Best things to do in Monteverde

Experience a truly memorable natural environment at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The lush, protected, and diverse 5,000 ha (12,355 ac) contains a staggering 2.5% of the planet's biomass, with a considerable amount of life being endemic to the park. You have the opportunity to independently traverse 13 km (8 mi) of jungle trails, trying to spot any one of the 500 species of birdlife that live in the canopy. Alternatively, consider hiring a guide for an indispensable and enlightening lesson into the amazing ecology of the reserve. Be sure to try the restaurant and stop in the gift shop after exploring the natural wonder.

Delve into the misty Costa Rican rainforest by soaring through the treetops on some of the country's longest zipline courses. The exhilarating flight will allow you to experience the jungle and its remarkably diverse ecosystem from a bird's-eye perspective. Look out for tiny hummingbirds and colorful butterflies as you launch from treetop platforms, wobble on rope bridges, and sway on giant Tarzan swings. You can top off an adrenaline-fueled journey with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. These 2- to 3-hour adventures are not suitable for children under the age of four.

Pay a visit to Monteverde Orchid Garden to see the extensive collection of vibrant flowers. A gem of Monteverde, the family-run garden houses more than 400 species of these orchids, which thrive in Costa Rica's cloud forest ecosystem. Take a tour of the meticulously maintained garden, full of lush green trees, and with the help of the English-speaking guide, learn about the orchids, their varieties, and the efforts for their conservation. Using a magnifying glass, you'll be able to see even the tiniest blooms.

Learn about native insects and arachnids at Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas), an ecological education facility located in a mountainous area. Established with an aim to change preconceptions about these creatures (in particular, small ones with lots of legs), the gardens have four different habitats supporting over 30 species of butterfly, while over 20 species of insects and arachnids live in the nature center. Let the guides introduce you to the varied inhabitants of the gardens, explaining their behavior and importance to the ecosystem--and maybe, just maybe, encouraging you to give one a hold.

Home to a variety of plant and animal life, Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena represents a 310 hectare (766 acre) reserve covered by preserved cloud forest. Approximately 8 km (5 mi) of paths wind through the reserve, with several lookouts along the way. You'll find more than 600 species of orchids, as well as dense vegetation, hanging vines, and various tree species. Some visitors come seeking birds--the Quetzal and the Bell bird can be spotted here. Keep an eye out for small mammals scurrying past your feet. Due to its location, the reserve is generally quite humid and normally covered in a blanket of fog.

Discover a piece of Costa Rican cloud forest at Curi Cancha Reserve. The 96 hectare (237 acre)wildlife refuge was established as a nature reserve in 1997 and serves as a scenic spot for hiking and bird-watching. Take a guided tour or set off on the trails by yourself, exploring the primary cloud forest that's sprawled with pieces of open space that make it easier to spot native animals. Roaming the trails, you might see toucans, resplendent quetzals, sloths, anteaters, howler monkeys, or capuchins.

Wander among the treetops of a lush rainforest with Santa Elena Skywalk. The tour uses trails and a series of 'sky high' suspension bridges leading you through the thick green foliage. See plant and animal life from a different perspective and understand the ecosystem of a 'canopy' habitat. Vines and epiphytes wrap around the tree trunks to preserve the moisture providing an ideal home for small animals and insects. The walk provides far-reaching views of the jungle, perfect for photo opportunities.

The vast system of Venado Caves in all likelihood dates back more than 15 million years. The eight chambers of the limestone cavern stretch for almost 3 km (1.8 mi), and are filled with interesting rock formations. On a guided tour, you'll see underground streams and waterfalls, as well as stalactites, stalagmites, marine fossils, bats, and frogs. Tours include a flashlight, boots, and a tasty meal, but bring a change of clothes as you will get wet while crossing the water curtains.

Learn about some of nature's most misunderstood creatures at The Bat Jungle. The animal research and observation facility seeks to dispel some of the common misconceptions regarding the winged beasts by teaching about the diversity of bat species, their habitats, their behavior, and the importance they have in many cultures. From behind a glass screen, watch 40 live bats of seven different species flying around a large enclosure, designed to look just like a cloud forest at nighttime. Listen to the ultrasonic echolocation calls and social calls of the bats as they fly around, with the usually undetectable sounds translated through a special receiver.