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Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Cloud Forests

Costa Rica is home to diverse habitats with an incredible variety of plants and animal species. Over 880 bird species, 90,000 recorded species of plants, 200 mammals, 2,000 butterflies as well as 50 species of hummingbirds and 150 species of amphibians and more.

There are 12 distinctive ecological zones from dry forest to mangroves to tropical rainforests and many of these species reside in the cloud forests of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota, a must for those looking for a birding holiday to Costa Rica.

Skywalk, Monteverde, Senda Monteverde Hotel, Costa Rica
Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde

Preservation of the remarkable forest of Monteverde is largely thanks to a community of Quakers who left the USA to avoid military conscription in the 1950s and settled in this highlands area of Costa Rica. They very soon realised that conserving the forest was crucial to the protection of the area’s watershed. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was officially established in 1972. Despite the effort needed to reach Monteverde (a long drive, poor roads) it has become a leading destination for eco-tourism and bird watchers flock there between February and April in hope to see the resplendent quetzal.

Rainbow View, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

San Gerardo de Dota

For those looking for something more low key, San Gerardo de Dota is a great alternative. Of course, where there are no crowds, variety of accommodation can be limited but located in the highlands of the Talamanca Mountains San Gerardo de Dota is referred to as the emerald valley and is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.

San Gerardo de Dota is at a high altitude, approximately 2,200 metres above sea level, and therefore the climate is much cooler and wetter with daytime temperatures reaching around 20 Celsius. The small town was founded in 1952 as a small agricultural settlement, growing Cubano beans and fruits such as apples and peaches. The picturesque terrain is ideal for nature hikes, well-maintained trails fan out from most lodges, offering leisurely hikes through meadows of wildflowers.

Blue-crowned Motmot, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Blue-crowned Motmot, Costa Rica

Our Specialists 'Must Do'

A nocturnal nature tour is a magical experience that opens the door to a completely different appreciation of the forest environment. The sights, sounds and smells are very different to those during the day and accompanying guides will expertly draw attention to snakes, tree frogs, porcupines, agoutis, blue-crowned mot mots and hole-dwelling tarantulas, among other creatures of the night.

It’s not just the cloud forest that Monteverde is known for. It is also home to one of the best cheese companies in Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cheese Factory. The cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota is considered the best location to see quetzals.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Turtle Conservation

Visit Tortuguero, one of the world’s major nesting sites for Atlantic green turtles.

Holiday idea

Stay in an Eco-Lodge

Tucked into the forest canopy, stay in an eco-lodge with views of the ocean below.

Suggested Holiday Idea

La Flor Wildlife Refuge

Visit La Flor Wildlife Refuge and watch thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Outdoor Pursuits

Take part in a wide variety of outdoor adventures, from kayaking, tubing and wildlife trails to snorkelling and fishing.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hiking in Nicaragua

Hike through the forest where monkeys roar from the tree canopy.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chocolate Tasting

Toledo is a chocolate lovers haven. Sitting at the heart of Belize’s chocolate industry, a tour allows you to sample the finest cacao in its purest form.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ash Boarding

Travel down the slopes of Cerro Negro volcano on an ash board.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Toledo’s Archaeological Sites

Visit the archaeological sites of Lubaantun, home of the famous ‘crystal skull’, and Nim Li Punit with tallest stelae in Belize.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hike the Rainforest

With a Kuna guide, explore and hike the rainforest in the San Blas Archipelago.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cave Exploration

Going Underground – dip into an ancient network of caves that were sacred places for the Maya

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Costa Rica holiday ideas.

Our Costa Rica experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

John Faithfull

Costa Rica is simply the best spot in Central America for nature lovers, and is always John’s top recommendation for those wishing to hike, swim, zip, raft, ride or float through outstanding scenery and rich biodiversity.

Talk with our experts
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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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