Where to Stay in Monteverde: Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Monteverde? For nature lovers, Monteverde offers the best opportunities for wildlife watching. Visit the famous Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica and witness the diverse wildlife and flora the region has to offer.
Hike the nature paths, cross suspension bridges, or immerse yourself in the magic of the cloud forests.
In this post you’ll find the best places to stay in Monteverde if you’re visiting for the first time, or if you want to escape to the jungle in the cloud forest.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
Where to Stay in Monteverde Cloud Forest
1. Santa Elena – Best for Everyone
Where to stay in Monteverde when visiting Cloud Forest for the first time? Santa Elena is a charming little town full of souvenir shops, good restaurants, and stores. Visit the beautiful cloud forests, hike to the waterfalls, go bird watching, take a coffee tour, join an exciting night tour, or go ziplining.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Cloud Forest
We recommend a stay of at least 3 nights in Monteverde to give you enough time to explore the best places. From the town, you can reach the Cloud Forest in just 15 minutes by car, which you can also visit on a self-guided tour.
Don’t miss the Hummingbird Café near the entrance, where you can see lots of hummingbirds up close and enjoy a good coffee before your tour. The city can be noisy at night and doesn’t offer a real jungle feel so if you want to stay in a quieter place we recommend staying outside the town.
Chira Glamping
Where to stay in Monteverde with kids? Chira Glamping is located on the outskirts of the town in a private and secluded location surrounded by nature. Each room has an outdoor hot tub, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. The rooms are equipped with modern facilities and furnishings, have both outdoor and indoor showers, and offer in-room spa services.
Glamping also has family and honeymoon rooms, so it’s a perfect choice if you’re traveling to the town with kids or just want a romantic getaway. Take a shower in the jungle, watch the sunset from the hot tub, and soak up the surrounding nature.
Photo credit: Chira Glamping
Hotel Belmar
Where to stay in Monteverde if you are looking for a quiet place? Hotel Belmar is a perfect family-run property offering farm-to-table cuisine and a variety of activities. There are many hidden gems around the hotel, such as a lake where you can do yoga in the mornings, have a picnic, or immerse yourself in the sounds of nature.
There is also a small brewery nearby, serving great beer and tasty snacks. The rooms have everything you need for a relaxing stay, and the balcony offers incredible views of the misty cloud forest.
Photo credit: Hotel Belmar
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
The lodge is about a ten-minute walk from the restaurants, bars, and attractions of downtown Santa Elena. With beautifully decorated rooms and a secluded swimming pool, the hotel is a luxurious oasis in the jungle where you can even see wildlife. It has beautiful flower gardens where hummingbirds and various rare butterflies fly.
There are also many trails on the property where you can meet coats and agouti. The hotel’s restaurant El Jardin offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience with a wide selection of authentic Costa Rican, American, and European fusion dishes.
Photo credit: by Böëna
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
The Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco is a centrally located hotel in Santa Elena with a swimming pool, spa facilities, and a beautiful garden. The Spa offers various services, combining the newest massage styles and wellness treatment trends. The resort has 30 deluxe rooms and has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
The restaurant offers a wide range of deliciously prepared national and international flavors and recipes. Enjoy the taste of local produce with exotic ingredients and innovative fusions. The hotel is also a good choice for families and couples who want to relax in the spa after a day of hiking.
Photo credit: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Freddy’s Place
Where to stay in Monteverde if you are traveling on a budget? Freddy’s Place is centrally located in Santa Elena, but far enough away to be quiet. You will enjoy the beautiful garden, terrace area, and common areas that are at your disposal.
The comfortable rooms are spacious and bright, making your stay cozy and comfortable. The hotel will help you organize tours and attractions not to be missed.
Photo credit: Freddy’s Place
2. Outside the town – Jungle Escape
Where to stay in Monteverde if I’m planning a real Jungle escape with my family or partner? Not far from the town of Santa Elena, there are beautiful jungle lodges, which are the perfect place to relax and observe wildlife up close. Indulge yourself in the beauty of nature surrounded by cloud forests, stunning views, and complete privacy at these accommodations.
You can see tucans, sloths, and white-faced monkeys in the accommodation, and hear howler monkeys from the treetops. Most accommodation is further out of town near the jungle and as the roads are worse in many places we recommend renting a 4×4 car.
We think the jungle area is one of the best areas to stay in Monteverde if you want a quiet place close to nature.
Cloud Forest Lodge by Böëna
Cloud Forest Lodge by Böëna is located in a quiet place just a 5-minute drive from the city center. The accommodation is surrounded by the tranquility of nature. The Lodge has access to various trails where you can see colorful birds or agoutis. The rooms are spacious and from the balcony, you can listen to the sounds of frogs, birds, and other wildlife.
Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys in the distance, then visit Cloud Forest and relax by the accommodation’s fireplace in the evenings, creating a cozy atmosphere. This accommodation is perfect for families who want to escape the city noise and wake up to the sound of nature in the middle of the jungle.
Photo credit: Cloud Forest Lodge by Böëna
Amalú
Where to stay in Monteverde for couples planning a romantic getaway? Amalú offers unique homes in the Costa Rica cloud forest for families, couples, and friends. Surrounded by trees, the accommodation is very secluded and peaceful, with a hot tub on the private terrace from which you can admire the Costa Rican sunsets.
The chalets are wonderful, with floor-to-ceiling windows and everything you need for a comfortable stay. However, it is highly recommended that you rent a 4×4 car for the accommodation as it is located outside the town and the roads here are not well paved in many places. Amalú is the ideal paradise to escape the world and spend time in nature.
Photo credit: Amalú
Ananta Forest – Glamping Dome
Where to stay in Monteverde if you’re looking for a unique place you’ll never forget? Ananta Forest offers a spacious Glamping Dome in the Cloud Forest in a quiet location, just a 5-minute drive from the town.
The Glamping is equipped with a king-size bed, panoramic views, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and everything you need for a memorable vacation. At any time of day, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Valley from the outdoor jacuzzi with a glass of wine. Ananta Forest is an oasis of peace where you can have a truly relaxing stay after your Monteverde adventure.
Photo credit: Ananta Forest – Glamping Dome
Tityra Lodge
Where to stay in Monteverde with family? Tityra Lodge is located just 10 minutes from Santa Elena, next to a coffee plantation. From the breathtaking views of the Cloud Forest to the cozy cabins and common areas, every corner has been designed to offer a special connection with nature.
Visit the nearby Selvatura Adventure Park and then walk the trails around the property where you can see a variety of wildlife. Whether you prefer a cozy room or a private cabin, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the rainforest. Tityra Lodge is recommended for families and couples who want to stay in nature while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Photo credit: Tityra Lodge
Monteverde Guide: FAQ
Top Tours
Canopy Tour
Cloud Forest Tour
Night Walking
Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour
Best time to Visit
Monteverde is located at 1440 m above sea level, so the weather is much colder and wetter than in other parts of Costa Rica. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April when there is less rain. It’s good to know that is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, so unexpected rains may occur during the dry months.
How to Get to Monteverde
Getting to Monteverde may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get by shared and private transfer, taxi, bus, or rental car.
From San Jose: A shuttle minivan from San Jose Airport/City to Santa Elena starts from 58 USD. The journey time is 3.5-4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
From La Fortuna: The most comfortable way to travel between Arenal and Santa Elena is to take the Van-Boat-Van transfer. Total travel time is 3.5-4 hours and 39 USD per person for one way.
Should I rent a 4×4 car?
We did not rent a 4×4 car when we traveled to Costa Rica. There are some parts that are not well paved, but if you rent a car with a higher ground clearance you should have no problem getting there. However, if you want to stay in a hotel located in Jungel we recommend renting a 4×4 car. Or ask the hotel if they recommend renting a 4×4 car to get there.
Recommended Post → Driving tips for Costa Rica
Where to stay in Monteverde if I want to be close to Cloud Forest?
One of the best hotels to stay at near the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the Selina Hotel. From here you can easily reach the cloud forest on foot and book tours at the hotel. Good choice if you don’t want to rent a car and arrive in town with a minivan that will drop you at the hotel.
Where to Stay in Monteverde: Map of the Best Areas
We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in Monteverde helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Costa Rica
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days
- How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
- 9 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
- Guide to Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica
- Best La Fortuna Hot Springs
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link.