Valle Escondido Nature Reserve
Discover a sustainable oasis in Monteverde's cloud forest, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and farm-to-table dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for wildlife
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve
Best Time
Best light for wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a sustainable oasis in Monteverde's cloud forest, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and farm-to-table dining.
"The tranquility of the trails and the chance to see wildlife up close made our stay truly memorable."
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be muddy; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reserve.
🦉 Book a night tour
Experience the cloud forest after dark and discover nocturnal wildlife with a knowledgeable guide.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nature Reserve Trails
Throughout the reserve
Explore over 6 km of trails through cloud forest, discover waterfalls, and enjoy stunning valley views.
Permaculture Farm & Gardens
Integrated within the reserve
Learn about sustainable farming practices and see greenhouses and gardens that supply the on-site restaurant.
Hammock Garden with Wildlife
Mid-trail area
Relax in hammocks surrounded by nature, with opportunities to spot native animals roaming nearby.
Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Main lobby area
Savor fresh, locally grown ingredients in delicious meals, including wood-fired pizzas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Cloud Forest Pace
Sustainable Stays & Farm-to-Table
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be muddy; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reserve.
🦉 Book a night tour
Experience the cloud forest after dark and discover nocturnal wildlife with a knowledgeable guide.
🌿 Explore the permaculture tour
Learn about sustainable practices and see the organic gardens that supply the restaurant.
🎶 Check for live music events
Valle Escondido hosts events like 'Cultivando Música' with local bands.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be muddy; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reserve.
🦉 Book a night tour
Experience the cloud forest after dark and discover nocturnal wildlife with a knowledgeable guide.
🌿 Explore the permaculture tour
Learn about sustainable practices and see the organic gardens that supply the restaurant.
🎶 Check for live music events
Valle Escondido hosts events like 'Cultivando Música' with local bands.
🚗 Easy access from town
It's a short drive from Monteverde town, making it convenient to reach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve is praised for its serene atmosphere, extensive hiking trails, and commitment to sustainability. Guests appreciate the farm-to-table dining and the unique experience of spotting wildlife from the hammock garden. While the natural beauty and eco-friendly practices are consistently highlighted, some visitors found the staff less warm and the complimentary breakfast to be basic.
"I had a really amazing stay and time here. The reserve is so serene, the staff were so friendly and helpful, and access to the trails was such a great deal to explore more of the forests here straight from your room. I also really enjoyed the night tour they offered, the guide was very knowledgeable. As a solo traveller, I also felt incredibly safe and comfortable to walk the reserve trails and to Santa Elena. Would strongly recommend and will be coming back!"
Shupa Barua
"The resort is well situated near the town and the nature of Monte Verde. The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the local attractions.
The restaurant was quite busy in the mornings and the pizza was OK, but what else do you expect in Costa Rica? The resort is farm-to-table with all of the vegetables growing in gardens, situated between the rooms and the main lobby. This gives a fresh and authentic touch to every meal, ensuring guests enjoy the freshest produce possible.
The best feature, in my opinion, was the hiking trails on the premise. In the middle of the hiking trails is an open area with several hammocks. While we were relaxing in them, native animals were roaming around nearby, which made for a unique experience. The tranquility of the trails and the chance to see wildlife up close made our stay truly memorable.
Additionally, the eco-friendly practices of Valle Escondido Nature Reserve impressed us. They prioritize sustainability, which is evident in their use of solar energy and efforts to reduce waste. This commitment to the environment enhanced our overall experience, making us feel good about choosing a place that cares for nature.
Overall, Valle Escondido offers a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and sustainability. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and eco-conscious getaway in Costa Rica."
Steve Eirich
"Great walk to a stunning waterfall that runs into a canyon. Plus views of Tacoma Valley and whole Nicoya Peninsula. We’d not seen a valley view in 2 weeks in Costa Rica, making this extra special. Plus the permaculture farming and hammock garden means you can easily spend a few hours here- definitely worth the entry fee."
Clinton Milroy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Valle Escondido is conveniently located just a 5-10 minute drive from Monteverde town. Taxis or your own vehicle are the easiest ways to reach it.
Yes, it's well-signposted and easily accessible from the main roads leading out of Monteverde.
While possible, it's a bit of a walk. Most visitors opt for a short taxi ride to save time and energy for exploring the reserve itself.
There is ample parking available on-site for visitors arriving by car.
Some trails are more rugged. It's best to inquire directly with the reserve about specific trail accessibility for those with mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee provides access to the trails and the permaculture tour. It's considered a great value for the experience offered.
The reserve is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, allowing ample time for exploration.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for tours or during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot.
The primary ticket grants access to the reserve and its trails. Special tours, like night tours or permaculture tours, may have separate fees or be included in packages.
Information on specific discounts is best confirmed directly with the reserve, but they are generally family-friendly.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can spot various native animals, especially if you're quiet and observant. Keep an eye out for birds, insects, and other forest dwellers.
Yes, guided tours are offered, including knowledgeable night tours that are highly recommended for spotting nocturnal creatures.
It's a tranquil area along the trails with hammocks, perfect for relaxing and observing nature.
Absolutely! The reserve boasts over 6 km of varied hiking trails, including paths to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Wi-Fi is typically available, especially in the hotel and restaurant areas, though it may be less reliable on the trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience, using fresh produce from their own gardens. They are known for their wood-fired pizzas.
Yes, a complimentary breakfast is usually provided for hotel guests, though some reviews suggest it can be basic.
Given the farm-to-table concept, they are likely to have fresh vegetable-based dishes, but it's best to confirm specific dietary options.
Yes, the restaurant is open to the public, offering a chance to enjoy their fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Dining hours typically align with breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. It's advisable to check their current schedule upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls, panoramic valley views, lush trails, and the hammock garden offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, Valle Escondido is excellent for birdwatching, with many species present, making it ideal for photographers.
Yes, but be mindful of flash photography disturbing wildlife. A good camera with low-light capabilities is recommended.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check with the reserve management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with regulations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The farm-to-table restaurant also offers fresh, appealing options for picky eaters. 🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
+1 You can feel good about your stay knowing the reserve is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sustainability and Permaculture
This focus not only minimizes their environmental impact but also enhances the guest experience by providing a connection to nature and responsible tourism. During the green season, particularly September and October, Valle Escondido transforms into an educational hub for permaculture enthusiasts from around the globe.
This dedication to sustainability makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an eco-conscious getaway and a chance to understand how tourism can coexist harmoniously with nature. Hiking and Wildlife Encounters
These trails wind through the lush cloud forest, leading to picturesque waterfalls and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, including the Nicoya Peninsula. A unique highlight is the hammock garden, situated along one of the trails. Here, visitors can unwind in hammocks while having the incredible opportunity to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.
Events and Cultural Experiences
The reserve has hosted events like 'Cultivando Música,' featuring live performances by local and national artists, including bands like Malpaís and INSax. +1 These events often have a charitable component, aiming to raise funds for community programs, such as music education for children in Monteverde. The reserve has also welcomed notable figures, including the Vice President of Costa Rica and ministerial delegations, highlighting its significance as a center for sustainable development and community engagement.
These events offer visitors a chance to experience the vibrant local culture and support community initiatives while enjoying the unique setting of the cloud forest. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit