Best places to visit in Costa Rica - Monteverde

Lisa - Villas Volunteer • November 18, 2022

Best places to visit in Costa Rica - My Monteverde experience

One of Costa Rica’s absolute must-see destinations, high in the misty mountains of the country, is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Since the unique cloud forests are extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change, these marvelous forests might not be around forever, so best experience them while you still can, so that you can discover why Monteverde is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.


After a delicious, nourishing breakfast at Villas Jacquelina, I was ready to start my trip from Quepos to Monte Verde. With a full belly, I walked to the bus station in Quepos, which takes about 15 minutes from the Villas, to catch the bus at 9:30 to Puntarenas. It should take about 3 hours to get there, but be prepared for delays, especially if it has rained heavily the day before. Make sure to get a window seat, because the bus ride will take you through seemingly endless stretches of palm plantains, followed by gorgeous views over the Pacific ocean.


If you want to travel in the most eco-conscious way possible (or maybe you’re just broke like me), taking the bus will be your transportation of choice. If you want to be more comfortable (and a lot quicker), best take the car.


Once in Puntarenas I grabbed a bite to eat and had to change buses – the bus to Monteverde leaves at another terminal, which is only a short walk away. For detailed information on how to get to Monte Verde, make sure to check out our blog post: How to get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Quepos


Enjoy magnificent views over the lush green, rolling hills of Monte Verde (which literally translates to “green mountain”), while the bus is making its way up steep and narrow mountain roads to the lively town of Santa Elena, elevated 1.440 m above sea level. Especially the last bit of the road can feel a bit like a rollercoaster ride, at times seeming like the road consists of more potholes than pavement. The bus ride is supposed to take about 2.5 h, though it can easily be longer.




best places to visit in Costa Rica Monteverde

Writers Tips:

  • wear trousers that cover your thighs
  • take a pouch with you to store your phone/camera in if you want to take photos (backpacks must be left at reception)
  • wear solid shoes because there is quite a bit of walking involved in getting from one zip line to another


After a good night’s sleep and some breakfast got on the bus to Puntarenas at 7:45, once again admiring the gorgeous panoramic view from the bus window. All in all, Monteverde makes the perfect next stop on your travel itinerary, coming from Quepos!


Thanks for reading - Lisa (Villas Jacquelina volunteer 2022)


best places to visit in Costa Rica Monteverde
best places to visit in Costa Rica Monteverde

The next morning I got on the bus to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, the smaller one of the two cloud forest reserves – the other one is the Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve, which can be a bit more crowded. The reserves limit the number of visitors per day, so best be there early!


The park is home to lots of unique plants and wildlife, like the rare, colorful, Quetzal monkeys, sloths, ocelots, pumas and so much more. Buzzing with life, you can definitely hear the animals, even if you might not see them without taking a guided tour. As I was hiking along rugged jungle trails, the forest around me was alive with the singing of birds and chirping of insects.


The paths are pretty good, so you can bring your hiking boots if you like, though you can totally do it with any kind of comfortable shoes (like trainers) too.


After a quick lunch, I went off to the second part of my adventure - an absolute must-do in the area -as Monte Verde doesn’t just offer tranquil rainforest and peaceful wildlife, but also amazing zip-lining tours! There are various tour operators to choose from; I decided to go with Monteverde Extremo Park – for $59 you get transportation from and to your hotel and a three-hour zip line tour, including 2 superman zip lines and a Tarzan Swing. At first, the guides showed me and my group the safety instructions, then the fun started!


Flying through the sky with spectacular views all around, I sailed from one treetop to another. We started with some smaller zip lines and worked our way up to the mile-long superman zip line, where you go head-first! There was even a group of howler monkeys cheering us on as we were sailing through the rainforest! It was a really exhilarating experience, perfect for all adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.


Maneul Antonio travel guide
best places to visit in Costa Rica Monteverde

For more detailed information, check out this video that highlights some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

Contrast Therapy Cold Plunge Ice Baths and Saunas in Manuel Antonio and Quepos, Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • April 28, 2024
Cold Plunge Ice Baths and Saunas in Manuel Antonio and Quepos Nestled along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica lies the enchanting region of Manuel Antonio and Quepos, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife thrives. While this tropical paradise is renowned for its natural beauty and adventurous spirit, it also harbors a hidden gem for wellness enthusiasts: contrast therapy. Contrast Therapy is new to this area and there aren't a lot of options for wellness seekers wanting the heat of a suana followed by the chill of a cold plunge. In this blog post we will share how to find contrast therapy in Manuel Antonio and Quepos as well as the benefits and dangers of engaging in this invigoration experience.

Villas Jacquelina Retreat Center Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • March 16, 2024
Villas Jacquelina Retreat Center Costa Rica Welcome to Villa Jacquelina, your ultimate retreat destination nestled in the serene beauty of Costa Rica. We invite you to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the tranquility of our lush surroundings. At Villa Jacquelina, we offer a sanctuary where you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you seek a peaceful getaway, an adventure-filled retreat, or a transformative wellness experience, our dedicated team is here to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Explore our website to discover the array of amenities, activities, and accommodations we offer, and embark on a journey to discover the magic of Costa Rica with us.

Digital Nomads Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • February 14, 2024
Embracing Pura Vida: The Digital Nomad Life in Costa Rica Costa Rica, renowned for its stunning scenery, rich culture, and friendly vibe, has become a paradise for digital nomads in search of adventure and remote work possibilities. In recent times, there's been a notable increase in the influx of location-independent professionals choosing it as their temporary base. With excellent connectivity, Costa Rica enables digital nomads to stay connected with their companies worldwide. Let's explore why Costa Rica is so appealing to digital nomads, covering visa choices, top cities to discover, and the cost of living.

Youth Tour Packages - Opportunities for young adults to travel in Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • January 25, 2024
Youth Tour Packages - Opportunities for young adults to travel in Costa Rica Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Villas Jacquelina! We are thrilled to introduce our newest venture tailored just for youth groups – Youth Group Retreats in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Get ready for an unforgettable blend of adventure, self-discovery, and the renowned Pura Vida lifestyle.

Best Waterfall Tour in Costa Rica

By Jessica Jørneas • January 13, 2024
Best Waterfall tour in Costa Rica - Full Day Waterfall Adventure with Paddle 9 If you are spending some time in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica and want to see (and jump off of) some of the area's magnificent waterfalls- then a full day waterfall tour is well worth it! Here is an outline of my full day waterfall tour with Paddle 9: I started my day with delicious breakfast at Villas Jacquelina , my eco hotel here in Quepos. After finishing breakfast, I was picked up by my guides directly at my hotel. I was immediately introduced to all the guides and the rest of my group, a family, an elder couple and a younger couple. This warm introduction made me feel very welcome, as I was traveling solo. The tour consists of 3 waterfalls, a lunch, and a beautiful beach stop to end your day. The drive is about an hour to the first waterfall, during which, the guides gave detailed information about the area, its history, and extensive knowledge about its wildlife and agricultural traits. This made the drive very pleasant, along with the stunning views along the coastal road.

Ziplining in Manuel Antonio - Canopy Safari

By Esteban Acedo • January 13, 2024
Embark on an Unforgettable Zipline Adventure with Canopy Safari Located right outside the city of Quepos on a thriving jungle property, this thrilling zipline tour offers an experience like no other in the area. If you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure surrounded by lush tropical beauty, you've come to the right place. What Sets Canopy Safari's Zipline Tour Apart? In a region known for its zipline offerings, Canopy Safari's Zipline Tour stands out for several compelling reasons: Immersive Rainforest Experience: This zipline course meanders through the heart of a pristine rainforest. Zip through towering trees, over cascading waterfalls, and above vibrant flora and fauna. The sights, sounds, and scents of this lush environment make for an unforgettable adventure. Safety as a Priority: At Canopy Safari, your safety is paramount. Their experienced guides are extensively trained to ensure that every aspect of your ziplining adventure is secure. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment and follow strict safety protocols to give you peace of mind. Various Tour Options: Whether you're an experienced zipliner looking for a rush or a first-timer seeking a memorable experience, their tour is suitable for all skill levels. Educational Component: Their knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also provide insight into the local rainforest ecosystem. Learn about the incredible biodiversity and the importance of preserving this vital environment. Eco-Friendly Operation: Canopy Safari is dedicated to environmental sustainability. Their zipline tour is designed to have minimal impact on the rainforest.

Breakfast at Villas Jacquelina - Quepos Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • November 28, 2023
Breakfast at Villas Jacquelina Breakfast Hours: Served daily from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Free Breakfast Perk: Book directly for 2+ nights and enjoy your first breakfast on us! Complimentary Breakfast: Become a Villas Jacquelina Member —just register your email and show us a review at checkout. Breakfast Sign-Up: Please sign up in advance on the refrigerator in the communal kitchen. Pricing: Breakfast is available for $8 + tax unless included with your stay. Need an Early Breakfast? We offer a vegan granola bowl or a bagel with cream cheese as early as 6:45 AM (available by request). Enjoy your meal and your stay! 🍽️✨

Medical Care Manuel Antonio and Quepos

By Esteban Acedo • November 24, 2023
Medical Care in Manuel Antonio and Quepos

Things to do in Costa Rica - Day Trip to Uvita

By Yessica Kuhfß • November 17, 2023
Things to do in Costa Rica - Day Trip to Uvita from Quepos / Manuel Antonio Costa Rica  Located on the pacific coast of Costa Rica, both Quepos / Manuel Antonio and Uvita offer a mixture of natural beauty and relaxing vibes for you to enjoy during your Costa Rica vacation. While Quepos / Manuel Antonio is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and its close proximity to the Manuel Antonio National Park (where one o.f the best beaches in Costa Rica can be found), Uvita is known for its diverse marine life, the Envision Festival and the famous "Whale's Tail" sandbar located in the Bahia Ballena National Park. Uvita is worth the visit, but if you are not spending a lot of time in Costa Rica or simply need to save money, a day-trip will definitely do. If you are staying in Quepos or Manuel Antonio it is easy to get there, with and without a rental car! With this blog post we will take you from Quepos to Uvita, explain how to get there and tell you about all the must do's on the way and in Uvita itself.

International Influencer Retreat - Quepos, Costa Rica

By Esteban Acedo • November 15, 2023
Join us for your next Influencer Retreat in Quepos, Costa Rica  Are you an influencer with a community of dedicated followers and fans? Are you looking for a new way to make unique and exciting content while also making some quick income ? Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with up to 20 of your biggest supporters from your community? As someone who inspires and empowers your community, we are excited to offer you a unique opportunity to lead your own tropical influencer retreat at Villas Jacquelina in Quepos, Costa Rica! Villas Jacquelina is a retreat center located in one of the most magical parts of Costa Rica. We specialize in creating custom retreat experiences for influencers of all trades and take care of all the leg work that can make a retreat like this difficult to execute. Our all-inclusive retreat packages are carefully designed to offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and personal growth. We believe that your influence and leadership can make your retreat an exceptional and life-changing event for your devoted community.
Show More
Share by: