Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Costa Rica

• Youth Challenge trail: The 13 m tower above the canopy. On a clear day you see up to 4 volcanoes, Lake Arenal and the continental divide.
• Mundo Joven trail: Built to the accessibility law (Ley 7600).
• Encantado trail: For the reserve's signature birds.
• Caño Negro trail: Natural and steep, for a challenge, with a viewpoint.
• Del Bajo trail: Quiet forest, for a slow walk.
• Natural History guided walk: 2.5 hours with a local guide, groups of 10, coffee or tea included.

Wet cloud forest on the Caribbean side of the divide, full of orchids, bromeliads, tree ferns and ficus. The reserve counts more than 200 bird species. The views from the tower and the 2 viewpoints depend on the cloud.

It is 7 km north of the Colegio Técnico Profesional in Santa Elena, Monteverde. The land is in Tronadora, Tilarán (Guanacaste), but the way in is from Monteverde. Parking is free.

Not for a self-guided walk. Book guided and private walks ahead: WhatsApp +506 8532 9090 or reservaciones@reservasantaelena.org.

Self-guided, in 2026: ₡10,000 per adult, ₡8,500 for seniors, ₡7,000 for students with ID and ₡5,500 for children 8–12. The guided walk is ₡20,000 per adult. A private walk for 1–3 people is ₡80,000.

No. You can walk the trails alone. The guided walk is 2.5 hours with a local guide, in groups of 10.

Entry fees pay for protecting and running the reserve. They also support the Colegio Técnico Profesional de Santa Elena and the local schools.