Monteverde travel guide, Costa Rica
We wrote this guide from Santa Elena, the town where Casas Ficus is, with the questions guests ask us most before travelling: where the two cloud forest reserves are, what is within walking distance and how to get to Monteverde.
Monteverde essentials
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (private)
The best-known reserve in the area, at the end of route 620, with trails and guided walks. It is about 2.5 km from Casas Ficus, roughly a 6-minute drive. Go early in the morning, when bird activity is at its peak.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (public)
A 310-hectare community reserve about 7 km north of the Santa Elena high school (15–20 minutes by car from the property). It is usually quieter than the private reserve and has its own lookout points.
The town of Santa Elena
Casas Ficus is about 250 metres from downtown Santa Elena: supermarket, pharmacy, restaurants, bars and tour agencies are a 3–5 minute walk away. That is the main reason many guests choose to stay here rather than outside town.
How to get to Monteverde
You arrive by road from the Central Valley or from Guanacaste and La Fortuna. The final stretch into Santa Elena is mountain road, so daytime driving is recommended. If you are arriving without a car, message us in advance and we'll help you with transport options into town.
Distances and times are approximate and measured from Casas Ficus, in Santa Elena, Monteverde, Puntarenas province.
Experiences we arrange from Casas Ficus
- Canopy and hanging bridges at Selvatura Park — we send your request and arrange the booking with the park.
- Horseback riding with Marvin Anchía — departures at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., 2.5 to 3 hours, with a maximum weight of 200 lb per rider.
- Nangú, our sister project — a 4x4 vehicle is strictly required to get there; if you don't have one, we can arrange transport for an extra cost.
Where to stay in Monteverde
Casas Ficus brings together four independent accommodations on the same property, each with its own entrance and kitchen:
- Casa Ficus — Entire house, up to 6 guests.
- Guest House — Guest house, up to 4 guests.
- Studio Carambola — Studio, up to 2 guests.
- Studio Maracuyá — Studio, up to 2 guests.