Cloud Forest Lodge

What it's like

The lodge we wrote about in 2015 as Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge now trades as Cloud Forest Lodge and belongs to Böëna Lodges, the same small group that runs Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula. Its site still uses both names. We checked it in October 2026. You'll find it under the old name on Costa Rica Eco Lodges too.

Its location is the main reason to stay. The lodge sits between the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves, inside the Bellbird Biological Corridor, on its own 23-hectare private reserve. The lodge says wildlife moves freely across the property between the two protected areas, which makes its trails and viewing platforms good for early-morning birding. Yet it's only about 2 km from Monteverde town, so restaurants and tour pickups are close.

The rooms and facilities

The lodge lists 25 suites in cabins with wide private terraces facing the gardens and forest. There are three room types: Tityra junior suites, Euphonia rooms and Manakin rooms. Inside you'll find comfortable beds, Costa Rican coffee and free Wi-Fi.

Besides the main house and Endémica restaurant, there's an outdoor bar and fire pit, walking trails and elevated platforms for watching wildlife. The private reserve is also home to a zipline and canopy tour, which the lodge calls Costa Rica's original one. The lodge says all of its staff come from the local area, and it adds a one-time conservation fee per guest that funds local programs.

What to do from here

The lodge arranges excursions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve and Curi Cancha Reserve, plus a night walk, coffee and chocolate tours, an orchid garden and an adventure park. Book reserve visits for the early morning, when birds are most active and the trails are quieter.

Where it fits in a trip

Monteverde is usually a 2-night stop. The classic route runs from Arenal and La Fortuna to Monteverde, then down to the Pacific at Manuel Antonio or across to Guanacaste. Our Monteverde guide covers road conditions and the jeep-boat-jeep transfer from Arenal, and our 10-day itinerary shows the route in full.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits birders, couples and families who want forest outside the window but don't want to be far from town. Bring layers: Monteverde is cool and often misty, especially in the evenings.

If you want to walk to bars and restaurants every night, a hotel in Santa Elena town will suit you better.

Getting there

The lodge is about 2 km from Monteverde town. Most travelers arrive by rental car, shuttle or private transfer from San José, Arenal or Guanacaste. The lodge also links to private flights with Xplore Air, a Böëna partner. Ask the lodge for directions when you book.