Costa Rican Road Trip Episode 4: Monteverde Magic

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most captivating regions, famed for its rare cloud forest, extraordinary biodiversity, and eco-friendly tourism. Unlike typical rainforests, Monteverde’s cloud forest sits at a high elevation, where warm lowland air meets the cool mountain breezes. This creates a misty, cloud-laden environment that nurtures thousands of unique species, making it feel almost like an enchanted realm hidden in the mountains. In fact, Monteverde’s forest contains around 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in a surprisingly compact area. Visitors come to witness the incredible variety of plants and animals, including the elusive resplendent quetzal, brilliantly colored orchids, and an impressive range of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Wandering through dense, mossy trees cloaked in mist feels magical—like a world apart from Costa Rica’s sunny beaches.

Monteverde also has a deep commitment to sustainable tourism. Since the 1970s, conservation efforts have helped make Monteverde a leader in eco-tourism. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the neighboring Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve stand as examples of the region’s environmental protection. We were so inspired by the area that we even considered spending an entire summer here, with our kids joining a local summer program to soak in the learning opportunities.

We started our morning with a light breakfast at the hotel, waiting for the shuttle bus that would take us to Selvatura Park, one of the most family-friendly spots in Monteverde.

This place is practically a natural playground, with options like ziplines, a treetop walk with suspension bridges, and fascinating exhibits for sloths, butterflies, and amphibians. We could have easily spent the whole day here.

First, we tackled the ziplines. With more than 10 lines crisscrossing the forest canopy, each ride felt like its own journey. The longest line stretches an exhilarating 1 kilometer, so long you can’t even see the end as it disappears into the clouds. My child’s shout faded into the mist before I launched after him, only to find him at the next tower with a face lit up in pure excitement.

The treetop trails and suspension bridges are equally thrilling, especially for kids who get a bird’s-eye view of the forest. It’s a great chance to spot diverse plants, insects, and maybe even a few exotic animals. Walking through the clouds (or heavy mist) feels both mystical and adventurous, and it’s surprisingly safe, making it a fantastic family activity.

We took a break for lunch at El Jardin Restaurant inside the park. By this time, the mist had thickened as the temperature rose, and with the limited view outside, it felt like the perfect moment to move indoors.

For indoor exploration, we loved the sloth and butterfly gardens and the small amphibian exhibit. The blue morpho butterflies were a huge hit with our kids. They had seen them in books before, but witnessing the butterflies' striking metallic-blue wings flash open in real life was mesmerizing. The sloth garden was another highlight. I hadn’t even known there was a difference between two-toed and three-toed sloths until my first trip to Costa Rica! Now, spotting their differences is second nature. These kinds of experiences give such a deeper appreciation for biodiversity; you can read about it, but nothing compares to seeing it up close.

As sunset approached, we left the park feeling fulfilled—and a bit reluctant to go. Our kids begged to stay another day and repeat the whole experience. Yet, with more adventures ahead, we grabbed some snacks in downtown Monteverde and headed to bed early, gearing up for tomorrow’s journey. Monteverde, with its mystical forests and unforgettable wildlife, left us with memories we’ll cherish for years.