging bridges in Monteverde

To take your time observing all the natural riches of Monteverde, there’s nothing better than a hanging bridges tour. The first time I went on one I had a great time, but I wanted to see whether I would enjoy it more with a guide.

I decided on the guided tour at Selvatura Park and I had a very enriching experience. The specialists at this adventure park taught me a lot about Monteverde and the cloud forest, they even sparked my interest in bird watching. This establishment also has the highest and safest bridges in the area. Here, I will tell you more about it.

4. The most relaxed tour: a gondola ride

This is an excellent tour for those who wish to see the natural treasures of Monteverde without too much physical exertion. I usually go on this gondola ride on my last day in Monteverde, once I’ve been tired out by my other activities, and a relaxed tour does me good.

To go on this tour, I recommend that you visit Sky Adventures. You can read more about this park by clicking the following link: The 3 best adventure parks in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

5. Debunking myths: a tour to discover the beauty of reptiles and amphibians

Lastly, if you’re looking to learn more about the area’s wildlife, the best option is to debunk myths about amphibians and reptiles in order to see the beauty of these animals. I’ve visited the herpetarium at Selvatura Park countless times. That’s where I overcame my fear of snakes with the help of the park’s specialists. It’s also a good way to educate little ones about wildlife protection.

In Monteverde you’ll find something for everyone. Among such diverse options, I’ve shared with you what I do when I visit the cloud forest. Many people have asked me for adventure park recommendations. I always make the same three recommendations.

However, no matter how I look at it, I always end up encouraging them to visit Selvatura Park, which is where I’ve felt the best for a long time. Here below, I’ll share an article where you can find all the information about it.

The adventure park that I always recommend

Selvatura Park: The adventure you deserve to experience in Monteverde, Costa Rica

The 3 best adventure parks in Monteverde, Costa Rica

To me, Monteverde means flying like Superman, swinging on vines like Tarzan, having hummingbirds and butterflies landing on my hands, seeing new reptile and amphibian species, and crossing hanging bridges like Indiana Jones. It’s my favourite place in Costa Rica, and all of America, to experience the best eco-friendly adventures with family, friends, or just my backpack.

If you want to have these kinds of experiences at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve but you aren’t sure about which adventure park to choose, here I will recommend the 3 best options, listed from the least relevant to the best, so that you can make the right decision.

The best adventure parks in Monteverde

I’ve often been asked about the best zip lining options in Monteverde, which I discussed in another post. This article is different because takes into consideration not only the size of the zip line, but also prices, the other adventure activities being offered, additional services, and how easy it is to book.

3. 100% Adventure: Good value for the price

If you’re looking for an adventure park, this will be one of the first search results on Google. The best thing about this establishment is the price-quality ratio of their services. Overall, the activities they offer are quite cheap, and you can have a good experience here. I recommend this option for travelers on a budget.

At 100% Adventure, you can go on a canopy or zip line tour, hike across hanging bridges, go horseback riding, or ride an ATV. These experiences are satisfactory, although they don’t last very long.

The main disadvantage of this park is that information about how to book with them is limited, and the rates and adventure package information on their website is not up to date, so you aren’t sure what you’re spending your money on. There have also been issues with unhappy visitors, like myself, who expected more than what they got from 100% Adventure.

2. Sky Adventures Monteverde: The priciest park in the area

This is one of the most famous adventure parks in Arenal or Monteverde, Costa Rica. The best thing about this place is that they offer the only gondola ride in the area, which is great for people who want to see nature from high up for a few minutes, in a relaxed way.

Their website makes the booking process easy by providing all the information you need to understand what you’re spending your money on. Some of the activities available at this park are the canopy or zip line tour, a hike across hanging bridges, and a gondola ride. They also offer several adventure packages that can be tailored to suit your needs.

Personally, I had a great time here, but I feel that the prices are too high considering the duration of their tours and the quality of their services, which is why this isn’t my number one recommendation for this blog.

1. Selvatura Park: Adventure in Monteverde starts here

I’m the kind of traveler who likes to change things up, so after visiting all the adventure parks in Monteverde, the only one I’ve returned to several times is Selvatura Park. One reason is that they have the highest and longest zip lines in Monteverde, but there’s more to it than that.

At Selvatura Park, you can have the most complete experience for an excellent price. With the Gold Pack for instance, you can go on the best zip line or canopy tour in Monteverde, plus a non-guided hike across hanging bridges, for the same price that other parks charge for only one of these activities.

A complete adventure

You can also visit beautiful butterfly and hummingbird gardens here for a surreal experience, with birds perching on your hand and colours swirling all around you. At Selvatura Park, you also have access to the largest insect collection in the region, and a herpetarium when you can learn about the area’s reptiles and amphibians.

I also like Selvatura Park the most because of the high quality and safety standards they have for their installations and equipment, the warm and helpful disposition of the guides, and the free transportation that they offer.

Lastly, you can reserve the adventure package that’s best for you online, with 8 different choices for both those who seek extreme adventure, and those who are looking for more relaxing options. You can also book a room at one of their 3 hotels, choosing from the budget option, the one in the middle of the cloud forest, or the luxury hotel.

Do you want to learn more about this adventure park?

More information about Selvatura Park

Things to do in Monteverde Costa Rica: 5 activities that are not to be missed

There are always new experiences waiting at the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica. I have been to this biological reserve several times, and I’ve never once gotten bored. The beauty of the flora and fauna make any visit here memorable, and it’s even better if you can visit a good adventure park and enjoy activities you’ve never done before.

The first time I came to Monteverde, I wanted to learn about everything I could do here as well as park and lodging options, and while I did find information, it wasn’t thorough enough. Now that I’ve had so many beautiful experiences at this cloud forest, I want to share a list of 5 activities that are not to be missed when you visit this nature reserve.

Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica

In Monteverde there are activities for everyone. If you want to discover beautiful nature and take photos of wildlife, you can visit hummingbird gardens or a herpetarium. Or, if you’re more into extreme, adrenaline-filled activities that take you out of your comfort zone, you can go on zip line or canopy tour circuits, or hanging bridges.

1. Bird Watching: Colours That You Won’t Forget

Monteverde is full of vibrant colours as it is home to more than 400 bird species, which is why several establishments offer bird watching activities. Among the tropical birds here, the wonderful quetzal and the fast flying hummingbird stand out. In some adventure parks, they even provide the basic materials needed for bird watching and you can discover hummingbird gardens. Can you imagine taking photos of more than 400 different bird species?

2. Amphibian and Reptile Watching: Debunking Myths

If you want to learn more about amphibians and reptiles, Monteverde is the best place for it. There’s a rich variety of wildlife in the area, so that while you’re hiking you’ll be impressed by animals that you’ve never seen up close before. You can also take advantage of the deals offered at some establishments, such as the herpetarium at Selvatura Park, where guides teach you about the beauty of frogs, lizards, geckos, snakes, and 30 more native species

3. Tarzan Swing: An Amazing Experience in the Middle of the Jungle

This activity is not to be missed. Since 1918, Tarzan has delighted audiences on the big screen, jumping from tree to tree, swinging on vines and hollering in the middle of the jungle. In Monteverde, you can have that fantastic experience in a beautiful cloud forest on a Tarzan Swing, which is offered by almost every adventure park in the area. This swing mimics the way Tarzan swings on vines.

4. Hanging Bridges: Overcome your Fears

Here, you can hike 60 metres above the ground while enjoying the weather at the cloud forest Monteverde and watching birds and other wildlife, all with the excitement of overcoming your fears on the very safe hanging bridges. If you visit the biological reserve, this experience is not to be missed. It’s the perfect complement to zip line or canopy tours.

5. Zip Line or Canopy Tours: Have You Ever Wanted to Fly Like Superman?

This is the queen of all adventure activities in Monteverde. You can see the forest while safely gliding between two trees on a cable that’s hundreds of metres long. Zip line or canopy tour options have increased at the cloud forest, due to the popular demand of national and international tourits.

The Superman zip line option, where you cross the cables as if you’re flying, is available at most adventure parks. As long as you don’t have any physical conditions that would prohibit you from doing it, don’t miss this unforgettable experience. You’ll love it so much you’ll want to do it again and again. If you’re interested, let me tell you about the best zip lines in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

When you arrive to Monteverde you’ll see that it’s a great place to visit, especially if you love nature, ecotourism, adventures, or extreme excitement. There are several adventure park options at this biological reserve. I recommend one of the most renowned parks nationally and internationally:

All the adventure of Monteverde in one place

Learn more

The best Zip Lines in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Everyone should visit Monteverde, the cloud forest in Costa Rica where you can deeply connect with nature. In fact, CNN recently named Monteverde as one of the 25 most beautiful places in the world, along with Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, and other wonders.

I love nature and I partake in ecotourism, so I’ve visited several adventure parks. I know that most people visit Monteverde in search of activities like zip line or canopy tours, which is why I wanted to put together a little guide about that in this blog. Based on my experience I can recommend 3 options, including the best zip line tour in Costa Rica.

The Best Canopy or Zip Line Tour Options in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Canopy or zip line tours are very exciting, especially when you go to suitable places with great service. Essentially, zip lining involves gliding across one or more cables connected between trees, while observing natural riches from above, and feeling butterflies in your stomach from the speed and height.

Here below, I’ll tell you about 3 adventure parks in Monteverde that offer this activity.

3. 100% Adventure: Affordable Prices and a Mega-Tarzan Swing

Just being in Monteverde is a beautiful experience, so whichever park you go to, you’ll have a good time. The zip line or canopy circuit at 100% Adventure offers good service.

Nine canopy zip lines are crossed, in which 1 kilometer of those can be made in Superman position. One great attraction at 100% Adventure is the Mega-Tarzan Swing, which has become popular in adventure parks, but the one found here is slightly larger. There’s also a very good price-quality ratio here, as they have the most affordable deals. For all these reasons, 100% Adventure ranks third in my recommendations.

2. Sky Trek Monteverde: Low Impact Gondola Rides

This is one of the most famous adventure parks in Monteverde. Sky Trek Monteverde offers a good experience, especially for those who would like to go on a short gondola ride before doing the zip line or canopy circuit, which isn’t offered at other parks.

If you decide to visit this park, you will cross 8 cables and you won’t need to walk much throughout the tour. Their safety measures are impeccable, and the staff is very helpful. This park isn’t my first recommendation, because their prices are a bit higher. While they do have a gondola, they don’t offer a Tarzan Swing, which is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

1. Selvatura Park: The Highest and Longest Zip Line in Monteverde

At Selvatura Park, you can have a complete experience. As their slogan says, “all of the adventure in Monteverde can be found here”. The zip line or canopy tour circuit includes 13 cables, some of which are 180 metres high. The canopy tour can also be possible to do it in Tarzan Swing, and go across one of the zip lines in superman position.

The last cable, which you cross with another person, is more than a kilometre long and it’s really wonderful because you’re so high above the valley,” wrote a visitor on his blog, Lagarto Rojo.

Although I had enjoyed other zip line tours, none of them were as exciting as this one, especially because of how long the tour lasted, and the incredible views at that height. They also offered the best service.

In terms of quality-price ratio, Selvatura Park comes out ahead. For a lower price than the one offered by the previously mentioned park, you can enjoy the entire zip line or canopy circuit, plus a non-guided hike across the hanging bridges. I decided to pay a little bit more for the guide service, which was a great way to keep learning about Monteverde. I took some stunning selfies on those bridges, which were possibly the highest in the entire nature reserve.

The best part of this establishment is that they offer a variety of options to complement the zip line experience. There’s a herpetarium, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and guided tours across the hanging bridges.

If you’d like to learn more about Selvatura Park, please read the following article:

Adventure in Monteverde lives here

Selvatura Park: the adventure you deserve to experience in Monteverde, Costa Rica

When it comes to ecotourism in Costa Rica Monteverde is by far the best destination, with hundreds of national and international tourists visiting each year. This rainforest offers visitors the joys of nature, including lush vegetation that is home to many wildlife species, in an impressive jungle atmosphere in the North West region of this Central American country.

Do you want to experience adventure in Monteverde, Costa Rica?

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is home to several parks that offer adventure packages for truly unforgettable experiences.

One option that stands out is Selvatura Park, a company dedicated to creating the best adventure experiences in nature. They offer activities such as canopy or zip line tours and a Tarzan Swing; hanging bridges, as well as butterfly and hummingbird gardens, a herpetarium, and countless other attractions.

Selvatura Park: Adventure in Monteverde lives here

Located in Monteverde, 139 km from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and only a few kilometers from the Santa Elena cloud forest reserve, there the majority of the hotels offer free transportation to the park from any hotel in the area. It consists of 350 hectares of protected land, and it’s one of Costa Rica’s main adventure parks.

Unlike other parks, Selvatura Park offers adventure activities that are suitable for the whole family. There’s also a restaurant, and lodging options both in and outside of the forest, so that visitors can enjoy complete, comfortable experiences. This has become one of the most popular online offers because of its great value.

“There’s certainly a lot to do in Costa Rica, but visiting Selvatura Park in Monteverde is a really great experience for kids and adults,” commented a visitor from Mexico City on TripAdvisor.

The best canopy or zip line experience in Monteverde

Each canopy tour or zip line circuit at Selvatura Park lasts for 3 exciting hours. It spans across more than 4 kilometres, connected by 13 cables that get longer throughout the tour.

You will have the option to try the Tarzan Swing, which mimics the way Tarzan swings on vines. You can also the possibility of doing canopy by crossing a 1 kilometer cable in Superman’s position, to truly experience the sensation of flying.

The last cable, which you cross with another person, is more than a kilometre long and it’s really wonderful because you’re so high above the valley, as you can see in our video,” wrote one visitor in their blog, Lagarto Rojo.

Here below, we’ll share one of the videos that this visitor filmed during his adventure:

For this tour, all you need are comfortable shoes. Selvatura Park provides all the necessary equipment, so that you can have a safe and unforgettable experience.

With unbeatable guides and safety standards, I highly recommend this. The way they treated the kids was excellent and very kind, the Tarzan Swing is a bonus,” said one visitor on TripAdvisor.

With Selvatura Park’s Gold Pack,
you will enjoy unforgettable canopy tours or zip lines,
and hanging bridges

I want to know more

The safest hanging bridges in Monteverde

The hike across the hanging bridges at Selvatura Park consists of a 3 kilometre long trail that crosses the cloud forest canopy, which allows you to see nature from a unique point of view. On this tour, you can cross 8 hanging bridges that are between 70 and 150 metres long, and between 12 and 180 metres high.

Each bridge is 1.5 metres wide and can hold up to 80 people, which makes them the most solid, comfortable, and safest hanging bridges in Costa Rica. The whole hike takes about an hour and a half. To enjoy the hike to the fullest you can take a guided tour, and learn about Monteverde’s culture and natural history.

The canopy is spectacular, and the guides are wonderful and very attentive, especially with children. It’s 100% safe. We also crossed the bridges and saw the hummingbirds that pose in your hand. I definitely recommend it. They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel,” wrote a visitor from Spain on TripAdvisor.

Selvatura Park: All the beauty of Monteverde in one place

Butterfly garden

Beyond the incredible experiences with hanging bridges, canopy tours, and zip lines, at Selvatura Park you can also visit the butterfly kingdom that has a controlled temperature set at 28°C. You’ll feel butterflies in your stomach as you learn about this community of more than 30 types of tropical Costa Rican butterflies.

The staff at Selvatura Park will teach you about the life cycles of these beautiful insects, as well as their special abilities and the behaviours that have helped them evolve. You will also have the option of taking a guided tour through one of the world’s largest living butterfly exhibits, that spans across more than 2,700 square metres.

The Herpetarium: Impressive amphibians and reptiles

At the Selvatura Park herpetarium you can see the most beautiful Costa Rican species of lizards, snakes and frogs. They’re cared for under the best conditions in climate-controlled terrariums that mimic each species’ natural habitat.

You will also learn about Costa Rican herpetology and debunk myths about poisonous snakes, while observing this type of Costa Rican wildlife alongside guides who are amphibian and reptile specialists.

We chose the package that included the hanging bridges, the hummingbird garden, the reptiles and amphibians, and the zip line. It was all really interesting, we learned a lot from our reptile and amphibian guide, and the views are great from the impressive hanging bridges,” wrote another visitor.

The best lodging options in Monteverde are here

Lastly, to complete your experience, Selvatura Park has three of the best hotels in Monteverde:

Jaguarundi Lodge

This is the only hotel in the cloud forest near Santa Elena, Monteverde, where you can have an experience that’s 100% natural.

Hotel Heliconia

This is one of Monteverde’s most famous and classic hotels. It has beautiful views and an excellent price-quality ratio.

Ficus Lodge

Located in the heart of Monteverde, this hotel is the perfect combination of luxury and nature.

At Selvatura Park, you can experience the best activities in Monteverde. You just need to choose your adventure pack and it can be purchased online. If you’re looking for a recommendation, we suggest the Gold Pack to experience the canopy or zip line tour, and all of Selvatura Park’s bridges.

Selvatura Park, where adventure and safety protocols are priorities

Selvatura Park, where adventure and safety protocols are priorities.

Monteverde, in beautiful Costa Rica is a center for many outdoor activities. Not only is it home to the mystical cloud forest and all the treasures it holds, but it is also where close-to-nature adventures are thrilling! Selvatura Adventure Park Monteverde takes your love for nature to a new level. Your day of adventure full of a diversity of activities at Selvatura Park, also has all the safety and hygiene protocols in place so you can focus on the experience and the excitement of your day in nature. Selvatura Park is where adventure and safety protocols are priorities!

Selvatura Park in amazing Monteverde was designed to offer visitors a true connection with nature and the opportunity to experience its wonders from different and exciting perspectives. From below, from above or in the middle, the cloud forest is vibrant, mystical, magical and there is always a way to enjoy it for people of all ages, thrill seekers and the lovers of diversity in flora and fauna.

As the world begins to open its wings after a period of hibernation, travelers’ retake to the skies of adventure and experiences with renewed expectations and safety protocols. This is how travel is done nowadays and Selvatura Park Monteverde has updated its bio-safety practices accordingly.

What hasn’t changed is the fun guests continue to have as they explore the cloud forest and the amazing wildlife that can be spotted and enjoyed.

Selvatura Adventure Park sits on 850 acres of protected cloud forest that is the backdrop to a day of close to nature adventure. While most of the day is outdoors exploring the forest whether it be flying along a zipline or walking through the forest canopy on amazing hanging bridge system, you may also enjoy an array of open space activities such as observing the sloths, butterflies, or hummingbirds. All these open air activities are part of the efforts to promote natural safety protocols that are already in place.

Welcome to Selvatura Park!

From the moment you step into Selvatura Adventure Park, your safety is our priority. It always has been, but we have added some processes to the adventure so that you feel just as safe with the hygiene and sanitary protocols as you do with the ziplining and superman safety harness and helmet.

With further accesses to the reception area, signage for physical distancing, and the incorporation of additional technology, and of course, increased disinfections of the area, your check-in to a day of fun is in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s latest indications. The decision to ponder is which package to choose from for your day at Selvatura Park. There are 8 packages which means that you decide the level of adrenaline you want to experience, which gardens you would like to explore and if you would like to enjoy a delicious lunch in between activities.

The Thrill of the Canopy!

For those thrill seekers wanting to see the cloud forest from its canopy perspective while flying through the skies, ziplining is an absolute favorite! Safety has always been a top priority due to the nature of the activity but some supplementary protocols in the way of hygiene are part of the fun now too.

All zipline guides will use their personal protection equipment and group numbers have been reduced to ensure physical distancing. The ziplining equipment is also disinfected regularly and with the Ministry of Health’s recommended products.

With your feet on the forest floor!

Selvatura Adventure Park boasts a series of trails through the amazing cloud forest which visitors can wander through at their own pace and within their social bubble. They include the incredible treetop suspension bridges that take you through the cloud forest canopy guaranteeing spectacular views of the forest and beyond. These are engineering works of art and not only are the longest bridge system in Costa Rica, but they are also the safest and the strongest!

The nearly 2 miles of trails and 8 bridges throughout the park means that there is lots of space to walk and feel the sense of freedom and openness that the cloud forest exhales. The only sense of closeness is to nature, which is not only an experience, but it also gives peace of mind in these exceptional times.

Time for lunch!

After a morning immersed in nature, inhaling the fresh mountain air and after the adrenaline rush is over, it is inevitable to work up an appetite. It is time for a delicious, hearty lunch!

The Garden Restaurant is another favorite place for guests at Selvatura Adventure Park with its extensive menu of Costa Rican inspired dishes that are full of fresh, flavorful ingredients perfect for the cloud forest and the mountains.

From colorful salads with tropical accents to Costa Rica’s favorite traditional dish, El Casado with its rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your preferred protein, our menu will satisfy everyone’s eager appetites.

Enjoy your meals in the company of your social bubbles with the recommended 2-meter distance between tables and with our digital mobile menu accessed by a QR to choose your meal. That may be the difficult decision as there are so many delicious options!

In accordance with the Ministry of Health’s protocols, Selvatura Park decided to expand the terrace area to offer additional open-air spaces for diners too. When not sitting at your table, it is required that you use your face mask too just as the waiters and kitchen staff do.

Selvatura Adventure Park is a place of adventure and a day of fun-filled activities surrounded by nature and its beauty. With the additional safety and hygiene protocols, visitors can focus on spotting wildlife and creating memories in the cloud forest above, below and within. Come and see for yourself!.

At Selvatura Park, you can experience the best activities in Monteverde. You just need to choose your adventure pack and it can be purchased online. If you’re looking for a recommendation, we suggest the Gold Pack to experience the canopy or zip line tour, and all of Selvatura Park’s bridges.