Level of Difficulty
- Moderate
Trip Pace
This trip is packed with science and adventure each day, including full days of research activities in the mornings starting around 7:30am, followed by farm tours or presentations in the afternoons and evenings.
Early mornings and occasional late evenings are planned to maximize wildlife viewing and research opportunities
Daily schedules are flexible and may shift based on weather, wildlife activity, and research needs
Research days include 4–6 hours of combined activity
Guests should be able to:
Hike up to 2–5 miles daily over steep, slippery mountain terrain while carrying personal daily supplies.
Watch footing while moving through dense, tangled vegetation.
Be comfortable in vehicles moving along steep, winding, and occasionally bumpy roads for up to an hour. The drive between the SJO airport and the accommodations is the longest and can induce motion sickness for susceptible people.
Get yourself up into and down out of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, minibus, or car and ride, seated, with a seatbelt fastened.
Due to the nature of the terrain, activities, and remote location, this trip is not suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
Guests must:
Have good balance and stability
Be comfortable walking unassisted on uneven terrain
Be able to get in and out of vehicles without assistance
June and July in Monteverde are part of Costa Rica’s “green season” (rainy season), but many travelers actually love this time of year because the cloud forest is especially lush, vibrant, and full of wildlife activity.
Conditions in Monteverde, Costa Rica in June and July:
Temperature: Generally mild and comfortable due to the higher elevation. Daytime highs are usually around 68–73°F (20–23°C), with cooler evenings around 56–62°F (13–17°C).
Expect regular rain showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings. June and July average roughly 300–340 mm of rain per month and around 23–24 rainy days
Humidity: High humidity is common because of the cloud forest environment, and conditions can feel misty, damp, and cool at times.
Landscape: This is when Monteverde becomes intensely green and alive with flowers, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife
December is one of the most popular times to visit Monteverde because it marks the transition into Costa Rica’s dry season. The cloud forest is still lush and green from the previous rainy months, but conditions become sunnier and less muddy overall.
Temperatures: Mild and comfortable year-round due to Monteverde’s elevation. December daytime highs are usually around 70–75°F (21–24°C), with cooler evenings around 57–63°F (14–17°C).
Rainfall: Rain decreases significantly compared to June and July, though Monteverde’s cloud forest climate still means occasional mist, drizzle, and passing showers are possible.
Humidity: Still fairly humid, but generally less intense than during the green season.
Typical conditions: Expect a mix of sunny mornings, cool breezes, cloud cover, and occasional fog rolling through the forest.
Landscape: The forest remains vibrant and green, with excellent birdwatching and wildlife opportunities.
Day-to-day research locations will vary in higher and lower elevation parts of Monteverde and the surrounding region. Guests should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer.
Guests will stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica approximately 1,400 to 1,600 meters (4,600 to 5,250 feet) above sea level.
Research activities take place along an elevational gradient that spans from the low-elevation towns of Sardinal and Guacimal (around 1,200 feet above sea level) to the San Luis Valley up to the Monteverde town (up to 5,250 feet above sea level).
