Monteverde
History & Nature
History & Nature 
The small city of Monteverde spans 53 square kilometers and lies between the provinces of Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and Alajuela in Costa Rica’s Central Northwest. Perched along the Continental Divide, Monteverde enjoys sweeping views, shifting weather, and rich natural beauty. Its first modern inhabitants arrived in the early 1920s, followed by a group of U.S. Quakers who settled here in the 1950s, drawn by peace, simplicity, and a connection to nature.
To understand Monteverde, it helps to know that Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. According to Monteverde: Ecology and Conservation of a Tropical Cloud Forest by Nalini M. Nadkarni and Nathaniel T. Wheelwright, Costa Rica hosts 4% of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species on just 0.04% of its land surface. The country also contains over 207 mammal species — 4.8% of the world’s total — in just 51,022 km².
Since 1975, 167 species new to science have been collected in Monteverde, 53% of which are thought to be endemic to the region. About 10% of all plant species in Monteverde are endemic to the Cordillera de Tilarán.
Monteverde is home to a variety of private and nonprofit reserves working passionately to protect this incredible biodiversity. Popular options for nature walks include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, Curi-Cancha Reserve, Bajo del Tigre (Children’s Eternal Rainforest), and the stunning SkyWalk hanging bridges.
Note: Monteverde does not have a national park — all these reserves are special in their own way.
Monteverde has been described as a virgin tropical cloud forest and named by National Geographic as the crown jewel of cloud forest reserves.
The Cloud Forest
A forest where the clouds seem to embrace the trees. A forest struggling with climate change. A forest that offers discovery for all.
Notable info and facts!
Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, providing it with flora and fauna on two slopes (Atlantic and Pacific).
Monteverde's rich history includes Costa Rican traditions and US Quaker traditions.
Monteverde is located between the Arenal, Guanacaste province, and Manuel Antonio areas. Great for visiting if you are also visiting one of these other places!
Monteverde's temperate climate allows for taking part in many activities without having to deal with too much heat.
Something for everyone! Adventure, research, relax, and more!
The Cloud Forest
Monteverde has been described as a virgin tropical cloud forest and named by National Geographic as the crown jewel of cloud forest reserves.
A forest where the clouds seem to embrace the trees. A forest struggling with climate change. A forest that offers discovery for all.
Notable info and facts!
Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, providing it with flora and fauna on two slopes (Atlantic and Pacific).
Monteverde's rich history includes Costa Rican traditions and US Quaker traditions.
Monteverde is located between the Arenal, Guanacaste province, and Manuel Antonio areas. Great for visiting if you are also visiting one of these other places!
Monteverde's temperate climate allows for taking part in many activities without having to deal with too much heat.
Something for everyone! Adventure, research, relax, and more!
🌤️ What’s the Weather Like in Monteverde?
Monteverde’s weather is famously unpredictable — and that’s part of what makes the cloud forest so magical. While many travelers expect clear mornings and rainy afternoons, this is a big generalization. The truth? You can experience sun, rain, wind, and mist all in the same hour — so pack and plan accordingly.
Why So Unpredictable?
Monteverde sits along the Continental Divide, where the Pacific and Caribbean climates meet. Even areas just a few kilometers apart can have completely different weather at the same moment. This means a short drive between your hotel and a tour might bring a sudden shift in conditions.
Seasonal Weather Overview:
January - February
-
Windy, cool, sometimes rainy or misty, especially mornings and evenings. Expect some Rainbows in Jan.!
May - Mid July
-
Rainy season begins. Warm mornings, with showers typically in the afternoon.
September - October
-
Wettest time of year. Expect frequent and heavy rain.
February - April
-
Drier months. Wind dies down, with warmer days — April can feel hot.
July - August
-
Slight break in rainfall (“veranillo”). Breezy with occasional sunny stretches.
November - December
-
Rains begin to ease. Wind and mist return as the dry season approaches. Expect some rainbows!
What is the Weather like in Monteverde?
Monteverde’s weather is famously unpredictable — and that’s part of what makes the cloud forest so magical. While many travelers expect clear mornings and rainy afternoons, this is a big generalization. The truth? You can experience sun, rain, wind, and mist all in the same hour — so pack and plan accordingly.
Why So Unpredictable?
Monteverde sits along the Continental Divide, where the Pacific and Caribbean climates meet. Even areas just a few kilometers apart can have completely different weather at the same moment. This means a short drive between your hotel and a tour might bring a sudden shift in conditions.
Seasonal Weather Overview:
January - February
-
Windy, cool, sometimes rainy or misty, especially mornings and evenings. Expect some Rainbows in Jan.!
February - April
-
Drier months. Wind dies down, with warmer days — April can feel hot.
May - Mid July
-
Rainy season begins. Warm mornings, with showers typically in the afternoon.
July - August
-
Slight break in rainfall (“veranillo”). Breezy with occasional sunny stretches.
September - October
-
Wettest time of year. Expect frequent and heavy rain.
November - December
- Rains begin to ease. Wind and mist return as the dry season approaches. Expect some rainbows!
Hanging Bridges
Hanging bridges, also called suspension bridges, are found at SkyWalk at Treetopia, Selvatura and 100% Aventura. There is also one bridge in the Monteverde Reserve, called the Wilford Guindon Bridge.
They are safe for all ages, excellent for photography, and give you a different perspective from the treetops.
Hanging Bridges
Hanging bridges, also called suspension bridges, are found at SkyWalk at Treetopia, Selvatura and 100% Aventura. There is also one bridge in the Monteverde Reserve, called the Wilford Guindon Bridge.
They are safe for all ages, excellent for photography, and give you a different perspective from the treetops.
Discover Monteverde with those who know it best!
Choose the tour you are most passionate about and pack your bags.