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US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Cloudforest Lodge
Costa Rica

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde Cloudforest

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
GOOD TO KNOW
ENQUIRE

Highlights

Cloud Forest Location: The lodge is perfectly situated within Monteverde’s famous cloud forest, allowing guests to immerse themselves in one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica. With misty landscapes, rich foliage, and cool mountain air, it’s an ideal base for exploring the cloud forest ecosystem.
Private Gardens: The lodge’s beautifully manicured gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, and trees. Guests can stroll through these gardens, where butterflies and hummingbirds are frequent visitors, creating a peaceful and vibrant environment for relaxation.
Wildlife Encounters: Being in the heart of the cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. Guests often see various species of birds, including toucans and quetzals, as well as butterflies and other forest creatures both in the gardens and on nearby trails.
Eco-Friendly Practices: The lodge takes pride in its sustainability efforts, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, energy-efficient systems, and supporting local environmental projects. It focuses on reducing its environmental footprint while promoting responsible tourism in Monteverde.
On-Site Dining: El Jardin Restaurant offers farm-to-table dining with fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a blend of Costa Rican and international cuisine, and meals can be enjoyed while overlooking the lush gardens and listening to the sounds of nature.
Adventure and Exploration: The lodge’s prime location makes it a great starting point for nearby adventure activities such as zip-lining, canopy tours, and walking on Monteverde’s famous hanging bridges. Guests can also book guided nature hikes for birdwatching or explore the surrounding cloud forest trails on their own.

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Good to know

How to get there

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is located approximately 133 kilometres (83 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, as the route includes some unpaved and winding mountain roads, particularly near Monteverde.

For those flying into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, the lodge is about 121 kilometres (75 miles) away, with a similar driving time of around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Both routes offer scenic views, but due to Monteverde’s mountainous location, the final stretch involves navigating through rural roads.

2. By 4×4 and River

Drive to the Lodge’s Access Point: For those who prefer not to raft, you can take a 4×4 vehicle to the lodge’s private access point (a 3-hour drive from San José). From there, it’s a short boat ride or hike to reach the lodge. The lodge can arrange this alternative transfer as well.

3. Helicopter Transfer

Fly Directly to the Lodge: For a more exclusive and quick option, you can arrange a helicopter transfer directly to the lodge’s helipad. This scenic flight takes about 30 minutes from San José and offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and river.

Are children welcome?

Yes, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens welcomes children and is family-friendly. The lodge offers a peaceful environment suitable for families looking to enjoy nature and explore the cloud forest. While there are no specific children’s programs, the property and surrounding area provide plenty of activities that children can enjoy, such as nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring the lush gardens. Nearby adventure activities like zip-lining and hanging bridges are also fun for families, although some activities do have age or height restrictions.

Giving back

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The lodge operates with a strong focus on environmental conservation, community involvement, and minimizing its ecological footprint.

Key sustainability efforts include:

Energy Efficiency: The lodge is powered partially by solar energy through 47 solar panels. It also implements energy-saving measures, such as monitoring electricity usage and utilizing energy-efficient systems.
Water Conservation: Biodegradable cleaning products are used, and the swimming pool is purified with a salt system rather than chlorine, which is more environmentally friendly. They also ensure efficient water use through high-tech fixtures.
Waste Management: The lodge has a robust recycling and composting system, with regular waste separation and a goal of eliminating single-use plastics. Guests are encouraged to use reusable water bottles.
Wildlife and Habitat Protection: Part of the lodge’s land is designated as a private nature reserve, contributing to local conservation. They also support wildlife research, including initiatives like the Jaguar Research Program to study and protect native species.
Local Community Support: The lodge prioritizes purchasing local produce and hiring local service providers, ensuring that they contribute to the regional economy while reducing transportation-related emissions.

How to spend your time here

At Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, you can spend your time exploring the surrounding cloud forest, enjoying its wildlife, and taking advantage of both the lodge’s serene atmosphere and nearby adventure activities. Here are some ways to spend your time:

1. Explore the Private Gardens

The lodge features lush, beautifully maintained gardens where you can relax and spot wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and even monkeys. The trails within the gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings.

2. Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

Monteverde is famous for its rich biodiversity, and the lodge’s location within the cloud forest makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching. You can see species such as the resplendent quetzal, hummingbirds, and toucans. Guided birdwatching tours are available to help guests discover the region’s wildlife.

3. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is just a short drive away, offering trails through the misty cloud forest, hanging bridges, and the chance to see more wildlife. You can join guided tours to learn about the unique ecosystem and the various plant and animal species that thrive here.

4. Adventure Activities

For more adventurous guests, Monteverde is home to zip-lining, canopy tours, and hanging bridges that offer stunning views of the forest from above. These activities allow you to experience the cloud forest from a different perspective while enjoying an adrenaline rush.

5. Relax by the Pool

After a day of exploring, you can unwind by the lodge’s outdoor pool, which is surrounded by lush greenery. The peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for relaxation.

6. Dining at El Jardin Restaurant

Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine at El Jardin Restaurant, which serves a blend of Costa Rican and international dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dining can be enjoyed with views of the surrounding gardens and nature.

7. Guided Night Walks

Experience the cloud forest at night with a guided night walk, where you can spot nocturnal creatures such as frogs, owls, and insects. This is a unique way to experience the cloud forest’s diversity after dark.

Why we love Pacuare Lodge

The gardens here really are special, beautifully maintained and a great place to spot hummingbirds and butterflies. Eating at the fabulous EL Jardin restaurant is one of the best ways to take them in.