Monteverde and Santa Elena

Monteverde and Santa Elena

Originally founded by Quakers in search of a peaceful existence, the Monteverde and Santa Elena area have become one of the largest tourist attractions in Costa Rica. This region averages well over 1,200 meters above sea level and is home to a large number of unique flora, fauna, & wildlife, including the Resplendent Quetzel. The most famous attraction to this area is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, comprising of 11,500 hectares, which contains eight distinct life zones and a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to this area. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is similiar in nature to its Monteverde counterpart, yet much smaller in size at only 310 hectares. The town of Santa Elena is the central hub of the area and is home to many tourist activities.

The Location of Monteverde is high up in the mountains of Cordillera de Tilaran. Monteverde is approximately a 4 hour drive from San Jose, 3 1/2 hours from Manuel Antonio, 3 1/2 - 4 hours from La Fortuna (Most choose Jeep Boat Jeep), 2 hours from Liberia and 3 hours from Tamarindo. Please keep in mind that all drive times are approximate and depend on road conditions, as well as Costa Rica driving experience.

The Climate of the Monteverde area is a relatively cooler climate in contrast to most of the rest of Costa Rica. During the months of December through April, one can expect temperatures to reach a high in the mid 70's and a low in the 50's with limited rainfall. From May through November, one can expect temperatures to reach a high in the low 70's and a low in the 50's with more prevalent rainfall. Rainfall in Monteverde during this time of the year is usually limited to late afternoons and early evenings (though it can rain at any given time).

Monteverde Tours are plentiful and include hikes through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, horseback riding, birdwatching, ATV riding, canopy zipline tour, hanging bridges tours, and many other options.

Monteverde Hotels and Santa Elena lodges are plentiful with accommodations for all price ranges. The Costa Rica vacation packages listed in our website utilize some of the area's most beautiful and unique Monteverde lodging options. We also offer a wide variety of alternative options including Monteverde cabins and Santa Elena hotels.

Activities are plentiful in the Monteverde and Santa Elena area. This area is bursting with tourist geared activities including day spas, restaurants, bars, dancing, internet cafes, and souvenir shops. The following is a small percentage of the local businesses that we recommend:

Activities:

  • Museum of Monteverde
  • Monteverde Butterfly Garden
  • Serpentario de Monteverde: Snakes
  • Community Art Center
  • Frog Pond

Restaurants & Bars:

  • Tree House Restaurant
  • Rainforest Cafe
  • Soda la Amisad
  • Restaurant Bambalu
  • Restaurant Maravilla

 

For more Monteverde information call Toll Free 1-800-630-9126 or 1-866-853-9426