About: You get a guided tour that first starts in a live insect exhibit where you get to see a lot of unique insects common in Costa Rica. Then you go through a series of 4 butterfly gardens that each contain different species of butterflies. It is a short hike where you will likely see…
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Hummingbird Cafe
About: A FREE activity. It is part of a cafe that sells hot and cold drinks as well as delicious pastries. You don’t need to order food to enjoy the hummingbirds. You may also see pizotes, monkeys, and other wildlife. There is a gift shop as well. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to reach…
Bat Jungle
About: This is an indoor, artificial bat “cave” where they have essentially switched the internal clocks of the bats by keeping the lights off during the day so that they are active for visitors to observe. There is a presentation about bats in a small “museum” before heading into the “cave” where the bats are…
Monteverde Viewpoints
Options for viewpoints in Monteverde:
Vista al Golfo
About: This is a nice viewpoint overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya. There is a small fee to park and enter. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to reach from starting location: 7 minutes Time needed for activity: as much as you want Kid friendly: Yes Wheelchair accessible: Yes What to wear and bring: Camera, warm…
Mirador Valle Escondido Preserve and Mirador El Maike
About: These are two viewpoints just a short distance away from one another on the side of the road from Santa Elena toward the Monteverde Cloud Forest. You can park across the street from Mirador Valle Escondido Preserve on the side of the road or at El Bosque Restaurant, Casem Co-op, or Taty’s Bakery and…
Mirador San Luis
About: This viewpoint looks West toward the Pacific Coast and the Nicoya Gulf. It is beautiful at any time of day, but especially at sunset. The road to get here from Santa Elena/Monteverde is a steep and winding downhill, however, the road is paved and in good condition. It can be reached by foot, but…
Mirador Los Olivos
About: An old observation tower from which, on a clear day, you can see Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano, as well as the surrounding mountains. There is not really space to sit or eat, but definitely take some pictures, especially if you get lucky with clear weather. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to reach…
Mirador La Lindora
About: This is the perfect rest stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the views of the Pacific on your way up to (or back down from) Monteverde. It isn’t official, just a place to pull over on the side of the road. It’s completely free and you’ll likely see other cars doing the same….
Cerro Pinocho
About: A beautiful hidden gem with unmatched 360° scenic views of the mountains around, and down to the coast and Gulf of Nicoya. It is a private property, but open to the public for a small fee. The owner is very kind and welcoming. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to reach from starting location:…