Monteverde, Costa Rica is a beautiful region famous for its dense cloud forests, world-class birdwatching, and lush mountains.  2 days in Monteverde is the perfect amount of time to spend during your Costa Rican adventure.

Located just 2 hours from San Jose and about 2.5 hours from La Fortuna, Monteverde is a popular tourist destination and a must-visit for any Costa Rica trip. Monteverde is completely unique from the rest of Costa Rica, with its own climate that is different from the rest of the country due to its cloud forests.

Cloud forests may look like rainforests, but they are a completely different thing. These forests are cooler, situated at higher elevations, and depend on moisture from fog and clouds rather than direct rainfall. They also feature distinctive plants and animals that have adapted to these specific conditions, along with the lower light levels found in the forests.

Cloud forests are incredibly rare, accounting for only 1% of all forests on Earth, and Costa Rica is home to a significant portion of them. Walking through a cloud forest feels like entering an enchanted forest straight out of a fairy tale, with misty air, constant cloud coverage, dense foliage, and an abundance of unique animal and plant species!

Monteverde is a must-visit not only for its cloud forests, but for its stunning mountains, incredible birdwatching, and epic adventure activities.

Here is your ultimate itinerary for spending 2 days in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Tips for Spending 2 Days in Monteverde

Book Entrance Tickets to the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Advance

We made the mistake of trying to book entrance tickets to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in person… on a Saturday… during peak season (BIG mistake in hindsight). We arrived shortly after opening, at about 7:30 am, so we thought we’d be fine since we had arrived early in the morning.

When we arrived, there were already a ton of cars parked on the side of the road by the entrance, and we were lucky to even find a parking space on the road (and even then it was about 10 minutes walking to the entrance). When we got to the ticket line, we were informed that entrance tickets were sold out for the weekend. Luckily there were plenty of tickets available for Monday, so we visited the reserve after checking out of our guesthouse in Santa Elena, but we could have easily missed out on the experience by not booking ahead. 

Monday was far less busy at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve than when we first arrived on Saturday, so if possible, I suggest visiting on a weekday for a more peaceful experience (and an easier time finding parking).

You can book your entrance ticket to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve here. I suggest booking AT LEAST two days in advance if you will be visiting in peak season.

Rent a 4×4 Car

Monteverde is extremely mountainous, with winding roads that aren’t in the best condition. You can expect to encounter many potholes and gravel roads.

We did a lot of research about road conditions in Costa Rica before renting a car, and most online forums suggested renting a 4×4 if you plan to visit Monteverde. Having a 4×4 definitely gave us peace of mind and made the drives A LOT more comfortable.

We were there in the dry season and honestly, I think we would probably have been fine with a regular sedan. It would have been a bumpier ride and we would have had to be extra cautious around potholes, but we didn’t encounter any river crossings or extremely bumpy roads during our time in Monteverde.

I still suggest renting a 4×4 for peace of mind and flexibility. You can pretty much drive on any road in Costa Rica if you have a 4×4, and you won’t have to worry about road conditions presenting any problems. We definitely would have felt more limited on the number of places that we could visit had we not rented a 4×4 vehicle.

Furthermore, if you plan to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season (May-November), then renting a 4×4 is an absolute must as many roads in the country experience flooding and you’ll be much likelier to experience river crossings and sketchy road conditions.

We had a great experience renting from Cartastic Car Rentals in San Jose, and I highly recommend booking with them. They are a small local company and offer 4×4 rentals at a very reasonable price. The customer service was excellent – they greeted us immediately upon our arrival at the airport (and even waited over an hour for us when we were stuck in a long customs line) and provided full insurance coverage and no hidden fees. We will definitely be renting from them again next time we are in Costa Rica!

Pack Light Layers for Chilly Evenings

Monteverde has a much cooler climate than the rest of Costa Rica, so it’s best to be prepared and pack a few light layers. I brought a light puffer jacket and two pairs of leggings, which were perfect for chilly evenings in Monteverde. 

As a bonus, if you plan to do any ziplining in Monteverde, a pair of long pants is highly recommended to protect your legs, so you’ll already have those packed!

I also strongly recommend packing a poncho or raincoat – even during dry season! The cloud forest in Monteverde can get pretty misty, so having a poncho on hand definitely comes in handy.

How to Get to Monteverde

The best way to get to Monteverde is by hiring a rental car and driving from either San Jose or La Fortuna. As I previously mentioned, it is probably best to have a 4×4 car when visiting Monteverde due to the road conditions. Again, you’d probably be fine with a sedan during the dry season, but for peace of mind, I really recommend a 4×4.

It would be very difficult to experience Monteverde via public transportation. While there are daily buses, public transportation tends to be unreliable in Costa Rica and the drives are much longer than if you were to rent a car, so it would be a pretty big headache and time investment.

If driving isn’t your thing, there is a shared shuttle service you can book that will take you to Monteverde from San Jose. You’ll still have to figure out transportation once in Monteverde to get around and see all of the attractions and would likely have to rely on taxis (or stay at an accommodation that offers transportation).

Things to do in Monteverde: How to Spend 2 Days in Monteverde

Day 1: Cloud Forest + Night Tour

Explore the Cloud Forests

Monteverde is home to three different cloud forests, with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve being the largest and most well-known. Spanning 765 acres, it offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to moderately challenging.

If you only have time to visit one of the three cloud forests, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the most famous and a great choice. However, if you have enough time and energy or want to avoid weekend crowds, consider exploring the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve or the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. 

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Entry fee is $25.
• Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve: Entry fee is $19.
• Children’s Eternal Rainforest: Entry is donation-based.

Optional: Guided Birdwatching Tour

Monteverde is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. To increase your chances of spotting rare species, like the vibrant quetzal, I highly recommend hiring a guide and joining a bird-watching tour.

While we didn’t book a guided birdwatching tour, we were lucky to spot several quetzals and other birds thanks to friendly guides who let us use their telescopes after we asked about the birds they were observing. If you prefer to save money or go at your own pace, keep an eye out for tour groups pointing into the tree – guides are usually happy to share what they’ve spotted! Early morning is the best time to see birds, however, you will still see plenty during the daytime, especially if you hire a guide!

Go on a Guided Night Tour in Monteverde

Night tours are one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity, and Monteverde is renowned for having some of the best night tours in the country.

Tours typically last 2 hours and range from $30 to $60 per person. During our tour, we saw several types of frogs, countless insects, white-nosed coati (locally known as pizotes), a tarantula, and even a porcupine! Other animals you might encounter include sloths, snakes, and other various nocturnal species. A night tour is an unforgettable way to see wildlife that you’d miss during the day and is a must-do activity when visiting Costa Rica. I suggest booking one of the Monteverde night tours on Viator, which has plenty of great options to choose from.

Day 2: Adventure & Exploration in Monteverde

Go Ziplining in Monteverde

Costa Rica is famous for ziplining, and Monteverde offers some of the best ziplining experiences in the country. Thanks to the region’s mountainous terrain, zip lines here are often longer and higher, offering thrilling rides paired with breathtaking views!

I chose to go ziplining with 100% Aventura, which features the longest zipline in Costa Rica. The adventure includes 10 ziplines, a hammock bridge, a rappel, a Tarzan swing, and two “Superman-style” ziplines where you soar above the canopy headfirst. The experience cost $56 per person and was worth every penny!

Visit the Curi-Cancha Reserve

The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a privately owned nature reserve in Monteverde. Although it’s not a cloud forest, it’s an absolutely beautiful reserve and a great place to spot birds and wildlife! We decided to go to the Curi-Cancha Reserve after finding out the Monteverde Cloud Forest was booked out for the weekend, and we are really happy we took the time to visit.

During our visit, we actually spotted more animals than we did in the cloud forests! We saw large groups of pizotes foraging along the trails and observed a group of spider monkeys swinging in the treetops, including an absolutely adorable baby clinging to its mother’s back. Spider monkeys are quite rare in Costa Rica, and most are found in the remote Osa Peninsula, so seeing them here was definitely a highlight for us! We spent about an hour following the monkeys as they swung through the canopy, and it was such a special and memorable experience.

Curi-Cancha is also known to be a good place to see Quetzals, however, they are difficult to see without a guide and we didn’t see any while we were there, though we did see several other species of colorful birds. There are various nature trails and gardens to enjoy in Curi-Cancha, as well, which are definitely worth exploring. Our favorite part of Curi-Cancha was definitely the wildlife we encountered, which elevated our experience from a nice afternoon in a nature reserve to an amazing afternoon to remember for life!

Explore Santa Elena Town

Santa Elena is the main town in Monteverde, where you will find most of the restaurants, hostels, and gift shops. It’s a small, charming town and you don’t need much time to explore it, but it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and do a little souvenir shopping afterward so that you can bring home memories from your time in Monteverde!

Where to Stay During Your 2 Days in Monteverde

Luxury ($200–$500+ per night):

• El Silencio Hotel: Luxurious villas with private jacuzzis, fine dining, and spa experiences.
• Hotel Belmar: Elegant eco-friendly accommodations with stunning views and a tranquil setting.
• Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Spacious rooms, lush gardens, and excellent service for a peaceful retreat.
• Senda Monteverde Hotel: A boutique hotel offering personalized service and a cloud forest experience.

Midrange ($100–$200 per night):

• Hotel Poco a Poco: Comfortable rooms, a pool, and a convenient location near town.
• Cloud Forest Lodge Monteverde: Forest-set lodge with cozy accommodations and nature walks.
• Cala Lodge: Rustic charm with garden views and a peaceful vibe.
• Hotel Flor de Bromelia: A cozy rainforest retreat with beautiful vistas.

Budget ($50–$100 per night):

• La Guayaba Monteverde: Affordable, laid-back lodging with a delicious breakfast and a great location near Santa Elena. We stayed here and had a fantastic experience – delicious breakfast, perfect location, and clean + comfortable rooms!
• Calathea Lodge Monteverde: Budget-friendly rooms, some with kitchens, plus amazing sunset views.
• Apartments Monte Luna Mountain View: Affordable apartments with breathtaking mountain scenery.
• The Green Tree Lodge:  Treehouse-style accommodations offering rustic charm and beautiful views.

Backpacker ($15–$50 per night):

• Selina Monteverde: A trendy hostel with dorms, private rooms, and a lively social scene.
• Pension Santa Elena: Basic budget accommodations with a friendly atmosphere and a communal kitchen.
• Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel: Simple lodging with budget-friendly rates.
• Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast Monteverde: Affordable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and great hospitality.
• OutBox Inn: A relaxed hostel with private and dormitory-style rooms.

Where to Eat During Your 2 Days in Monteverde

• Stella’s Monteverde: A charming café near Monteverde Cloud Forest with beautiful garden views and bird feeders that attract colorful tropical species.
• Restaurante Ticos: A local favorite offering generous portions, delicious food, and stunning views, located just outside Santa Elena.
• Restaurante Boca2 Café Monteverde: A cozy café in Santa Elena with great coffee, pastries, and casual meals.
• San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience: An unforgettable splurge with gourmet food and panoramic treetop views.
• Taco Station: A unique take-out taco spot run by a mother-daughter duo, featuring incredible birria tacos and a seamless WhatsApp ordering process.

Conclusion

Monteverde is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and for good reason. With lush cloud forests, picturesque mountains, abundant wildlife, and some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the world, Monteverde is a wonderful place to spend 2 days during your Costa Rica trip.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Check out my full 10-day Costa Rica itinerary to help plan your vacation!

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