Vista Verde Lodge

Monteverde & Santa Elena

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Wanna get away? Drive your 4WD 7km north of town to this remote, weather-beaten lodge, where you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest. Wood-paneled rooms with picture windows take in views of Volcán Arenal and beyond. If it feels a little damp (as it does), head to the cozy common area to warm your feet beside the fire.

Some 4km of trails run through 64 hectares of primary and secondary forest. Hike to the waterfall, which provides the hydroelectric energy that this place runs on. The lodge is located about 4km past Reserva Santa Elena and 3km past Selvatura Adventure Park.

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Nearby Monteverde & Santa Elena attractions

1. Reserva Santa Elena

1.08 MILES

The exquisitely misty 310-hectare Reserva Santa Elena offers a completely different cloud forest experience from Monteverde. Cutting through the veiled…

2. El Arbol Hueco

2.46 MILES

There's no sign, no website, and last we checked, nobody was collecting any money for this delightful roadside attraction. It's simply a hollowed-out fig…

3. Jardín de Orquídeas

2.79 MILES

This sweet-smelling garden in Santa Elena has shady trails winding past more than 500 types of orchids. On your guided tour, you’ll see such rarities as…

4. Iglesia

2.83 MILES

A local landmark in the center of Santa Elena. The adjacent roasted-chicken shack apparently has no religious affiliation.

5. Herpetarium Adventure

2.84 MILES

For those who prefer their reptiles under glass (or at least behind it), a guide will show you around and introduce you to more than 50 species of…

6. Ranario

2.97 MILES

Returning to its former glory as the Ranario, or Frog Pond (it's changed names a few times), this place also features an insect house. The frogs are still…

7. Bat Jungle

3.04 MILES

The Bat Jungle in Monteverde is a small but informative exhibit, with good bilingual educational displays and a habitat housing almost 100 free-flying…

8. Butterfly Garden

3.14 MILES

Head here for everything you ever wanted to know about butterflies. There are four gardens representing different habitats; they're home to more than 40…