Selvatura Park: Amazing things to do in Monteverde

Monteverde is one of those special places in Costa Rica for many reasons. Nestled up in the highlands of the Continental Divide, it not only is exceptionally beautiful where you take a deep breath and watch the beauty of nature unfold before your eyes, but it also is full of possibilities. There is a long list of amazing things to do in Monteverde, whether it is to pause and experience the wonder of nature as you explore the cloud forest or if you are looking for some wholesome adrenaline-rush activities.

Vacations in Monteverde is where nature, adventure, and new experiences are wrapped up into a little mountaintop sanctuary! Monteverde is a place for nature lovers without a doubt and a visit is an experience unlike any other. A hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve will show you one perspective of this verdant gem, while walking over the suspension bridges at Selvatura Adventure Park, will show you what the forest looks like from above. The possibilities are endless!

For the love of birds

Monteverde is a very special place for bird watchers too and is home to over 500 species. The thrill of spotting them, brings such excitement and leaves you in awe especially when you can see the resplendent Quetzal or the Black, Yellow Silky Flycatcher or the largest hummingbird in Costa Rica called the Violet Sabrewing. It is of no surprise that Monteverde is one of the best places for birdwatching in Costa Rica….and the world!

Much of Monteverde´s success as a best place for birdwatching is that it is home to over 140,000 acres of mostly privately owned reserves and parks. Selvatura Adventure Park is one of these and sits on 850 acres of protected forest. Its neighbor is the largest private protected forest in the country called the Children´s Eternal Forest. This network of reserves and parks is a safe haven for endemic and migratory birds that become a bird watchers paradise when they vacation in Monteverde.

Hiking Boots on the forest floor!

Monteverde is also a favorite vacation destination for the opportunity to pause and experience the wonder of nature, one unhurried moment at a time as you explore the number of reserves and the hiking trails they contain. Immerse yourself into the dense cloud forest for a truly sensorial experience. This is for the nature-lover that likes to feel their hiking boots safely on the forest floor and enjoy the views of the diverse tropical forest and its misty surrounds at ground level. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a unique opportunity to re-connect with nature and visit one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Offering a number of trails, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve can be visited multiple times, and each experience will be a new one thanks to the richness of its biodiversity, the everchanging energy of Mother Nature, the clouds that will engulf , before sliding away magically and the colors and aromas of the cloud forest that bring new life and seasons. A must-do is to visit the Cloud Forest Reserves in Monteverde.

And for the adventurous at heart!

For those searching for different ways of experiencing the cloud forest, welcome to Selvatura Adventure Park. This is what we call in Monteverde where a choice of packages means you do the activities you prefer with the adrenaline-level you would want to reach.

The ultimate sky adventure in Monteverde is of course ziplining. What better way to see the cloud forest from above than flying through its canopy and treetops offering birds-eyes views of the forest below and the spectacular scenery beyond. Monteverde is the birthplace of ziplining so put on your harness and connect to the line. It is an adrenaline rush that you will want to continue beyond the 13 cables. Extra points if you do the last cable in the superman position!

Selvatura´s ziplining experience is the only canopy tour in Monteverde and Costa Rica that is fully immersed in the cloud forest too. This activity not only is exhilarating but you will see the cloud rainforest from a unique perspective. Oh…and let´s not forget that this zipline also offers you the opportunity to try out the Tarzan Swing to really feel the thrill of nature. This is for the adventurous of spirit and will be the highpoint of your vacation in Monteverde.

Selvatura Adventure Park is also home to it´s famous Treetop Suspension Bridges and Walkways. This 1.9-mile-long walk through the cloud forest includes 8 suspended bridges that offer breathtaking views of the cloud forest, Monteverde and further afar. Remember that Monteverde is over 4500 feet above sea level with views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean. Your Treetop Suspension Bridge walk is also a prize opportunity to do some serious wildlife and bird watching making this experience all the more exciting.

To see some more wildlife up close don´t forget to pass by the Sloth Sanctuary, the Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition and of course the Butterfly Garden. This is an adventure park that visitors of all ages will enjoy so come with the family and enjoy the epitome of Costa Rica and Monteverde.

Another adventure park that offers the thrills of a close-to-nature experience is Sky Adventure Monteverde. While offering a zipline tour and hanging bridges, this adventure in the sky has a shorter circuit than Selvatura for both attractions and without the final bang of the Tarzan swing either! And when you are looking for adventure, more is definitely better!

Monteverde is a small area sitting on a mountaintop, but it is also story of a community and it´s profound respect for nature and a love story of how it has been safeguarded for present and future generations.

It is a paradise for birdwatchers, a sanctuary for keen hikers and a hot spot for adrenaline-rush seekers. Wander the reserves like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and inhale its magic and watch its endemic wildlife to draw inspiration and wonder. Soar through the sky on an unforgettable adventure at Selvatura Adventure Park, a world of natural wonders. This is about a uniquely immersive into nature.

Selvatura Nature Park and its sister properties, Hotel Ficus Sunset Lodge, Jaguarundi Lodge and Hotel Heliconia look forward to your visit! Your adventure planning begins at the website so come visit us, pick your package and book online to create an unforgettable vacation in Monteverde.

Traveling the world can be amazing but where do you go for a romantic getaway? Not everywhere checks those romantic boxes when couples want to celebrate their honeymoon, a special milestone or occasion, or just because. When you add to the romantic getaway an element of adventure in nature, Monteverde Costa Rica is a perfect choice. Let´s say that Monteverde is an adventurous romance on cloud nine!

Nestled up in the mountains of Costa Rica, Monteverde is the most beautiful backdrop for a romantic vacation where nature, citrus orange sunsets, chalet-inspired hotels, adventure, and serenity all merge into one small destination that is big on amazing. This unique destination will take the adventure in romance to a new level as you achieve those couple goals in nature.

Love and romance is full of emotions, ups and downs, highs, and lows with lots of middle ground. It requires support, enthusiasm, spontaneity, leaving your comfort zone, and lots of laughter created from unforgettable moments, fun, and facing the unknown. A romantic getaway to Monteverde offers you all those emotions as you zip through a rainforest canopy, as you hike through the cloud forest in awe of its magic, as you sit and inhale the picture-perfect sunsets, and as you wine and dine on fantastic food.
After your arrival at Monteverde and settling into your romantic getaway like Ficus Sunset Suites, don´t miss the amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya in the far distance and the afternoon spectacle as the sun goes down with its symphony of colors. This is the perfect welcome to your romantic getaway in Monteverde.

Romance is in the Air
Ziplining is just one of those adventure in nature activities that is so much fun and a must to do during your romantic getaway in Monteverde. Monteverde is the birthplace of canopy or ziplining and Selvatura Adventure Park gives its fearless adventurers the unique opportunity to fly entirely within the cloud forest, Monteverde´s most important and precious natural attraction.
Romantic travel is about living new experiences and reaching new couple goals too. What better way to inject some real thrill into your relationship than tossing on a harness, connecting to a cable, and then gliding through the forest to where your beloved is awaiting you at the other end. On the first cable, you both were novices, by the 13th you both will be experts! Try the Tarzan swing at the end of the zipline for the perfect romance in the air adventure experience.

Love is a bridge
Love and bridges are great emotional and physical connectors. In Monteverde, our favorite bridges are in the form of treetop walkway suspension bridges, and they will take your love to new places! At Selvatura Adventure Park, these state-of-the-art engineering masterpieces are a network of bridges that will take you over and through the park´s nature reserve that protects the cloud forest in all its splendor as part of a nearly 2-mile walk through this misty jungle.
Unlike its ziplining cousin, this is a walk through the forest and over the 8 bridges of varying lengths that can be done hand in hand and at the pace you decide. Take your time and enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna that can be observed and admired as you stroll along the well-maintained paths and trails.

Romance is a walk in the park
Monteverde is home to a number of nature reserves and protected areas that ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the cloud forest and its wildlife dwellers. After a day of romantic adventure in the clouds, take a romantic walk in the park at one of the reserves including the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
This magical hike will take you deep into the cloud forest where you will truly sense its profound beauty and perfection. Moisture-laden clouds dance within the dense vegetation to create a mystical forest brimming with life and natural treasures. This walk is an invitation for a moment of peace and to embrace this sensorial experience as a couple. This is a romantic walk in the park with the Monteverde twist to it.

For the love of food!
Monteverde not only is for lovers of nature, during your romantic getaway to Monteverde, it is also the perfect opportunity to dine out on wonderful food at the many restaurants in Monteverde. A romantic dinner to reminisce about the day´s adventures and couple goals is the perfect finish to a day full of love in nature.

Ficus Sunset Suites has an amazing restaurant with some of the best-uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and the quaint town of Santa Elena if you decide to stay in after a day of adventure exploring the forest canopy or its floor. It is also not far from a number of world-class restaurants including the Tree House Restaurant and the Hotel Belmar´s Celajes Restaurant if you still have some stored energy to venture out in the Monteverde night.
Monteverde is a land of cloud nine for a romantic getaway where close-to-nature adventure and the magic of the cloud forest are the perfect backdrops for an unforgettable romantic vacation. This is the destination that will create love stories you will share for many years to come and is unlike no other.

Check out the Love is in the Air and Love is a Bridge possibility on the Selvatura Adventure Park Monteverde site and choose the package that best suits your romantic expectations in nature.

Selvatura Nature Park and its sister properties, Hotel Ficus Sunset Lodge, Jaguarundi Lodge and Hotel Heliconia look forward to your visit! Your adventure planning begins at the website so come visit us, pick your package and book online to create an unforgettable vacation in Monteverde.

Why Costa Rica is the best birdwatching hotspot!

Did you know that Costa Rica is considered a top ecotourism destination and is one of the top 3 favorites in Latin America for birdwatchers?
Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the best places in the world for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts! This small country is a birding hotspot where a myriad of endemic and migratory birds can be observed and enjoyed up close or afar. Let´s explore this bird-loving region and understand why Costa Rica is the best birdwatching hotspot.

Costa Rica also offers ideal conditions for birdwatching tourism. This includes naturalist and ornithology specialized guides that love to take fellow bird lovers to the best spots in Costa Rica for tours. Selvatura Adventure Park in Monteverde has a group of professional in-house naturalist guides that will show you the very best of the cloud forest with their eagle-eye bird spotting capacities!

Why Costa Rica for birdwatching.

Costa Rica has been on the world map as a top birdwatching destination for many years and there are very good reasons for this hotspot ranking. Over 900 species of birds have been registered in this small little country that sits in the middle of North and South America.
So, not only are there lots of birds to spot, but they are also flying around a small area of land which heightens chances that you will see many of these hundreds of feathered friends during your travels around Costa Rica.
There are some birdwatching hotspots that are conveniently located close to the two international airports too, including Monteverde that sits basically between the two. This means you won´t have to travel far to enter this mountain-top world of forests, clouds, adventure, and birds galore, whether your fly into San Jose International Airport or the Guanacaste International Airport.

Why are there so many bird species in Costa Rica

One of the reasons that Costa Rica is so beautiful is that it has embraced diversity in a very big way. It begins with its privileged location in the world and that it has mountains, lowlands, wetlands, volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, rivers, and so many more beautiful landscapes. This means that many bird species have found their home in the endless types of forests, altitudes, coasts, and other hideaways.
It also is the perfect itinerary stop-over for birds as they move north and south along their yearly migratory routes. These are the true jet setters of the world and Costa Rica is their temporary nest on their long seasonal journey to the warmth and diversity of Costa Rica.

Where are the top birdwatching places in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has birdwatching epicenters all over the country so during your visit and depending on your love for birds, you can stop at a number as you discover the wonders of this top birdwatching destination. For bird lovers, you can never see enough of them, and Costa Rica guarantees endless opportunities to enjoy all stages of your favorite activity.

From the search through the forest, the mountainside, the wetlands, or the cloud forest, to identifying their song amongst the symphony of sounds of nature, and the joy of spotting and observing a known or a new species is all part of the adventure.
High Altitude Birdwatching hotspots include: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Maria de Dota, and the Central Valley.

Low Altitude Birdwatching hotspots include Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Osa Peninsula, and Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge.

Which is our favorite?

While Costa Rica is beautiful everywhere you go, from the palm tree-lined beaches for relaxing to the active volcanoes with adventure-laden slopes, there is always a favorite. Our preferred destination for bird watching, to experience a sense of mystic and magical beauty immersed in nature, great hotels, delicious restaurants, and the thrill of adventure is Monteverde!

This unique destination sits on the top of the continental divide and literally and appropriately means “Green Mountain”. It is home to the magic of the cloud forest that is protected in a network of nature reserves including the Selvatura Adventure Park where you can experience the cloud forest from the thrill of a zipline through the cloud forest canopy or on the treetop suspension bridges with bird’s eye views of the forest and its dwellers.
The Monteverde cloud forest is the perfect backdrop for birding tours or just the pleasure of watching birds and hearing their song from the comfort of your hotel nestled into the mountain slopes like the Ficus Sunset Suites, Hotel Heliconia, or the Jaguarundi Lodge or as you explore the cloud forest on foot or from above.

With over 400 bird species, 160 species of amphibians and reptiles and 100 species of mammals, Monteverde´s unique ecosystem compares to no other. It also is a favorite for bird species like the resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, the bare-necked wood quail, and the azure-hooded jay just to name a few.

Bring your hiking boots, binoculars, camera, and your sense of adventure when you visit Monteverde. Selvatura Adventure Park will show you how to enjoy the cloud forest from a whole new perspective when you explore the nature reserve.

Selvatura Nature Park and its sister properties, Hotel Ficus Sunset Lodge, Jaguarundi Lodge and Hotel Heliconia look forward to your visit! Your adventure planning begins at the website so come visit us, pick your package and book online to create an unforgettable vacation in Monteverde.

Monteverde Cloud Forest; the essence of the destination.

Did you know that Monteverde in Costa Rica boasts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity? Throw in thrilling eco-adventure, spectacular views, some great places to stay at, and this is fun! On the other side, this amazing little mountain top is a place that has kept its treasured essence and defeated progress in a really great way. One of its landmark treasures is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the true representation of the essence of the destination.

Nestled up in the Costa Rican highlands that overlook the impressive Gulf of Nicoya, on the Pacific Coast, you will find a verdant gem in the form of a quaint, alternative living town called Monteverde. This small, picturesque mountain top village is home to a number of beautiful nature reserves and protected areas.

A community affair.
Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s little treasures and it never ceases to amaze with its diverse wildlife, gorgeous eco-boutique hotels, and great eateries to entertain you while you are here. Sustainable tourism is the foundation of the town’s philosophy, and this is a community effort that comes from the heart. In other words, it is a community affair.

While small in size, Monteverde is big on hiking, adventure parks, cloud forests, all connected by a profound love for nature and how we can live in harmony with the environment while preserving it. This is where Monteverde Cloud Forest comes to play a key role in finding a balance between them. No easy feat but Monteverde has seemed to find the way with peace and respect.

Monteverde has also found innovative ways to show its visitors the cloud forest from its different perspectives and degrees of adventure. Monteverde Cloud Forest can be done by moving with your hiking boots firmly on the forest floor, or Selvatura Adventure Park shows you the cloud forest helping you fly through its canopy on a zipline or walking over a network of state-of-the-art suspension bridges during your walk. You decide on your adrenaline-rush level, but both will guarantee you an unforgettable experience in nature.

So, why is the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica so important?

The Cloud Forest is all about what its name already implies and what makes it so very special and unique. Mist and low-lying clouds will drape the forest canopy giving the magical impression that the sky is basically reaching down into the forest making you walk through the clouds. This is just one reason that the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must to experience during your visit, and especially as you walk over a suspension bridge!

And then, those low-lying clouds that dance between the trees and that are filled with moisture undergo condensation creating vital waterdrops that eventually reach the bio-rich, forest floor. This process becomes easier thanks to those clouds not letting a lot of sunlight through, so evaporation is minimal. This means, the Cloud Forest of Monteverde, is extraordinarily lush and permits many plants to thrive. It is visually captivating.

Just as the plants and trees flourish, so do the animals that call the Cloud Forest of Monteverde home on a permanent or temporary basis. So, be prepared to enjoy wildlife and bird spotting galore during your exploration of the Cloud Forest. This is one of many things to do in Monteverde. Keep your binoculars or eagle-eyes ready to see the Resplendent Quetzal, the Three Wattled Bellbird, Spider Monkeys, and frogs to name just a few.

Where can I see the Cloud Forest of Monteverde?
Well, that is an easy question to answer. In lots of places! What makes Monteverde all the more special is the number of nature reserves, which means much of the Cloud Forest is protected with parts open to eager visitors wishing to experience this mystical world of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, trees, and much more.

One of the outstanding features of Monteverde is the community involvement in the conservation efforts to preserve the Cloud Forest and its inhabitants. Making up just 1% of the total of the world’s forests, the Cloud Forest is particularly vulnerable to climate change, so education, research, and sustainable tourism are critical to the Cloud Forest of Monteverde’s survival. A visit to one of the private and community-managed reserves will help in the fight for its well-being.

For the “hiking boots” firmly on the Cloud Forest floor, choose from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Santa Elena Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, the latter being Costa Rica´s largest private reserve. These reserves have research stations and boast a series of trails with numerous animal and bird spotting opportunities. Explore the beauty of this forest that is teeming with colors, textures, aromas, and sights making it a uniquely sensorial experience.

And for the thrill-seekers?
For the more adventure-spirited, cloud forest lovers, Monteverde has the Selvatura Adventure Park to quench your thirst for experiencing the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. With a number of fun and thrill-filled activities, enjoy a day in the Cloud Forest in the most exciting of ways.

Selvatura Adventure Park sits within a private reserve and is the only place in Monteverde that offers a zip lining tour that runs entirely inside the Monteverde cloud forest. This is not only exhilarating with fantastic views of the forest and beyond, but also a unique way of experiencing the Monteverde cloud forest.

After flying through the clouds, try walking on them over the network of treetop hanging bridges that connect the 1.9-mile trail through the Monteverde cloud forest. Take your time to stroll through the cloud forest while taking and absorbing the beauty of the flora and fauna that live in the sanctuary of the reserve.

To truly take advantage of the nature walk, the Park features on-site expert naturalist guides that can be hired for an upgraded Monteverde cloud forest experience. They love to share their knowledge and love of the cloud forest too so here is to the love of learning while in nature.

The ways to experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica are diverse but a visit to this mountaintop gem is a must during your stay in Costa Rica. Let Selvatura Adventure Park and its sister properties Hotel Ficus Sunset Suites, Hotel Heliconia, and Jaguarundi Lodge show you the best way to stay at and to experience Monteverde and the cloud forest that has made it such a special place to visit.

Visit the Selvatura Adventure Park’s website to reserve and let the adventure begin!

Selvatura Nature Park and its sister properties, Hotel Ficus Sunset Lodge, Jaguarundi Lodge and Hotel Heliconia look forward to your visit! Your adventure planning begins at the website so come visit us, pick your package and book online to create an unforgettable vacation in Monteverde.

Looking for a family-friendly destination for your upcoming vacations? Finding a place to visit that suits all ages is not always an easy task, especially with young kids and not-so-young ones. So, welcome to Costa Rica, which combines nature, comfort, and lots of fun-filled days for everyone in the family. One very special place and a favorite for families is Monteverde. Let’s check out the top 5 Activities recommended for kids in Monteverde! Let the family fun begin!

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations for a number of reasons. Located up in the mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Monteverde is a haven for nature and adventure lovers, with the convenience of great hotels and dining options close by. This means, once you have reached this piece of heaven on the mountaintop, car time is limited, making eager and energetic family members all the happier!

1. Canopy Tour at Selvatura

Monteverde is an adventurer’s dream destination and home to some of the most exciting zipline tours including the zipline tour at Selvatura Adventure Park. This zipline is the only one that actually is within the cloud forest in Monteverde so not only is it loads of fun for everyone, but it also gives thrill-seekers a unique perspective of the cloud forest.

This flying-through-the-canopy tour has 13 cables, 15 platforms dotted through the forest, one Tarzan Swing, and it is an absolute favorite for daredevils of all ages. With the best quality, Petzl harnesses and other climbing gear, your ride through the forest is both safe and venturesome. This is a family-goals activity that will most probably be the highlight of your family vacation to Monteverde.

While whizzing through the air may raise some safety concerns for parents, zip lining is absolutely safe so let your kids fly freely as they will always be in the company of our guides who are safety experts. With our 100% accident-free record with children, your 12 years and under child will enjoy the adrenaline-rush with a guide in tandem. Before you know it, your child will be hooked on the cable with the guide and disappear into the clouds and the excitement and sense of achievement will be incomparable.

2. Treetop Suspension Bridges at Selvatura

For those that would prefer to have their hiking boots firmly on the forest floor, Selvatura Adventure Park also offers a fantastic walk through the cloud forest canopy that is highlighted with a network of treetop suspension bridges. What an exciting way to explore this beautiful forest with the opportunity to experience it from above and at the canopy level, where many animals of the cloud forest inhabit.

The trail is nearly 2 miles long and it will take you through the cloud forest’s floor and then out into the sky and the top of the forest when crossing one of the 8 suspension bridges along the walk. Not only are the bridges fun to walk across, but they also have fantastic views of the cloud forest, Monteverde, and beyond making the experience all the more beautiful. You will see lots of birds during your walk as well!

3. Cloud Forest Walk

The Monteverde region is both a thriving rural and ecotourism-based community and a conglomeration of protected nature reserves that make up the cloud forest. This admirable community has made considerable efforts for decades to preserve this invaluable ecosystem that is home to an incredible variety of birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles.

The nature walk through the cloud forest is a low-impact activity for all the family, including the kids, especially when there is so much to see and enjoy. Choose from a number of walks during your stay in Monteverde as each one offers a different cloud forest walking experience.

As mentioned, if there is one thing that Monteverde can boast about is its wide variety of walks and hikes through the cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, the Eternal Children’s Rainforest, Curi Cancha Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve are some of the better-known private reserves found in Monteverde. Each one has a number of trails that vary according to your mobility, adventure disposition, and resistance. This means that there is a trail that best suits your family’s makeup, interests, and hiking level.

A walk through the cloud forest is quite a mystical experience and the kids will love walking through the clouds and seeing the mist dancing between the trees. This fairytale-evoking walk is also very exhilarating, as the reserves are home to a wide diversity of wildlife that always proves to be an exciting way to keep the kids alert, engaged, and enthralled with nature.

4. Night tour of the Cloud Forest

Did you know that about 60% of the cloud and rainforest animals are nocturnal? So, why not treat yourselves and the kids to a night tour through the forest to spot frogs, sleeping birds, reptiles, and mammals as they come from their daytime resting and hiding places to search for their final dinner snack. This is a true favorite for kids and an amazing way to finish off a day of adventure.

This exciting twist on a walk through the cloud forest also gives all the family a new perspective on the sights and sounds of the forest. The symphony of frogs and insects is amazing, and your senses will be enhanced as the torch spots some red frog-eyes or an insect blending into the tree trunk. In the company of expert guides and their magic-like capacity to find animals in the dark, this is a tour that will delight everyone in the family. It could well be a favorite after ziplining.

5. Meet the animals!

Costa Rica is a country of animals and wildlife. In every corner of this beautiful corner of the world, you will spot animals galore. One of the most bio-rich places in Costa Rica is Monteverde, which is also focused on the conservation and preservation of the cloud forest and its inhabitants, whether they are four-legged, furry, leathery, or feathered!

At Selvatura Adventure Park, you can visit the Butterfly Garden, the Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition, and the Sloth Sanctuary to enjoy all these animals up close and in action. Walk through the garden with beautiful butterflies fluttering around you resting on colorful flowers for pollen and then enjoy 360° views of the snakes and other reptiles in their customized natural terrariums.

The Sloth Sanctuary not only will give you and the kids the opportunity to observe these iconic Costa Rican animals, but it will also provide an opportunity to take part in the conservation and protection of sloths. The Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary is a joint collaboration with the Caribbean Sloth Sanctuary to protect and liberate sloths back into their natural habitat.

Monteverde is a perfect family vacation full of fun activities in nature for guests of all ages. From the thrill of the ziplining adventure to exploring the cloud forest at night and then observing the fantastically calm sloths as they move slowly yet surely from branch to branch. Selvatura Adventure Park was designed for visitors of all ages, so bring the kids and let the family fun begin! Book your jam-packed adventure package online today!

Let’s say it as it is! Costa Rica is a champion of the earth for many reasons. This little country in the center of the Americas consistently stands out when it comes to looking out for sustainable development including its flagship sustainable tourism model. Selvatura Group is a fantastic example of how sustainable tourism can be done so well in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica was just recently awarded Champion of the Earth by the United Nations thanks to its continued efforts to protect nature and fight climate change. While small in size, Costa Rica aims to do its part in putting environmental conservation at the forefront and show the world that it can be done.

This spirit of protecting nature, not only benefits the diversity of wildlife and flora that Costa Rica is so well known for, but it also means that visitors enjoy exploring the myriad of landscapes and ecosystems that makes Costa Rica so special. It has also meant that sustainable tourism is the preferred business model that Costa Rica has decided to adopt since back in the nineties.

It proved to be a wise decision that has made Costa Rica a favorite destination for so many eager travelers.

So, what is sustainable tourism?

When we talk about sustainable tourism, we very often think that it is about taking care of the environment. This is definitely one of the pillars of this model, but it has two more. It also considers the current and future socioeconomic and cultural impacts of tourism which are of equal importance to being kind to nature.

Sustainable tourism involves the protection of natural environments and wildlife (Costa Rica has lots of that!) when operating tourism activities, ensuring visitors enjoy authentic cultural experiences through its correct representation. It also is about creating socioeconomic benefits for the community where the tourism company is based and operates including hiring local talent and purchasing local produce.

Is sustainable tourism in Costa Rica to stay?

This is no small feat, but Costa Rica has perfected the sustainable tourism recipe and it has only improved as the years have gone by. The wonderful thing about sustainable tourism is that nearly everyone has come on board with this philosophy. This includes the Selvatura Adventure Park and its sister mountaintop hotels, Ficus Sunset Suites, Hotel Heliconia and Jaguarundi Lodge in Monteverde, and the beachfront Papagayo Golden Palms on Panama Beach in Guanacaste.

The group as a whole has implemented a series of policies in each of the properties to uphold the sustainable tourism goals without foregoing any comforts or conveniences that guests may feel happens when sustainability is mentioned. So, when you stay at one of these hotels or visit the adventure park, you are part of the sustainable tourism movement and its benefits.

Will sustainable tourism affect my experience?

The Selvatura Group believes that the experience is actually enhanced and so do the guests and visitors. So, when visiting the eco-tourism hotspot of Monteverde, not only do you have a number of hotels to choose from, but you can also integrate some wholesome “Costa Rican Style” adventure into your days, all under the sustainable tourism flag.

While staying at the Jaguarundi Lodge, you will be transported to the traditional mountaintop wooden cabins of yesteryear incorporating the rich history of Monteverde and its unique beginnings. With the modern conveniences of today, your experience is further heightened by the fact that the lodge sits within the cloud forest alive with birds and wildlife that can be enjoyed from the deck areas of the rooms.

This is sustainable tourism at its best, where you can experience the beauty of nature and the cultural flavors through tradition and history within a local community that thrives on collaboration and support. Sustainable tourism is subtle but a sure thing!

How do sustainable tourism and adventure work together?

Selvatura Adventure Park is a living example of how sustainable tourism and adventure work together. Located on a private reserve that protects the delicate cloud forest, visitors and adventure-seekers can enjoy and experience the cloud forest with minimal impact.

Whether you are flying through its canopy and a zipline or walking over the suspended bridges on your trail walk, the magic of the cloud forest is amplified through all your senses. Great fun in nature, best adventure experience, and optimal respect for the cloud forest!

Another great example of how sustainable tourism and adventure work together is working closely with tour providers to ensure that they comply with sustainability standards. When you stay at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel, this is what will happen when you purchase a tour from the hotel´s tour desk.

All the Papagayo Golden Palms tours have been carefully selected to ensure that your adventure in Guanacaste will be lots of fun and full of thrills but also environmentally friendly and with minimal impact on nature. The hotel also ensures that the tours are from local tour operators as a way of supporting the surrounding community and its members.

Fresh, local produce makes for delicious dining!

A fantastic vacation will always include amazing dining. An exceptional dining experience will include a beautiful setting, great service, and of course, the artistry of creating unforgettable flavors and meals. So, how does sustainable tourism work into delicious dining?

Ficus Sunset Suites certainly has the perfect recipe. Through the use of fresh, local produce from responsible farming and fishing practices, a wonderful menu of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts can be enjoyed in the morning and in the evening. Creative and innovative meals are designed and created by a select group of local, up-and-coming cooks and chefs that bring refreshing ideas and techniques to the table!

While Ficus Sunset Suites is a wonderful gourmet dining experience during your sustainable tourism adventure, Hotel Heliconia boasts the best typical breakfast on the mountaintop that is the perfect start to a day of exploring the cloud forest. This is a daily introduction to Costa Rican culture through delicious flavors. It includes the famous “Gallo Pinto” which translates to colorful thanks to all the delicious ingredients that it involves.

Costa Rica leads the world in sustainable tourism and has proven to be as successful as many of the other decisions this little country has made to protect the environment, celebrate local culture, and create a sense of community and its collective wellbeing. Sustainable tourism is a fantastic way to experience a country at its best without foregoing the comforts of a wonderful vacation.

The Selvatura Group is a proud follower of sustainable tourism and has found many ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their hotels and adventure park and thus, enhancing experiences and adventures. Come and visit Monteverde and Guanacaste and Selvatura Group will show you the very best of Costa Rica and how sustainable tourism is the best way to enjoy this little champion of the earth!

Visitors flock to Monteverde for many reasons. It´s immense natural beauty, the mystical cloud forest, the sustainable, close-knit community, incredible adventure activities, a variety of great hotels, and delicious eateries. It is also one of the best birding hotspots in Costa Rica, where the elusive, yet amazing Resplendent Quetzal likes to hang out, and what a sight it is! The cloud forest is the perfect place to spot this colorful bird that was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec peoples. Let’s go in search of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal in Monteverde.

The appropriately named Resplendent Quetzal is considered by many avid bird watchers and lovers, as one of the most beautiful in the world. And it just so happens that it makes its nest and home in Costa Rica´s cloud forests including Monteverde. This means Monteverde attracts quetzal admirers to its mountaintop with the hope of spotting the vibrant emerald, jade, aquamarine feathered bird with its red and white highlights.

Selvatura Adventure Park is a private nature reserve in Monteverde that is a world of adventure opportunities immersed with the cloud forest where the quetzals love to live. A day at Selvatura is where the cloud forest takes on a whole new perspective with its adventure-charged activities for all ages. From zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy to walking over the state-of-the-art suspension bridges, this is a day of fun in nature. It is also a fantastic opportunity to do some wildlife spotting and birdwatching.

The cloud forest canopy or upper levels is where most of the birds and wildlife congregate. The higher branches and foliage are richer in fruit and other food sources and provide additional protection from forest floor dwellers. So, as you fly through the forest canopy, or walk over the treetop bridges at Selvatura Park, you are at the same height as many animals, birds, and Resplendent Quetzals! Keep your eyes open to catch those vibrant colored feathers and long tails.

And the tails?

Yes, not only did the bright jade, aquamarine, and red feathers dress the ancient Mayan and Aztec priests and royalty. The three-foot-long twin feathered train of the Resplendent Quetzal was treasured when dressing up for ceremonies too. This very impressive and distinctive tail is a trait of the male Resplendent Quetzal that it grows and is key to its success during mating season.

The female quetzal boasts those colorful green, red, and blue feathers but she is not graced with the incredible train. The male quetzal needs that long tail as part of his famous conquest acrobatics and dance to woo his future partner. She decides if his performance is worthy or not and if he will be her partner for the season…or not.

When can I see the Quetzal in Monteverde?

The Resplendent Quetzal graces us with its presence in the cloud forest of Monteverde during the months of January through May. This is when they will mate and make their nest in rotted trees or stumps.

They will share the load when it comes to incubating the eggs although sometimes that beautiful tail will not fit in the nest so it will stick out. While beautiful and imperative to attract a partner, it can become an obstacle while fulfilling those parental duties!

In June, the resplendent quetzals will move away from the higher altitudes and cloud forest of Monteverde down onto the Pacific coastal lowlands.

What are some tips for spotting the Quetzal?

To visit Monteverde’s cloud forests is the best tip to spotting the Resplendent Quetzal. This is its preferred habitat, immersed within the cloud forest, and with a very good quota of patience, chances of spotting this beautiful bird increase.

The Resplendent Quetzal has a whistled call and a distinctive cackling song. So, while in the cloud forest with your patience cap on, listen carefully for their peculiar sounds which may make spotting them easier as they are very good at remaining very still for long periods of time!

Quetzals love to feed on mini avocados that are called “aguacatillos” so when you find a fruit-laden tree of this kind while exploring the cloud forest, chances are there will be a quetzal enjoying a fruit feast. They also like to feed on small insects and lizards to complement their fruit-based diet.

Put your Resplendent Quetzal search into the knowledgeable hands of a local birdwatching guide. These local naturalist guides, many of whom have specialized in ornithology, are incredibly in tune with the Monteverde quetzals, their behavior, and conduct. This means that they have previously identified the most likely spots for viewing birds and the resplendent quetzal included, which increases your chances of spotting one or more.

Being at eye level with the cloud forest canopy

Selvatura Adventure Park has a team of on-site naturalist guides that can be hired for the 1.9-mile-long trail and suspended bridge walk. It is a wonderful way to learn about the cloud forest, the tricks of birdwatching in Monteverde, and being at eye-level with the cloud forest canopy. Furthermore, these wonderful guides have acquired eagle-eye capabilities so come prepared for lots of bird and animal viewing during your guided tour of the cloud forest.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve are quetzals and birdwatching hotspots that are worth visiting in your quest for viewing the Resplendent Quetzal in its natural habitat as well. As cloud forests are threatened and the quetzal´s home is disappearing, Monteverde is a haven for them thanks to its network of protected lands and reserves. This means Monteverde plays a critical role in their survival and possibilities to reproduce.

Selvatura Adventure Park and Monteverde invite you to visit the cloud forest and the treasures it holds within. The Resplendent Quetzal is one of these treasures and could well be the most colorful, the most exotic, and the most beautiful bird around. It is no wonder that the Mayan peoples saw the quetzal as a messenger from the Gods and in your search for this exquisite multi-colored bird sitting quietly in the cloud forest canopy, you will understand why. See you in the cloud forest!

One of the best ways to explore Costa Rica´s many types of forests is by walking along hanging bridges through the treetop canopy. The forest, whether it be a rainforest, a cloud forest, or a dry tropical forest takes on a whole new perspective and is full of possibilities to spot birds, wildlife and look down into the sea of green below. With a number of hanging bridges to choose from, Costa Rica is a great place to explore the forest from above. Hanging bridges in Costa Rica; The best of the best!

We believe that life is about seeing things from different perspectives and Costa Rica is the perfect destination to have as many hanging bridges as there are forests to explore. So, during your travels through Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity to cross many hanging bridges, each offering a unique experience of the forest they traverse. Monteverde and Arenal Volcano are two of Costa Rica’s most beautiful places and they also have a number of great parks with hanging bridges.

So, before we start on our journey of the hanging bridges in Costa Rica to explore the best of the best, let’s understand what a hanging bridge is!

Costa Rica’s hanging bridges. Why are they so great?

Firstly, just imagine walking through the treetops and all the sensations that this evokes. Lush vegetation, the sun’s rays striking through, and the sounds of the forest that are just that much closer as you are, where most of the action is occurring in the forest world.

Then, imagine walking along a meshed metal deck holding onto a dependable handrail cable as you cross the hanging bridges that are suspended mid-air. While hanging bridges have existed for centuries, these days they feature state-of-the-art technology and are engineering success stories, but the thrill of these treetop walkways remains. While some will be motionless, others will have a slight swing to them, either way, they are a fantastic way to explore the forest, rain, cloud, or dry!

Monteverde Hanging Bridges!

Monteverde is the perfect place to enjoy the hanging bridges that cross the mystical cloud forest. This is a nature and adventure lover’s dream destination as the intensity of the cloud forest mixed in with the thrill of a variety of adventure activities means that this quaint, ethereal mountain top is truly heavenly-like.

Cozy, chalet-style hotels dot the mountainside adding charm to an already amazing place. For outstanding views of the cloud forest and down onto the Pacific coast stay at the Ficus Sunset Suites. Yes, the sunsets are a daily spectacle worth bearing witness to.

Not far from Ficus Monteverde Hotel, are the best of the best hanging bridges in Monteverde and Costa Rica! Let’s check them out!

1. Selvatura Park Monteverde

Selvatura Adventure Park sits within a private reserve that is home to the magical cloud forest. So, when you walk over the treetop walkways, you are walking into one of the world’s most precious forests.

The 8 bridges that range between 170ft up to an incredible 560ft are part of the nearly 2-mile trail that will take you through the delicate yet extremely beautiful cloud forest. The suspension bridges are not only state-of-the-art, but they also offer the best views and perspectives of the cloud forest and its dwellers, most of which live in the forest canopy.

Add on a ziplining tour or a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary to really seal the day of adventure in nature.

2. Sky Adventures Monteverde

The Sky Adventures Monteverde includes 6 hanging bridges ranging up to 774ft and heights up to 230ft. The bridges are along the 1.2-mile trail through the cloud forest. Unlike the Selvatura Adventure Suspension bridges, the walk and hanging bridges are not built within 100% virgin cloud forest but this walk will give you a good sense of its beauty.

Being at a lower altitude than Selvatura, the views are less far-reaching, but there are lots of good opportunities to spot wildlife and decide on how many hanging bridges you would like to walk over.

Arenal’s Hanging Bridges

Arenal Volcano is an adventure hub on the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. It is actually not far from Monteverde, and you can actually spot the iconic volcano from the mountaintop on a clear day. It is not unusual that eager nature and adventure lovers combine Arenal Volcano and Monteverde during their time in beautiful Costa Rica.

With the Arenal Volcano as your reliable companion, the Arenal area is an epicenter of adventure activities immersed in the rainforest. It is a favorite for birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts too so come prepared for some thrills!

When you are not ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, or hiking to waterfalls, Arenal also has some great hanging bridges. Let’s check out two of the best of the best hanging bridges in Costa Rica

3. Místico Park, La Fortuna

Mistico Park is all about hanging bridges. The property´s walks have a total of 16 bridges, six of which are hanging distributed along the nearly 2 mile-long walk through the tropical rainforest.

Mistico Park also offers night tours and early morning bird-watching tours for additional wildlife watching. Just like Selvatura and Sky Adventures, it has self-guided and guided tours in the expert company of naturalist guides.

Selvatura has a butterfly garden, frog and reptile exhibition, and sloth sanctuary which means you can combine the hanging bridges walk and then complement the animal viewing opportunities up close and during the day. This is very popular with the kids!

4. Sky Adventures, La Fortuna

Sky Adventures La Fortuna is located about 30 minutes from the center of La Fortuna and has a great walking trail with 8 bridges of which half are hanging. This Park also has a couple of picturesque waterfalls and views of both the Arenal Volcano and the Arenal Lake.

The Sky Adventures in Arenal has a number of adventure activities in nature to choose from whereas the Mistico Hanging Bridges is focused on the experience of the suspension bridges which means both provide very different opportunities to feel nature up close. When in the Arenal area, you will decide what level of adventure you want.

Costa Rica has lots of other hanging bridges, but these are the best of the best in Monteverde and Arenal, two of Costa Rica’s most beautiful nature hubs. Your hanging bridge experience should be fantastic and Selvatura Adventure Park Monteverde has done its very best to ensure that it will be unforgettable! See you walking in the clouds over the hanging bridges at Selvatura!

Ready for some fun? We can safely say that ziplining is as close to synonymous with Costa Rica as you can get. Whenever Costa Rica comes up in the conversation, it is only natural that ziplining will come to mind or the sentence will contain this very popular and very fun adventure experience. For those considering signing up for a canopy tour, there are some tips that are always good to know prior to harnessing up. Here are the 5 things you should know about ziplining!

Monteverde is not only famous for its mystical cloud forest that straddles the continental divide, but also because it is the birthplace of ziplining. Selvatura Adventure Park in Monteverde boasts the only zip lining experience that runs entirely through the canopy of the cloud forest in this incredible mountaintop sanctuary.

1. Every zipline adventure is different

Every zipline tour is unique! This means that you can try many during your stay in Costa Rica, and each one will be different. On all of the zipline tours, you will be harnessed to a line and then you’ll fly through the sky with the guarantee of an adrenaline rush and the thrill of the ride. This is an absolute similarity on each zipline. So, where is the difference?

The differences lie in the number of cables, the length of the cables, what type of forest or landscape you are ziplining through, are there platforms or do you take off or land from ground level, are the ziplines fast or slower? A ziplining tour may also feature a line for superman ziplining, a Tarzan swing or maybe you can rappel down to the ground too.

Selvatura has 13 cables to wiz along, one of which is 1km long so get ready for lots of fun. It also has a great Tarzan swing and a Superman-style cable which is a real favorite.

2. Ziplining is very safe

For many people, the thought of ziplining sends chills up their spines, thanks to the experience of flying through the sky and the underlying security and safety issues that are intrinsically tied to it. Fair enough but in Costa Rica, rest assured, security is a top priority always.

Specialized gear is used during your ziplining adventure including a safety harness, helmet, gloves, pulleys and trolleys, automatic stops, manual stops and safety lines. This means there are lots of pieces of equipment that will ensure the utmost level of safety. Add in the expert ziplining guides who are at every point of the tour, and you will see why safety is foremost at all times.

3. Pay attention to the guides

Before you are even hooked up to the zipline, the professional adventure-experience guides will assist you gearing up. They will already have done a safety check of the lines earlier on in the day to make sure that they are in tip-top condition for the eager zipliners to enjoy.

As part of the security protocols, you will receive a safety and equipment demonstration by the professional guides before the tour begins. It is important to know how to properly maneuver the equipment to break, understand the different ziplining safety signals, identify which piece of equipment is for what, and know what is not to be done.

There will be a guide to assist you at each platform to hook up to the zipline and after the flight, to unhook and then attach you onto the next line. The guides will not only ensure you have a fantastic time, but they will also help you out if you need it.

Selvatura has an amazing team of expert adventure guides who are trained to be the very best. With over 2.2 miles of ziplining fun, not only will you have a blast of a time, but your safety will also be the top priority.

4. Ziplines have different braking systems

Just as ziplines are different in length, speed, landscapes, and numbers, they also can have different braking systems which are important to understand if you get the ziplining bug after your Selvatura Adventure Park ziplining tour. Let’s understand them:

• Hand-braking system: This system is the most commonly used and it means you will have a special glove with thick leather padding that allows you to brake by pulling down on the zipline cable. This gives you the freedom to go at the speed you want and to slow down when you like.
• Automatic Braking System: The name is a bit misleading as this system still requires the thrill-seeker to manually break by moving the metal handlebars back and forth which acts as a brake.
• Zipstop Braking System: Selvatura Adventure Park uses this system on the faster cables and it functions with advanced magnetic braking technology. You enjoy the ride and the views while this system takes charge of the braking smoothly, and comfortably even when zipline riders are going at higher speeds.

Whichever braking system is used on the zipline you choose, it is always important to pay attention to the guide and their indications on how to brake and when to brake!

5. You can go tandem if you want

While ziplining is for the adventurous and the thrill-seekers of the world, it can also be for those that want to fly through the sky but just don’t feel that they can do it solo. Not to worry. You can go tandem!

One of those fantastic guides will ride the zipline with you so you can still enjoy this amazing experience. They will be with you all the way. This support system is how children as young as 5 can live the thrill of the ride too but always in the safe hands and care of a professional guide.

Are you ready for the time of your life now? Selvatura Adventure Park has a variety of adventure packages you can choose from, many of which include the cloud forest zip lining tour. Mix and match your activities including ziplining, a walk over the treetop suspension bridges and trails, the butterfly garden, the sloth sanctuary, and the reptile and amphibian exhibition. Let’s get that zip lining gear on so that you can fly to your heart’s delight!

This is a day of fun in nature. There is a package for everyone, and they are the best option for families and friends, to experience together and create unforgettable memories that will be shared for years to come! See you ziplining through the cloud forest at Monteverde!

Costa Rica is just one of those countries that are on many eager travelers’ bucket lists of places to visit. It is also at the top of the list for recommended destinations according to Wanderlust Magazine, coming in 3^rd place and just recently appeared in National Geographic’s 25 amazing journeys for 2022. This showcases a trek from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, both boasting amazing beaches that always attracts the sun and outdoors lovers. Which are the top 10 best beaches of Costa Rica?

Selvatura Adventure Park loves the green of the mountain and Monteverde but knows that the beaches in Costa Rica are also a favorite place to visit when in Costa Rica. Let’s explore the 800 miles of coastline with more than 300 beaches to see which are the top 10 to include in your itinerary when you visit Costa Rica! Selvatura has enjoyed exploring them!

Best for Surfing

1. Tamarindo

Tamarindo has become a well-known surfer’s town thanks to its great surfing beach with fantastic right breaks. This beach is perfect for beginner surfers too. It also offers lots of accommodation options, eateries, and bars to choose from. Tamarindo beach is vibrant and the beach itself is pretty and with lots of water activities to enjoy.

Tamarindo is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, and it is a good base camp to explore the many other beaches close by, including Langosta Beach and Conchal Beach, that are worth visiting too if you are in the coastal neighborhood and want to give the surfboard a rest from the Tamarindo waves.

2. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa sits on the far southern corner of the Nicoya Peninsula and is a really long stretch of beach that has been divided with different names. It is a palm tree-lined, white-sand beach with rock pools and great surfing spots, and thanks to its location, it has a secluded beach escape feel.

While the beach is long and well worth walking, Santa Teresa also gifts us with one of the best sunsets, that draws everyone to sit on the beach and enjoy its beauty every afternoon. This chill and chic beach town also boasts some fantastic dining experiences that you will not want to miss.

3. Guiones, Nosara

Guiones is one of the beautiful arrays of beaches that are located in an area that is collectively called Nosara after the main, local town. Guiones is not only a fantastic surfing beach, it also has some amazing shops and restaurants, and it is where a large ex-pat community thrives.

Guiones is 7 kms long and is well suited for amateur and professional surfers alike. While being a surfer’s paradise and town, it is more laid back than Tamarindo, and more geared towards relaxation and wellness. This off-the-radar beach is more frequented by tourists rather than locals, so English is nearly the first language spoken here.

Best for relaxing

4. Flamingo

Flamingo Beach is a top beach for relaxing and is named after its pinky-white sand. This beach is on the smaller side, and is located north of Tamarindo. With high headlands and cliffsides, most of the hotels and condo developments sit upon them rather than beachside.

Flamingo is a great beach to have leisurely swims without many waves and is perfect for the sun-worshippers as shade from trees is not plentiful. Flamingo Beach is fantastic for sunsets too!

5. Manzanillo

Manzanillo Beach is located on the far southern corner of the Caribbean Coast, and it is the epitome of a tropical beach. Calm, turquoise waters and rainforests bordering the stretch of white sand. Add in some coral reefs and the laid-back sun and surf vibe and this is Manzanillo.

Manzanillo Beach and its sleepy, fishing village of the same name is part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge, ensuring an abundance of wildlife and no major developments. Take in its beauty under a palm tree or from a kayak exploring the reef.

6. Panama Beach

Playa Panama is a top beach in Costa Rica and sits within the world-famous Gulf of Papagayo and just across from the Papagayo Peninsula. It also is where you can stay at Selvatura’s sister hotel at the beach, Papagayo Golden Palms Suites, and Villas!

Playa Panama is a great beach for relaxation, with a long stretch of sand and peaceful water to swim, kayak, or SUP in. It also has an ideal location to go fishing and surfing from, with tours leaving daily nearby. The hotel can help you organize a tour!

Best for nature

7. Manuel Antonio

One of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches and national parks, Manuel Antonio sits on the far end of a small tombola located on the central Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio actually is made up of 3 beaches, 2 of which are within the national park of the same name.

Manuel Antonio National Park provides an easy walk through the tropical forest that is home to an array of cheeky monkeys and coatis. Lush vegetation lines the beaches providing natural shade and the water is calm and inviting to swim in.

The beach outside the national park is the largest and most popular, with lots of water activities it is also lined with restaurants and bars.

8. Montezuma

Montezuma is located on the far south coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, and it is nestled between a lush jungled hill and the sweeping ocean, and surrounded by beautiful beaches. A well-known waterfall hidden in the jungle is part of the natural attractions of the area and a favorite to walk to and bathe in.

Nature abounds in Montezuma and is a favorite for those travelers searching for a laid-back, secluded area where wellness and the beach are the main occupations. The small town of the same name is full of street stalls and small restaurants.

9. Uvita

Uvita Beach is located on the southern Pacific Ocean coast and sits within the Marino Ballena National Park. This long stretch of dark sand beach is a favorite in the area thanks to its great swimming conditions and its famous “whale’s tail”, a sandbank with a rocky formation resembling a cetacean’s tail. What makes this even more incredible is that this is one of the bays where humpback whales arrive every year to mate and give birth to their calves.

Uvita also features mangrove forests, estuaries and is perfect for a long walk along the beach, which at low tide, is not only long but also very wide for additional beach activities. Just off Uvita Beach is El Caño Island, which is a favorite for snorkeling and is part of the dolphin and whale watching tours.

10. Punta Uva

Last but not least on our top 10 beaches of Costa Rica list is Punta Uva. This southern Caribbean beach very quickly becomes a favorite for those who visit it. Lush, rainforest borders the white sand and relaxed pristine waters, perfect for swimming.

Punta Uva not only is tropical post-card beautiful, it also has a cave at one end of the beach. After a walk through the rainforest, you come across a cave that cuts through the headland. This is another highlight of this best beach in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is full of fantastic beaches and Selvatura Adventure Park’s list of the top 10 beaches in Costa Rica was not easy to make. After some days of adventure in Monteverde at Selvatura Adventure Park ziplining and exploring the cloud forest canopy on the treetop suspension bridges, enjoy some sun and surf at the beach too. In this land of contrasts, from the mountain to the sea, there are lots of tops!