Person walking along a hanging bridge in the jungle

Costa Rica Monteverde and the cloud forest

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When is the best time to visit Monteverde?

At 1,400m and frequently swathed in mist, Monteverde has cooler temperatures than the lowlands. It can rain at any time but most precipitation falls between May – Nov. This “green” season is quieter in terms of visitor numbers. The best months for bird-watching are Feb – Apr.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What language is spoken in Monteverde?

The main language spoken in Monteverde is Spanish.

What currency do I need in Monteverde?

The Colón is the main currency used in Monteverde. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in San José and other major towns a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) too. Obtain your local currency before heading off to Monteverde.

What is the time difference between Monteverde and the UK?

The time difference between Monteverde and the UK is GMT -5 hours.

What places combine well with Monteverde?

A visit to the Pacific coast for a beach wind down; Arenal, in the north, the most spectacular volcano in Costa Rica (2-3 hours by road). Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even windy ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.

How do I get to Monteverde?

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is reached by a 3hr drive from San José along the main paved Panamerican Highway, followed by a 1.5 hour uphill drive along a bumpy and winding all weather road.

What are the cultural events in Monteverde?

Monteverde Music Festival: Monteverde Institute, Jan – Apr. Informal sessions by jazz and classical artists.

If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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