Favorite Hikes/Cloud Forest in Monteverde Area?
 

Hi, guys! I'm curious about everyone's favorite hikes in Monteverde. I've been reading all the trip reports that mention Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena, Hidden Valley, Children's Eternal Rainforest - day hikes, night hikes - ay, yi, yi, I'm having a hard time deciding. Which ones did you do, and what did you see? Any favorites? Thanks for the help!

It's been several years since we were in Monteverde, but I'm guessing things are similar. We went to Monteverde Cloud Forest, early in the morning. Our guide was mostly focused on finding the quetzal. Amazingly beautiful bird, I'm glad we got to see one. However, after our tour was over, we headed out on one of the outer loop trails and had a wonderful hike.

The trail was well marked and very walkable. We didn't see a lot of mammals, but the plants were amazing. Came across a beautiful waterfall.

I do wish we would have had more time in Monteverde. I didn't realize it, since it was our first trip to Central America when we were there, but it's a very special place.

Jean, I'm so glad you got to see the quetzal - I hope we are as lucky.

Does anyone have any favorite spot for night hikes? I've chickened out from doing them in the past because they seem a little creepy, but now I really want to do one.

We saw six Quetzals in February on a morning hike in the Monteverde Reserve (I posted pictures). We've heard good things about the Finca Ecologica for night hikes--the Refugio de Vida Silvestre was a disappointment.

Thanks, RAC; we'll cross that one off our list and check out the others.