This post is also available in:
Spanish
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