4 Travel Itineraries for Monteverde

I’m Visiting Monteverde—Where Should I Start?

Some people adore travel planning, and you know which of your friends (or even you!) we’re talking about. 25 open tabs on their laptop, happily comparing tours and previewing menus, and somewhere, there’s a spreadsheet filled with every must-see destination.
Then, there are those who prefer to “go with the flow” and decide when they arrive. Regardless of which category you fall into, or if you’re somewhere in between, exploring all that Monteverde has to offer can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in.
These carefully curated sample itineraries are designed to help even the most organized planner ensure they experience the very best of Monteverde.

Lodging and Transportation Note

If you’re traveling with adults and teens over 10, we highly recommend staying with our sister company, The Ocotea Boutique Hotel. At this family-friendly boutique hotel, comfort, convenience, and sustainability come together to create the perfect cloud forest retreat. 

If your group includes children, there are many other excellent hotels and lodging options in the area. All travel times mentioned in these itineraries are from The Ocotea Boutique Hotel which is close to downtown Santa Elena (less than 5 minutes by car) and may vary slightly if you stay elsewhere.

Regardless of where your adventures begin, each itinerary is designed for a 4- or 5-day visit, with a focus on different travel styles, including:

• 🌿 Nature & Ecotourism
• 🎢 Adventure Tourism
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Experiences
• ✨ General Interest (a mix of nature, adventure, and culture)

Let’s start planning your perfect Monteverde getaway!

Adventure Tourism | 4-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is for adventurers who thrive on excitement and enjoy a rush of adrenaline. If you love high-energy activities like ziplining, horseback riding, and off-the-beaten-path hikes, Monteverde offers the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty.

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

• Midday: Arrive at your hotel. Settle in and prepare for the upcoming adventures.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal known as a Casado at a local Soda, followed by a walk around Santa Elena.
• Evening: Rest and rejuvenate at the hotel after a busy day, perhaps with a massage and then a delicious meal in Nectandra Restaurant.

Day 2: Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges

• Morning: Kick off with a Zip-lining Adventure, soaring above the cloud forest canopy.

• Midday: Visit the iconic TreeHouse Restaurant & Cafe. 

• Afternoon: Explore the Hanging Bridges, offering a thrilling walk among the treetops with breathtaking views.
• Evening: Dinner at Celajes Restaurant, enjoying craft beers and hearty meals to replenish energy.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Night Hike

• Morning: Explore the beautiful waterfalls of El Tigre with Ocotea Tours, and try your hand on the zipline bike.
• Evening: Dine at Wine & Grill by Bon Appetit!, fueling up with hearty dishes in preparation for the night hike ahead.
• Night: Embark on a Night Hike with Ocotea Tours, discovering the nocturnal wonders of the cloud forest.

Day 4: Coffee Tour and Horseback Riding

• Morning: What’s the best way to start your day after a night hike? A Coffee Tour of course! As a bonus the tour also explains the cultural significance and production of sugar cane and chocolate.
• Midday: Stop for a light lunch on the trip back or enjoy Brunch at The Nectandra Restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore the beauty of Monteverde’s stunning landscapes from horseback and experience nature up close and personal.

Family Experience | 5-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is perfect for families traveling with kids who want to experience Monteverde’s natural wonders while ensuring there’s fun, adventure, and plenty of interactive activities to keep everyone engaged.

Day 1: Arrival and Family Time

• Afternoon: Check into your hotel

• Evening: Dine at El Jardin Restaurant, known for its diverse menu catering to all ages.

Day 2: Hanging Bridges and Butterfly Garden

• Morning: Experience the Hanging Bridges Tour with Ocotea Tours, walking among the treetops and observing wildlife from a unique perspective.
  
• Midday: Enjoy a delicious lunch in Santa Elena, Monteverde’s downtown with a number of different restaurant options
  
• Afternoon: Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, where children can learn about various butterfly species and their life cycles.
  
• Evening: Dinner at Bon Appetit!, offering a kid-friendly menu and a warm, welcoming atmosphere

Day 3: Adventure Park and Local Culture

• Morning: Spend the day enjoying activities like zip-lining, suitable for the whole family.
• Afternoon: Visit the CASEM Co-op to explore the amazing handicrafts, and find souvenirs to take home before heading out to learn about Sloths!
• Evening: Dine at Celajes Restaurant, offering a menu that caters to both adults and children, with stunning views to enjoy.

Day 4: Horseback Riding and Relaxation

• Morning: Join Ocotea Tours for a Horseback Riding Tour, exploring scenic trails suitable for all skill levels.
• Afternoon: Relax at the hotel, or take a family walk to explore the gardens, forest, trails, or neighborhood around your lodging
• Evening: Dinner at El Sapo Restaurant, offering a variety of dishes made from scratch, ensuring fresh and delicious meals for the family.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before checking out and saying goodbye to Monteverde.

Nature/ Ecotourism | 5-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is perfect for travelers who find joy in nature’s quiet beauty. If you love wildlife, conservation, and immersive hikes through lush landscapes, this Monteverde experience is designed just for you.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Afternoon: Arrive at Ocotea Boutique Hotel. Settle into your room, designed with elegant finishes that immerse you in the surrounding nature.
• Evening: Dine at Nectandra, where their newly redesigned menu highlights the variety and quality of the goods of Monteverde and offers a unique take on traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Day 2: Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

• Morning: Join Ocotea Tours for a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Experience the rich biodiversity, including over 2,500 plant species and 400 bird species.
• Afternoon: Relax at the hotel, enjoying an afternoon on your terrace or the quiet common areas of the Monteverde Rooftop.
• Evening: Dinner at Celajes Restaurant in Hotel Belmar, offering traditional Costa Rican flavors and house-brewed craft beers.

Day 3: Bird Watching and Local Artisans

• Morning: Participate in a Private Birding Tour at Curi-Cancha Reserve, known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Afternoon: Stop at the Coffee Center for a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee and a snack before heading next door to explore the CASEM Co-op, where local artisans showcase handmade crafts, supporting the community through their talents.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Sapo Restaurant in Senda Monteverde Hotel, known for its farm-to-table approach and in-house made artisanal bread and sauces.

Day 4: Waterfalls and Relaxation

• Morning: Embark on the El Tigre Waterfalls Tour with Ocotea Tours, hiking through lush forests to discover stunning waterfalls and natural pools.
• Afternoon: Return to the hotel for some downtime, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
• Evening: Dinner at Wine & Grill by Bon Appetit!, offering a variety of Costa Rican specialties and international cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking in the serene surroundings before departing.

General Interest/Balanced | 5-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a well-rounded experience in Monteverde. If you enjoy a mix of adventure, nature walks, and cultural experiences — with plenty of time to soak in the scenery — this itinerary is for you.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Afternoon: Arrive and check in at Ocotea Boutique Hotel which offers elegant comfort and a tranquil atmosphere. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful cloud forest surroundings.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Celajes Restaurant, known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and stunning sunset views over the mountains.

Day 2: Exploring the Cloud Forest & Night Hike

• Morning: Join a Guided Nature Hike at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Walk through misty trails, spot vibrant birdlife (maybe even a resplendent quetzal!), and learn about the biodiversity that makes Monteverde so unique.
• Afternoon: Free time to relax at the hotel, or visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden to see some of the 400+ orchid species thriving in the cloud forest.
• Evening: Take part in Ocotea’s Night Hike, a fascinating experience where you can encounter nocturnal creatures like frogs, kinkajous, and bioluminescent fungi.
• Night: Relax after your hike with a delicious dinner in Nectandra Restaurant.

Day 3: Adventure and Coffee Culture

• Morning: Feel the adrenaline on a Zip-lining Tour at one of the best canopy tours in Costa Rica. Glide above the cloud forest on high-speed cables for breathtaking aerial views.
• Afternoon: After an exciting morning, slow things down with a Monteverde Coffee Tour Learn about the process from bean to cup, taste fresh brews, and understand how coffee cultivation supports local communities.
• Evening: Dinner at El Sapo Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table approach and homemade artisanal dishes.

Day 4: Hanging Bridges & Local Artisans

• Morning: Walk among the treetops on the Hanging Bridges Tour with Ocotea Tours, offering panoramic views of the lush canopy and chances to see monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife.
• Afternoon: Visit the CASEM Co-op, a women-run artisan collective where you can browse and purchase handmade crafts while supporting local artists.
• Evening: Dinner at Wine & Grill by Bon Appetit!, featuring grilled specialties and an excellent selection of wines.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing Monteverde, taking one last deep breath of the fresh mountain air.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Monteverde Adventure

Of course, every visitor to Monteverde has a unique vision of the perfect experience, so these sample itineraries are just a starting point to show the possibilities of a Monteverde adventure. 

Our team is here to work with you to customize your own perfect experience, so feel free to send us a message in the chat at the bottom of the page, or reach out to us over the phone or email. 

From transportation to experiences to meals and downtime, we’ll tailor every detail of your vacation from start to finish, so get in touch when you’re ready to start thinking about your trip to Monteverde.