Monteverde is one of the jewels in the Costa Rica crown for its unique cloud forests and world-class biodiversity. Folk flock here not just for the flora (500 species of orchid alone) and fauna (including many endemic and endangered animals) but for thrills and spills too. This is the birthplace of zip-lining, and there are hanging bridges and a Sky Tram traversing the forest for canopy eye views. Don't miss exploring the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest and Curi Cancha Reserves for their sheer variety of biological zones and thousands of species.
With magnificent long vistas across the central highlands to the Gulf of Nicoya, peaceful mountain lodge Senda Monteverde is the prime place from which to discover these delights and more. 28 rooms and suites are in stand-alone bungalows positioned across flowering landscaped gardens, giving each privacy and space. Spot wildlife from your private deck, traverse the hiking trails up to a private reserve with immense strangler fig trees. You can book night safaris, horse riding, plantation tours and yoga classes. The popular restaurant prides itself on artisanal fare and ultra-low food miles, with good vegetarian options. For couples, there's organic wine and in-house cocktails at sunset; for families, mini-explorer menus and marshmallows by the fire pit at the end of a busy day. Simply the bees knees for nature lovers of all ages.
Highs
- This is intelligent, sustainable luxury: both staff and the organic food are locally grown (as well as over 5,000 native plants), souvenirs come from a women's cooperative, it's plastic free and solar heated
- We really enjoyed meals in the restaurant with its farm-to-table cuisine, which marries Western crowd-pleasers with local dishes
- Outstanding activities are on offer, with excellent concierge services to help you realise your bucket list dreams
- Lovely staff. They've thought of everything you'll need, from umbrellas and torches in your room to Wellington boots to borrow
- Complimentary minibars are a nice touch
Lows
- No swimming pool
- You'll have to reserve ahead for a dinner table, or walk 15 mins into Santa Elena for alternatives
- Rooms are more functional than plushly luxurious (no TVs, A/c or designer furniture); the focus, rightly, is on the tranquil setting
- Rooms 1, 2 and 3 are near the road
- Renovations and improvements to the restaurant, rooms and reception are expected to finish mid-November; you may experience some minor disruption during this time
Best time to go
Monteverde's moisture-rich microclimate means changeable weather, often on an hourly basis, but temperatures are pleasant year-round (within the 20-25°C range during the day, lower at night). The dry season is January to mid-May, when heavy rains are rare and the sun can be surprisingly strong. The green (i.e. wetter!) season (late May - December) sees everything: mist, rainbows, winds, downpours and sunshine. Prices are highest from November to April.
Our top tips
Guests at Senda get complimentary hiking access to Aguti Wildlife Reserve just next door, which is far less busy than the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and has immense trees to marvel at as well as sit outs to gaze to the Pacific. Senda cover the entrance fees and help conserve this parcel of rare cloud forest.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests