Natural History Walk
Overview
Overview
A Natural History Walk* is a must-do in Monteverde. Long before adrenaline adventure activities like zipline canopy tours became popular, natural history walks in Monteverde’s various trail systems were, and continue to be, one of the best ways to experience the forest, learn about our biodiversity, and takeaway new knowledge about sustainability and conservation.
On our approximately 3hr natural history walk (which is led by a certified, experienced, professional naturalist guide**) covers the flora and fauna of the park as well as some history and culture of Monteverde and Costa Rica. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve or SkyWalk Hanging Bridges are transformed into an educational outing with plenty of opportunities to see plants, birds, and other wildlife you might miss on your own.
In order to keep Pasión Costa Rica’s quality and personalization, since 2023 we are also offering our Semi Private Tour for a maximum of 5 people.
*Some other ways to call a “natural history walk” are: guided tour, guided walk, cloud forest walk, and cloud forest tour.
**There are many naturalist guides in Monteverde who are not certified in a traditional academic way but who are fantastic, well-read, professional guides with decades of experience. We wholly support non traditionally-certified guides who demonstrate these high standards, and we hire them for our tours in some cases.
Close your eyes and listen to a moment you could live
COVID-19 Protocols
-
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
-
Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
-
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
-
Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
-
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
-
Guides required to regularly wash hands.
- We put safety first, see more details in our Health & Safety section.
Photo Gallery & Details
Tour Times & Duration
-
Morning tour 7:30am – 10:30am (3h)
-
Afternoon tour 1:30pm – 4:30pm (3h)
Availability: Tours run daily and are subject to guide availability.
This tour runs rain or shine (Pasión Costa Rica reserves the right to run or cancel tours according to Pasión Costa Rica’s professional opinion. Tours will be canceled if the trail is closed due to adverse weather conditions).
Guidelines
- Follow the guide’s instructions.
- Keep noise level down.
- Pay attention to signage.
- Stay on the trail.
- Don’t extract flora or fauna.
- Wear closed toed shoes.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Wheelchair accessibility on portions of the SkyWalk bridges and portions of the Santa Elena Reserve.
- Expect a leisurely walk with lots of stops. This is the best way to enjoy learning about the cloud forest and try to spot wildlife.
Itinerary
- Departure Point: Flexible and traveler pickup is offered.
- Trail Possibilities: Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde Reserve, Aguti Reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve or SkyWalk bridges.
- Return Details: Returns to original departure point. Also flexible.
Photo Gallery & Details
Tour Times & Duration
-
Morning tour 7:30am – 10:30am (3h)
-
Afternoon tour 1:30pm – 4:30pm (3h)
Availability: Tours run daily and are subject to guide availability.
This tour runs rain or shine (Pasión Costa Rica reserves the right to run or cancel tours according to Pasión Costa Rica’s professional opinion. Tours will be canceled if the trail is closed due to adverse weather conditions).
Guidelines
- Follow the guide’s instructions.
- Keep noise level down.
- Pay attention to signage.
- Stay on the trail.
- Don’t extract flora or fauna.
- Wear closed toed shoes.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Wheelchair accessibility on portions of the SkyWalk bridges and portions of the Santa Elena Reserve.
- Expect a leisurely walk with lots of stops. This is the best way to enjoy learning about the cloud forest and try to spot wildlife.
Itinerary
- Departure Point: Flexible and traveler pickup is offered.
- Trail Possibilities: Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde Reserve, Aguti Reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve or SkyWalk bridges.
- Return Details: Returns to original departure point. Also flexible.
COVID-19 Protocols
-
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
-
Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
-
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
-
Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
-
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
-
Guides required to regularly wash hands.
- We put safety first, see more details in our Health & Safety section.
Tour Prices
Private Tour
- 1st Adult: $200 USD.
- Additional persons: $50 USD per person.
- First child: Free.
- Kids (5 to 12 yr old): $25 USD per kid.
Reservations & Cancellations
- Cancellations must be received in writing minimum 24hr before tour or service for a 50-90% refund according to factors such as payment requirements by third party providers. Cancellations received within 24hr of tour or package start date are non-refundable.
- See details in our FAQ section.
Included
- Private guide fee.
- Entrance fees.
- Transportation service.
- Binoculars provided.
- Available in English, Spanish or French according to guide availability.
Not Included
- Bottled Water: please bring a refillable water bottle if you’d like water.
- 13% Tax (IVA / VAT)
Tour Prices
Private Tour
- 1st Adult: $200 USD.
- Additional persons: $50 USD per person.
- First child: Free.
- Kids (5 to 12 yr old): $25 USD per kid.
Reservations & Cancellations
- Cancellations must be received in writing minimum 24hr before tour or service for a 50-90% refund according to factors such as payment requirements by third party providers. Cancellations received within 24hr of tour or package start date are non-refundable.
- See details in our FAQ section.
Included
- Private guide fee.
- Entrance fees.
- Transportation service.
- Binoculars provided.
- Available in English, Spanish or French according to guide availability.
Not Included
- Bottled Water: please bring a refillable water bottle if you’d like water.
- 13% Tax (IVA / VAT)
What are the clients saying about this tour?
Reviews in TripAvisor of 2020 tours to clients around the world!
We spent a totally enjoyable 4 hours with Marcos as our knowledgeable and personable guide through the beautiful Curicancha Reserve on Feb. 22, 2020. We were a mixed group of teens and 62 year olds and he totally held our interest! His passion for the vast number of birds was remarkable and he REALLY knew his stuff! He assisted us in getting some great pictures!
Need a place to stay?
Ask about our Casita Meg! A fully furnished house ideal for 1 or 2 people.
Walking distance to downtown Santa Elena.
Minimum 3 night stay, off street parking.
Partly forested landscape, lovely sunsets.
Owner and naturalist guide onsite.
Quiet site, view of gulf of Nicoya.
Need a place to stay?
Ask about our Casita Meg! A fully furnished house ideal for 1 or 2 people.
Walking distance to downtown Santa Elena.
Minimum 3 night stay, off street parking.
Partly forested landscape, lovely sunsets.
Owner and naturalist guide onsite.
Quiet site, view of gulf of Nicoya.
Additional Questions?
Visited our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or Contact Us!