Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Poorly drained areas support swamp forests, while parts of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped produce an extremely high biodiversity. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare necked Umbrella bird and Resplendent Quetzal.

The focus of this Monteverde project is environmental education, and thousands of butterfly enthusiasts each year visit the Nature Center and four enclosed butterfly gardens. The staff raises about 50 local butterfly species by hand to keep their gardens blooming with life. In the Nature Center, all guests learn about the complexities and nuances of the butterfly life cycle, and can see live eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalides. The Center also strolls through the four enclosed gardens, admiring the adults flying, feeding, and mating. On the way, you can expect to see the flashy Blue Morpho Butterflies, the most famous in Costa Rica, and the huge Owl Butterflies, the largest in the country. The Butterfly Garden is open 365 days a year, from 9:30am - 4:00pm. The best time to visit is in the morning or when the weather is sunny, since the butterflies are most active.

Recommended: camera, comfortable shoes, and light jacket.

Canopy Tour

Selvatura Park Canopy Tour is one of the safest adventures in Costa Rica. Our Canopy Tour guides will start by dressing you with the appropriate equipment; then they will take your through each of the 15 cables and 18 platforms and optionally through our very own Tarzan Swing. Selvatura Park’s is one of the longest if not the longest Canopy Tour in Costa Rica. Also it’s the only one located inside the actual virgin cloud forest. If you are looking for extreme adventures and amazing rides, Selvatura Park’s Canopy Tour is your best choice. The Tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and may be completed by people ranging between the age of 4 and 99. It is safe for all people although some restrictions may apply

Selvatura's Treetop Walkways

 is a 1.9 mile (approximately 3 kilometer ) trail that crosses through the cloud forest, in which our visitors will walk through eight different bridges from various lengths ranging between 150 feet ( 50 meters ) up to 510 feet ( 170 meters ) and altitudes ranging between 36 feet ( 12 meters ) up to 180 feet ( 60 meters ). Each of the bridges feature a five foot width, the widest ones in the country, and also a capacity of up to 80 people per bridge making them both the longest and strongest bridge system in Costa Rica. The treetop walkways are suitable for people of all ages and physical condition.

Guided and self-guided tours may be booked in advance