Monteverde is one of the jewels in the Costa Rica crown for its unique cloud forests and world-class biodiversity. Folk flock here not just for the flora (500 species of orchid alone) and fauna (including many endemic and endangered animals) but for thrills and spills too. This is the birthplace of zip-lining, and there are hanging bridges and a Sky Tram traversing the forest for canopy eye views.
With magnificent long vistas across the central highlands to the Gulf of Nicoya, peaceful mountain lodge Senda Monteverde is the prime place from which to discover these delights. 28 rooms and suites are found in stand-alone bungalows positioned across landscaped gardens. Don't miss exploring the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for its variety of biological zones and thousands of animal and plant species. There are hiking trails, and you can book night safaris, horse riding, plantation tours and yoga classes. The restaurant prides itself on artisanal fare and ultra-low food miles, with good vegetarian options. For couples, there are craft beer tastings, organic wine and in-house cocktails at sunset; for families, mini explorer menus and marshmallows by the fire pit at the end of a busy day. This is the bees knees for nature lovers of all ages, and we can't wait to visit.
Highs
- Intelligent, sustainable luxury: both staff and the organic food are locally grown; hot water is solar-powered; a no plastic policy; souvenirs come from a local women's cooperative; over 5,500 native plants planted to restore the land
- Lovely staff. They've thought of everything you'll need, from umbrellas and torches in your room to Wellington boots to borrow
- Outstanding activities on offer and excellent concierge services to help you realise your bucket list dreams
- Popular restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine
- Complimentary minibars
Lows
- No swimming pool
- You'll need to reserve ahead for a table for dinner, but it's only a 15-minute walk into Monteverde town for alternative options (note it's uphill on the way back, taxis are available)
- Rooms are more functional than plushly luxurious (no TVs or air-con, reports of thin walls, furniture isn't designer), the focus, rightly, is on the tranquil setting
- Some bungalows face into the wind rather than the sun; rooms 1, 2 and 3 are near the road
Best time to go
Monteverde's moisture-rich microclimate means changeable weather, often on an hourly basis, but temperatures are pleasant year-round (within the 20-25°C range during the day, lower at night). The dry season is January to mid-May, when heavy rains are rare and the sun can be surprisingly strong. The green (i.e. wetter!) season (late May - December) sees everything: mist, rainbows, winds, downpours and sunshine. Prices are highest from November to April.
Our top tips
Guests at Senda get complimentary hiking access to Aguti Wildlife Reserve just next door, which is far less busy than the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Senda cover the entrance fees and help conserve this parcel of rare cloud forest.
- Mountain Lodge
- 28 rooms
- Restaurant (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry service
- Yoga Studio
Rooms
All 28 cabin-style rooms and suites are in stand-alone bungalows, which come with private gardens, covered terraces and kingsize beds, and are scattered about the lush grounds.
There are two units per bungalow for most room categories, including the entry-level Superior Rooms, the Junior Suites and the Premium Suites. The living rooms in the Suites come with day beds for additional guests; Premium Suites have west-facing terraces for wonderful ocean and sunset views. Ideal for larger families, the Senda Suite occupies the whole of the bungalow and has two bedrooms (one double, one twin) plus a spacious terrace and living area.
Walls and floors throughout are decked in local wood, ceiling fans keep you cool. Thoughtful extras include torches, binoculars and umbrellas. Ensuite bathrooms have rainfall showers only, and the organic toiletries supplied are by local brand Aromas para el Alma and have their own unique scent.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
With ambitions to be a zero-waste restaurant, El Sapo Restaurant and Bar emphasises farm-to-table dining using locally sourced ingredients, including from their own kitchen nursery. The results – a pleasing mix of Costa Rican fare with western staples – are said to be delicious.
Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, juice and fruit, plus one dish from the menu: perhaps a classic Tico breakfast, buttermilk pancakes, huevos rancheros or avocado toast.
Lunch options include light dishes such as home-grown salads, ceviche, rice and chicken, pulled pork paninos or burgers.
For dinner, dishes range from pepper steak to ribs, ravioli to catch of the day, with a separate vegetarian and vegan menu of salads, rice dishes, tacos and tortillas. They make all their own dressings and condiments from scratch – a nice touch. Desserts include salted caramel cheesecake and lemon pie.
The bar has a great range of organic South American wines, locally created cocktails and craft beer. It's a lovely end-of-day ritual for everybody to hang out by the firepit, toasting marshmallows and watching the sunset.
Given how delicious the food is at Senda, few venture out for meals, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby if you choose to do so.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Monteverde has a myriad of fun things to do, and Senda have an extensive Tour Book of activities. So where to begin? We reckon with a walking tour of the unique 26,000-acre biodiversity-rich Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna – there are 500 species of bird alone)
- Or see the cloud forest canopy from above and enjoy spectacular views to the Pacific Ocean on the Sky Tram gondola or the Sky Walk suspension bridges, or, for maximum adrenaline, on the 1.8-mile-long Sky Trek zipline
- Take a night safari in the private Aguti Wildlife Reserve, which is within walking distance of the lodge; Senda guests get complimentary entry year-round
- Discover how coffee and chocolate go from bean to cup on a plantation tour (if staying Nov-Feb you can help with the harvest)
- Horse riding and e-bikes offer more ways to explore the forest
- Senda offers yoga classes, craft beer tastings and cooking classes
- There are also butterfly houses, insect museums, bat jungles, reptile and amphibian displays and orchid gardens to visit
- Take a day trip to Arenal volcano
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Wildlife
- Yoga
Kids
Senda Monteverde has much to offer families as we discovered! There are family suites, a kids' menu (my son still remembers his waterfall-of-cheese burger fondly), and a wealth of nature on the doorstep, plus zip-lining, horse riding and bracelet-making classes. We think most kids would get a kick out of staying here.
Best for:
Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Senda Suites are the biggest and can sleep up to six plus a baby. Junior Suites can host a family of four as kids sleep on pull out sofas. Premium Suites can have a family of three plus a baby. All come with private terraces.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Children's meals:
The Mini Explorer menu includes chicken fingers, cheeseburger, mac & cheese for mains, and churros and brownies to finish.
Kids Activities on site:
- Outdoor twister and coffee bean bag toss in the fun place (play area)
- Cooking classes
- Board games for rainy days
- Hot cocoa and marshmallows round the fire pit
- Movie nights
- Kid-sized boots and walking sticks
- Sustainability tour
- Paper-making or bracelet-making class
- 7 wonders of wander
Kids Activities nearby:
- Zip-lining
- Cloud forest trails
- Wildlife spotting
- Sky Tram
- Hanging bridges
- Horse riding
- Farm tours
- Butterfly, insect, bat, reptile and amphibian museums/houses
Families Should Know:
Mini beasts are of course prevalent in a jungle setting, so pack insect spray. There's no pool.
Distances:
- Airport: 2hr30m
- Hospital: 5 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Senda Monteverde is on the outskirts of tourist town Santa Elena, gateway to the Monteverde region, found in the Talamanca Mountains of the North-Western highlands. The hotel is 10 minutes from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and 2 minutes from the private Aguti Wildlife Reserve.
By Air
San José Juan Santamaría International (126km / 2h30m) and Liberia Daniel Oduber International (121km / 2hr30m) are Costa Rica's main international airports. Senda Monteverde can arrange a transfer with a bilingual driver.
By Car:
You might want to hire a car but you’ll need a high clearance 4x4/SUV and some stamina, as local roads are very rough. See our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport 126.0 km SJO
- Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport 121.0 km LIR
Other:
- Beach 60.0 km
- Shops 0.6 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km