A smaller community-run cloud forest reserve with fewer visitors and similar birdlife.
Related activities
Cloud forest birding walk
Dawn walk with a guide and scope for quetzals and bellbirds.
Zip line and hanging bridges
Canopy cables across the cloud forest valleys.
How to get to Santa Elena Reserve
Santa Elena Reserve sits in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Most visitors base themselves in Monteverde and plan the visit as part of a day there. It pairs well with Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, so you can group them on the same day.
Tickets and time needed
The recorded entrance fee is $21, in the local currency set by the operator. Plan about 3h for a typical visit.
Best time to visit Santa Elena Reserve
For Monteverde in general: January to May for drier trails; quetzal nesting peaks March to May.
Tips for your visit
Related things to do here include Cloud forest birding walk, Zip line and hanging bridges. Prices can change, so check the official source linked on this page before you go.
Santa Elena Reserve FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Santa Elena Reserve?
The recorded entrance fee is $21, in the local currency set by the operator.
How long should I spend at Santa Elena Reserve?
A typical visit takes about 3h.
Where is Santa Elena Reserve?
Santa Elena Reserve is in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
When is the best time to visit Santa Elena Reserve?
January to May for drier trails; quetzal nesting peaks March to May.
What is near Santa Elena Reserve?
Nearby places include Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Guidese editorial team
Travel research & data review
We build every guide from official tourism boards, operator sites and published price lists. We record where each number came from and when it was last checked.
- Every cost and season figure is sourced and dated
- No sponsored rankings or paid placements
- Facts re-checked on a scheduled review cycle
