Children's Eternal Rain Forest
An indispensable option for hiking and viewing this area's amazing biodiversity is the Children's Eternal Rain Forest (Bosque Eterno de los Ninos), also known as CERF. This gigantic reserve gets its name from the unprecedented support from children all over the world.
This international effort protects over 50,000 acres (20,000 ha), and together with other neighboring reserves and the Arenal National Park make up a protected zone which encompasses approximately 110,000 acres (50,000 ha) of pristine rainforest. The CERF is partly managed by the Monteverde Conservation League, a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve, preserve and rehabilitate tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Expect to see numerous habitats as this reserve sprawls out over terrain that varies greatly in elevation. Ranging from 1,500 ft (450 m) all the way up to 5,900 ft (1800 m), the reserve provides an excellent opportunity to walk among immaculate wilderness and study burgeoning plant and animal species. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this zone, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. More than 3,000 species of vascular plants inhabit the forest floor contributing to the high diversification within the CERF.
One of the most accessible entrances to the reserve is Bajo del Tigre, located just miles from downtown Santa Elena. This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to snake their way through the epiphyte covered forest and encounter porcupine, coatis, blue-crowned motmots, quetzals and long-tailed manakins. Daytime and nighttime guided tours are offered, so be sure to check with local providers.
There are two biological stations located along the reserve boundaries. The San Gerardo Biological Station is located on the Pacific side of the CERF and can accommodate up to 32 tourists, researchers and students. On the Atlantic slopes, the Poco Sol Biological Station provides hiking, bird watching and splendid views for around 26 visitors. Both stations encourage education as you make astonishing discoveries within Costa Rica's flourishing ecosystems.
Children's Eternal Rain Forest itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Children's Eternal Rain Forest itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
We Saw So Much of the Country
Everyone who helped us - especially Lester - was amazing and so kind! We loved our trip to CR, the ticos and all that the country had to offer. Highly recommended.
We'll Never Forget This Trip
Our family of six was looking forward to this Costa Rica getaway, hoping to rejuvenate from this vacation before heading back to work respectively. As we anticipated, this was a magical experience and I would go back in a heartbeat.
A Real Taste of Costa Rica
We wanted to take the kids to Costa Rica to appreciate the ecotourism. Monteverde region blew us away with the Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest and the cabins and greenhouse at Los Pinos, including the cabins designed to profit from natural light in the washrooms. The butterfly garden tour in Monteverde was my father's favourite of the many tours that we took and my children appreciated the coffee tour in Arenal for the hot chocolate that we made and for Gustavo's enthusiasm and interaction with the kids. Exposure to the nature was one thing but seeing how the society embraces nature for conservation was truly impressive.
Costa Rica is especially interesting for people who really appreciate the natural world.
Explore Costa Rica Relocation
Pura Vida!!! The people are very friendly the food is amazing the landscape is breathtaking.
Family Fun in Costa Rica
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica when you take your family on an outdoor adventure they’ll never forget. Majestic volcanoes and surf lessons are just the start.
Experiences in Children's Eternal Rain Forest
Explore hand-picked Children's Eternal Rain Forest tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Twilight Night Walk Tour
Private Twilight Night Walk with Shared Shuttle
Where to stay in Children's Eternal Rain Forest
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Children's Eternal Rain Forest accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Montana Monteverde
Hotel Montana Monteverde is found in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica amidst the mountain community of Monteverde. Monteverde is a biological masterpiece, home to an incredible primary cloud forest, a rich and diverse plant system as well as an abundance of bird and animal species. This is certainly an ideal destination for nature lovers, biologists and bird watchers longing to be surrounded by pristine beauty and serenity.
Cabañas y Jardines Los Pinos
Hotel Cabanas Los Pinos is situated just down the road from the world renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde is home to hundreds of plants, mammals, insects and birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal and the Emerald Toucanet. This is an amazing eco-tourism destination for those seeking solitude in the beauty of nature. Though tucked away in the mountains, visitors can find all the modern conveniences in Santa Elena such as restaurants, cafes, shops, a supermarket and bank.
Hotel El Establo
Hotel El Establo is a small boutique property set on a quiet hilltop just outside the village of Santa Elena, the gateway to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest reserves in Costa Rica. The hotel occupies a former coffee plantation, and its location offers unobstructed views of the mist‑shrouded mountains that define the region. From the moment guests arrive, the setting conveys a sense of retreat without being isolated; the main road to Monteverde is only a short walk away, and the town’s shops and restaurants are within easy reach.
Hotel Heliconia
Located conveniently in Costa Rica's eco-tourism hub, Hotel Heliconia is a home away from home. The Monteverde area has several charming communities spread out along a rugged dirt road that features endless breathtaking views. Visitors will find a unique mixture of Ticos, Quakers, and foreigners living side by side. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has earned its fame as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics and is a must see.
Hotel Cala Lodge Monteverde
The Cala Lodge is located in Monteverde. Set within Costa Rica’s rich central highlands, this area is replete with bountiful rainforests, rolling hills, and a spectacular amount of biodiversity.
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde Country Lodge is situated on the outskirts of the town of Santa Elena, the central hub of the Monteverde region in Costa Rica. The property lies on a gently sloping hill that borders the well‑known Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, placing it within easy reach of the area’s most frequented nature trails and wildlife‑watching sites. The lodge’s address is easily found on local maps, and the main road that leads into town passes directly by the entrance, making arrival straightforward for guests traveling by car or shuttle.
Hotel Fonda Vela
Hotel Fonda Vela is situated in the gorgeous Tilarán Mountains Range, in the community of Monteverde. Monteverde is renowned for its stunning cloud forests and extreme bio-diversity. Scientists, bird watchers and nature lovers from around the world flock to this enchanted oasis to observe the splendid wildlife and primary cloud forests found amongst the areas exuberant natural beauty.
Hotel Los Jardines
Hotel Los Jardines is situated in the mountain town of Monteverde, a charming community connected by a series of dirt roads that contribute to its rustic charm. Monteverde, meaning "Green Mountain', will draw you in with its lush rainforest, rolling green pastures and rich flora and fauna.
Belmar Hotel
Hotel Belmar is located in the luscious green mountains of Monteverde. Find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the cloud forest and its variety of wildlife and dense vegetation famous to this area. It is a place unlike no other, attracting eco-travelers and birders from around the world. Monteverde is a multicultural community with a mixture of Ticos, Quakers and foreigners, all contributing to this rich and cultural place.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
The gorgeous Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is situated up in the Tilaran Mountain range in Monteverde. Monteverde is world renowned for its mystical primary cloud forest reserve. The reserve houses an abundance of bird species, mammals, and diverse vegetation. This is a true paradise for nature lovers and eco-travelers looking to be surrounded by nothing but untouched natural beauty.
Mountain Faro Hotel
This family-run hotel is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood that is a 10-minute walk from the town of Santa Elena. You can quickly get to the cloud forest reserves in the area, where you can see of the most rare birds in the world.
Ficus Sunset Suite
Constructed with rustic style indigenous wood and immersed in tall rainforest trees, the Ficus Sunset Suites is located in the heart of Monteverde. Known for its tropical cloud forest reserves and the Resplendent Quetzal, Monteverde boasts a wealth of ecotourism activities for naturalists and nature lovers looking to experience the local biodiversity.
Flora & fauna in Children's Eternal Rain Forest
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Children's Eternal Rain Forest, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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