Monteverde has three cloud forest reserves: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. For the best chance of seeing wildlife, opt for a naturalist-led tour that will teach you about the unique ecosystem of cloud forests and help you spot birds, butterflies, and monkeys. You can also explore the hiking trails of the cloud forest on your own; pre-book admission tickets online to avoid long lines.

Spend the afternoon on a canopy adventure tour, and zip through the forests, rappel through the clouds, and walk among the treetops on a series of hanging bridges. Several canopy tour options are available; choose between zipline-only and combination zipline, hanging bridges, and tarzan swing packages. If these adventures sound too strenuous, other options include a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, a coffee and chocolate tour, or an ATV ride through the jungle.

Night walks are a popular activity in Monteverde, because many of the animals in the cloud forests are nocturnal. Enjoy a walk through the forest at twilight with a guide who can point out wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, scorpions, and tarantulas. Night walks are offered at the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Sendero Tranquilo Reserve and are often included with coffee plantation and canopy tours. Alternatively, head out on an evening horseback ride or catch the sunset from high above the clouds in the Monteverde mountains.