How to Spend TWO DAYS in Monteverde, Costa Rica: The Best 2-Day Itinerary
Looking for the best way to spend two days in Monteverde? You’ve come to the right place.
We have spent tons of time exploring Costa Rica’s cloud forest region, discovering the perfect balance of must-see highlights and unforgettable nature experiences that showcase what makes Monteverde so special.
From exploring one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth to world-class dining, this two-day itinerary offers far more than you might expect. Designed to help you make the most of your time without feeling rushed, follow along, and you’ll experience the very best of Monteverde, with plenty of adventure, natural beauty, and memorable moments along the way.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Monteverde was this private Cloud Forest tour. We spotted sloths, birds, and camouflaged critters, learned how the cloud forest ecosystem works, and even stopped by the hummingbird gardens, all on easy, relaxed trails.
Just hanging around!
Itinerary Overview
While two days may not seem like a lot of time, it’s more than enough to get some fantastic adventures in during your visit to Monteverde. The draw here is the Cloud Forest, so that’s where you’ll be spending most of your time, but we have some other stuff (like great food stops and a craft brewery) you can look forward to!
Having a rental car is the best way to make the most of two days here, so that’s how we recommend you get around and make the most of your quick trip in Monteverde.
Here is an overview of each day:
Day 1: Start with a private tour of the Cloud Forest, then in the afternoon learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane with a guide. To top it all off, you’ll have a 9-course meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the world!
Day 2: Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline adventure and then choose between visiting the Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges, seeing the El Tigre Waterfalls, or hiking to Cerro Pinocho. After dinner at Monteverde Brewing, see the Cloud Forest at night on a nocturnal animals walk.
Day 1
Morning – Explore the Monteverde Cloudforest
Day 1 starts with an excellent introduction to Monteverde on this private tour of the Cloud Forest. If you’ve come here to see animals, learn about nature, and make memories, having a private guide is a surefire way to get all three. It’s so easy to walk by birds, sloths, snakes, and all other sorts of critters without one! Book the 7:45 to 10:45 am option so you have time for today’s other activities.
After making the roughly 10-minute drive to the cloud forest parking lot and getting your day/parking pass, you’ll meet your guide and start a grand little adventure through the cloud forest. We have done many of these private tours when family and friends come to visit, and it always amazes us how much we miss when we run around in here on our own. I’ve literally walked by a sloth without noticing!
Animals are a highlight, but learning about the ecosystem on the whole from a guide is an eye-opening experience. It puts into perspective just how magical this place really is and helps set the tone for the rest of the trip. As a bonus, this tour also makes a visit to the hummingbird gardens, which is a real treat. What we also appreciate is how easy-going the trails are and that this activity is suited for various ages and fitness levels.
The mix of wildlife sightings, fascinating insight into the cloud forest ecosystem, and an unhurried, personal pace makes this tour unforgettable—and clearly, we’re not the only ones who think so. With glowing five-star reviews from travelers who rave about the guides and the experience, this tour consistently lives up to the hype and sets the perfect tone for your time in Monteverde.
Related Read: If this tour sounds like your style but you want to compare a few options, we’ve also rounded up some more great choices in our guide to the best cloud forest tours in Monteverde here.
Lunch – The Open Kitchen
After a morning of hiking, you’ll probably be a little hungry. If that’s the case, head to The Open Kitchen in downtown Santa Elena for some quick, clean, and delicious Costa Rican food. Our next activity includes coffee and chocolate tastings, so getting something in your stomach is a good idea.
And speaking of, that coffee and chocolate tour I was just talking about? Only a 5-minute drive away from The Open Kitchen. Easy!
Afternoon – Learn about Costa Rican specialities: coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane
Coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane are three of Costa Rica’s most iconic yums, so learning about them hands-on is a must. If you think that sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee), this 2-hour specialties tour is the perfect afternoon activity. We suggest booking the 1 pm option, so you have a couple of hours after to get cleaned up at your hotel before dinner.
Over the course of the experience, you’ll learn about the harvesting and processing of each specialty with an expert guide. Of course, there will be tastings of each, but the real highlight here is how fun it is to see how these products that are so familiar to us are made! Picking coffee beans, grinding cacao, and pressing sugarcane is a delightful experience. It gives a whole new appreciation for each.
Something else we enjoy is that the whole thing isn’t too long and drawn out, and instead feels intentional and never loses momentum. That means if you’re traveling with kids, they will stay engaged, or even if you’re a little tired from the morning walk, the coffee will keep you going until you can take a little rest at your hotel!
Related Read: If you’re weighing a few options for coffee tours, we break them all down in our guide to the best coffee tours in Monteverde here, including our top pick.
Evening – San Lucas Dining Experience
If you’re a foodie and live for those once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, dinner at the San Lucas Dining Experience is a must-do while you’re here. Tucked into your own private glass dining area above the trees (epic sunset view included), you will indulge in a nine-course meal that will have your taste buds in heaven. Ranked as the world’s second most unique restaurant, it’s hard to say what was better, the dinner or the views. Reservations are required, so make sure to secure your spot beforehand.
If all that sounds nice, but it’s outside your budget (we feel you), have no fear because our favorite Mexican restaurant in the country is also not far away! The appropriately named Taco Taco kicks the flavor into overdrive with fantastic (you guessed it) tacos as well as other authentic Mexican cuisine. You can’t go wrong with anything, so after a big day, you’ve earned a big meal.
Related Read: If you’re looking to add more experiences or swap a few things around, check out our guide to the best things to do in Monteverde here. It’s packed with can’t-miss highlights and local favorites!
Day 2
Morning – Go ziplining
Day 2 kicks off with our favorite zipline tour in the area, and it isn’t just exciting, but also another fantastic way to get close to Costa Rica’s nature. The experience runs for about 2.5 hours, and we recommend the 8 or 10 am option, depending on what works best for you and what activity you choose to do afterward (scroll down to see your options).
From start to finish, the guides on this tour are incredible, not only ensuring safety but also that you get the most out of the old-growth cloud forest you’re surrounded by. With continuous fun facts and animal sightings, they make the morning not just exciting but educational.
The ziplines are absolutely stellar, of course, but the opportunity to rappel 150 feet (46 meters) back down to the forest floor, where you get to walk into a tree, is just as memorable. There’s also the Tarzan swing if you’re feeling daring and still have your voice after the ziplines.
Read over a THOUSAND 5-star reviews here to see why this is a great activity for all ages and fitness levels, and with hotel pickup and drop off included, it requires very little planning. Just get up and go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Related Read: Before you book, check out our guide to the best ziplining tours in Monteverde to compare top-rated options and find the one that fits your travel style.
Brunch – Orchid Coffee & Restaurant
Hot take, but Orchid Coffee & Restaurant is the best brunch in Santa Elena. Did I get your attention? Trust me, you won’t regret going here!
After finishing the zipline tour and getting dropped back at your hotel, it’s an easy 5–10 minute drive into Santa Elena, making this a perfect next stop to refuel. I honestly don’t know what to recommend because it’s all so good, and I have never taken someone here and had them not find something on the menu that they loved. It’s just that good!
This is a great spot to recharge with some food and coffee or matcha before continuing the adventure on your final day. Just keep in mind Orchid’s is closed on Thursdays, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Mid-day – Your Choice!
Depending on whether you booked the 8 or 10 am zipline tour, you’ll have more or less time for one of the activities below. They range in adventure level from casual to butt kicker, so read through each to see which will be right for you. We have a nocturnal animal nightwalk that starts at 5:30 or 8 pm, so just make sure you’re back early enough for dinner before heading out on that tour.
Option 1: Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges
About a 10–15 minute drive from brunch, Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges are one of the biggest draws in the whole park, and for a good reason. With over 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) of trails and eight hanging bridges, it’s an incredibly scenic and casual way to take in the beauty of the forest. We love it here, and spotting wildlife is very possible, so keep your eyes open!
You can spend as much or as little time here as you want, so it doesn’t matter which zipline time you choose. We do find that about 2ish hours is good for us, depending on the mood we’re in. Tickets are $49 USD per person and can be purchased online beforehand.
Option 2: El Tigre Waterfalls
If the hanging bridges above sound cool, but you’re craving more movement and a lot more adventure, the El Tigre Waterfalls are right up your alley. Located about a 30-minute drive from town, this 8-kilometer (5-mile) hike boasts 10 hanging bridges and four waterfalls. The last bit of the hike is a bit difficult, but with enough determination (and some decent hiking footwear), I think almost anyone can do it!
It’s on private property, so you will have to pay to hike, but the last time we went, it was only $30 USD (prices could change), and they offered ATV rides back for a little extra if you don’t want to make the hike back down. This activity does take about 5 hours, so if you want to do it, be sure to book the earlier zipline tour and the later night tour to make this work.
Option 3: Hike to Cerro Pinocho
If you want to stay close to Santa Elena but still enjoy the outdoors, the Cerro Pinocho hike is a great option. The hike up will take about 1-1.5 hours and isn’t very strenuous, but rewards you with some fantastic views of the area.
We have done this many times (it’s a great sunset spot) and it only costs $5 USD, making it the easiest on your wallet out of the three activities listed. If you want to save time, you can catch a taxi back to town for around $14 USD or just walk back. You can book either zipline tour with this option, but if you need to save some time, it’s nice to have the taxi option to get back into town.
Dinner – Monteverde Brewing Company
The Monteverde Brewing Company is one of our favorite spots in town since we are craft beer lovers, and nothing pairs better with a great day than a solid pint. It’s a fun but casual spot to get some authentic Costa Rican food or pub meals like burgers and fried chicken.
If you’re booked on the 5:30 pm nocturnal animal tour, try to arrive by 3:30 pm, so you have plenty of time to eat and get back to your hotel. If you’re doing the 8 pm night tour, you’ve got more flexibility and can plan dinner here anytime up until around 7 pm.
Evening – See nocturnal animals on a Monteverde nightwalk
You’ve already seen a lot of animals over the last two days, but this nocturnal animal’s nightwalk might take the cake for the most memorable animal experience during your trip. Heading into the Monteverde Cloud Forest after dark to spot sloths, frogs, bugs, snakes, and a whole host of critters is an amazing experience you don’t want to miss. Starting with hotel pick up at 5:30 pm or 8 pm, this 2-hour tour is a great way to end the trip and be back early enough for whatever your plans are tomorrow.
It goes without saying that you need a guide to do this anyway, but having an expert guide in this scenario means you not only stay safe, but also spot some of the coolest wildlife that only comes out after the sun goes down. I’m talking about the Eyelash Viper, two-toed sloth, poison dart frog, a whole host of colorful spiders, and tons more.
We’ve taken this tour several times with family and friends, and each time we spot something new. Over 80% of the species seen on this tour only come out when it’s dark, which makes the experience super unique and memorable. We can’t recommend it enough!
Related Read: If you’re deciding between a few different night walks, we’ve rounded up our favorites in our best night tours in Monteverde guide here.
Where to Stay in Santa Elena (Monteverde)
After planning out the best things to do in Monteverde, the next step is choosing where to stay—and luckily, there are some fantastic options for every budget. Whether you’re dreaming of an immersive eco-luxury retreat in the cloud forest, a comfortable hotel close to town, or a cozy cabin surrounded by nature, we’ve narrowed down our top picks below to make planning easy. Just keep in mind that hotels book out fast here, so make sure to lock in your stay if you see availability for your travel dates.
Koora Monteverde a Cloud Forest Hotel – $$$
Koora Monteverde a Cloud Forest Hotel is a luxury boutique ecolodge nestled in the Monteverde cloud forest of Costa Rica, offering intimate suites and standalone bungalows surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and wildlife. It includes a highly rated on-site restaurant and access to nearby cloud forest trails and activities. Known for its exceptional service, tranquil setting, and proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, it’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful eco-luxury retreat.
Rooms start around $600 USD per night. Book this luxury stay here before rooms fill up!
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco – $$
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco is a relaxed, family-friendly hotel set in lush gardens with a spa, covered heated pool, and charming rooms that open to garden views. Guests enjoy free breakfast, on-site restaurants, and easy access to nearby nature attractions like the Monteverde Orchid Garden and cloud forest tours. The property is known for its excellent location close to Santa Elena’s center and friendly staff, making it a great base for exploring the cloud forest region.
Rooms start around $300 USD per night. Check availability for your travel dates here!
Cabañas La Pradera – $
If you’re looking for an affordable stay tucked just outside the buzz of Santa Elena, Cabañas La Pradera is a top pick. These charming cabin‑style accommodations are surrounded by rainforest gardens with a pool, nature trails, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Inside each cabin, you’ll find a kitchenette, hot water, free Wi‑Fi, and free parking—amenities that are hard to find at this price point!
Two-person cabins start as low as $90 USD per night. Find the best rates and book this stay here!
If you want more great options, check out all the hotels listed for Monteverde here!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
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Pura Vida!
If Monteverde is on your Costa Rica itinerary, you’re in for something truly special. This two-day plan gives you a perfect mix of cloud forest wildlife, hands-on cultural experiences, heart-pounding adventure, and some seriously memorable meals. From spotting sloths and hummingbirds to ziplining through the forest and searching for nocturnal creatures after dark, you’ll quickly see why Monteverde is one of our favorite places in the country.
Before you move on to your next destination, be sure to check out our other Monteverde travel guides here for even more ideas on where to go next. We’ve shared detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, and tour tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip. And if you’re still looking for inspiration, we’ve linked a few related blogs below to keep the adventure going!
4 BEST Hanging Bridges Tours in Monteverde
3 BEST Bird-Watching Tours in Monteverde
2 BEST Monteverde Horseback Riding Tours (Which One to Book!)
