"Twelve hours. Three unforgettable experiences. A friendship that made it all magic."
We only had one day. Just 12 hours in Monteverde. But with some good planning and a sense of adventure, my best friend and I packed in everything: coffee, ziplining, and a dreamy night walk. From sunrise breakfast to stargazing in the forest, it was one of the most special days of our trip.
If you’re two besties trying to do everything in one day, this guide is for you.
Monteverde is wild in the best way. Giant trees, hanging bridges, howler monkeys, and mist rolling over the canopy it’s a place that feels alive. And even if you only have one day, you can experience some of the best Monteverde attractions.
We had one full day before catching a late night ride back to San José, and it turned out to be perfect. The key? Start early, book in advance, and focus on the top Monteverde activities.
We kicked off the day at Mirador de Monteverde, an open, scenic spot with breathtaking views over the forest. Sipping hot coffee while listening to birdsong and taking in the morning air felt just right.
We ordered omelets, fresh fruit, and of course coffee. Everything tasted homemade and comforting. And as two women traveling alone, we felt completely safe and welcomed. A perfect place to begin the day with calm and good vibes!
After breakfast, we walked to the Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, also known as Santuario Ecológico de Monteverde, for our coffee tour.
We thought we were just going to taste coffee. Instead, we got a full class. Seriously. It was one of the most educational and interactive tours we’ve done.
Our guide took us through the entire process, from seed to cup. We learned about sustainable farming, coffee varietals, and how local families keep traditions alive. And yes, we got to taste.
If you want a more intimate experience compared to bigger, commercial farms, this ecological sanctuary in Monteverde is where it’s at.
Tours start in the morning (we did 9:30 AM).
Wear comfy shoes, the walk through the farm has some hills.
Bring cash or card (budget friendly and totally worth it).
The Santuario Ecológico Monteverde is peaceful, scenic, and feels super connected to the land. We left feeling awake, not just from the caffeine, but from everything we learned.
By noon, we were hungry and ready to rest. Café Orquídeas was perfect. The restaurant is surrounded by flowers and greenery, like eating in a garden.
The menu had vegetarian options (my friend is veggie) and a mix of Costa Rican and international plates. I had the casado with grilled chicken, and it was filling without being heavy.
It’s not just about food, it’s about taking a deep breath before the adventure continues.
Before arriving in Monteverde, we were torn between two big names: The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde and Extremo Park Monteverde.
We read tons of reviews, checked safety ratings, and compared prices. Both are solid, but for us, the choice was clear: Extremo Park.
Why? Because we wanted all the thrills. Bungee jumps, a giant Tarzan swing, long zip lines… and views for days.
This was the highlight of the day. At Canopy Extremo Monteverde, we zipped above the cloud forest, screamed our lungs out on the Extreme Tarzan Swing, and held hands during the Extreme Bungee (okay, that one we watched other people do... next time?).
We were a little nervous at first, but from the moment we got our harnesses on, we felt completely safe. The guides triple-checked our gear, explained everything clearly (even with jokes!), and made sure each person felt confident before launching into the air.
Even during the biggest zip lines, we never felt rushed or unsafe. Honestly, it was one of the most professionally run adventure tours we’ve done, and that peace of mind let us fully enjoy the thrill.
If you’re looking for the best zipline tour in Monteverde with top safety, good vibes, and the ultimate adrenaline, Extremo Park is it.
Wear leggings or shorts with deep pockets.
Closed shoes are a must.
Book in advance, they fill up fast!
If you’re scared of heights, let them know. They’ll coach you through.
After our wild ride at Extremo Park, we had a bit of free time before the night tour. So we headed into Santa Elena, the cute little town at the heart of Monteverde.
We found a cozy café tucked between artisan shops, ordered two cappuccinos, and just breathed. It was the perfect pause between the adrenaline and the mystery of the night ahead.
The vibe in Santa Elena’s town center is super relaxed, friendly people, cool local shops, and lots of handcrafted stuff that makes perfect gifts. I grabbed a handmade bracelet and a magnet for my mom. My friend picked up some Monteverde coffee beans to bring back home.
If you’re planning your own day in Monteverde, definitely leave room for a stop in town. It gave us a chance to slow down, explore, and refuel before our final tour of the day
After a chill snack break and coffee in town, we headed to Finca Lantana for a Monteverde night tour.
It was like walking into another world. The air was cooler, the sky was clear, and the stars? Absolutely stunning.
Our guide had eagle eyes. In less than two hours, we saw:
A mama sloth with her baby
Bright red frogs
Glow-in-the-dark mushrooms
A giant sleeping toucan
And so many insects, reptiles, and birds we’d never seen before
One thing we loved? The teamwork. If one guide spotted an animal, they'd radio or quietly call the others so all the groups could come see. It felt like everyone was on the same team, working together to make it special for everyone, not just their own group.
This Monteverde cloud forest night tour at Finca Lantana was peaceful, magical, and full of those little wow moments you talk about for years.
We felt totally safe the whole time. The path is well maintained, the guides were super respectful, and honestly, walking around in the dark with flashlights made us feel like explorers in a nature documentary.
At 8 PM, we jumped in our pre-booked shuttle and started the drive back to San José, arriving at our hotel by 11 PM.
Tired? Yes. Happy? Absolutely.
We came into Monteverde with zero expectations. Just two best friends on a tight schedule, trying to make the most of one day. But somehow, it turned into one of the most magical memories of our whole trip.
There’s something really special about moving through so many places in one day, laughing on a zipline, learning about the land from locals, holding your breath as a sloth climbs overhead under the moonlight.
We left Monteverde exhausted, muddy, and totally in love with this little slice of Costa Rica.
Want to copy our itinerary? Here’s what we’d suggest:
Start early – Have breakfast at 7:30 AM.
Book everything in advance – Coffee, zipline, night tour.
Pack layers – Monteverde weather changes fast.
Bring snacks and water – You’ll need them between activities.
Stick with trusted tour operators – For safety and quality.
It’s safe for two young women. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and professional.
And it’s surprisingly affordable, especially if you bundle activities or book with local providers.
Here’s how our adventure flowed from start to finish:
7:30 AM – Breakfast at Choco Café (Santa Elena)
9:30 AM – Coffee Tour at Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary
12:00 PM – Lunch at Café Orquídeas
1:30 PM – Zipline Adventure at Extremo Park Monteverde
4:30 PM – Chill time in Santa Elena town – coffee, souvenirs, local vibe
6:00 PM – Night Tour at Finca Lantana
8:00 PM – Shuttle to San José
11:00 PM – Arrived at hotel for a few hours of sleep before our flight
Each place was 5–15 minutes apart by car, so it’s totally doable. Just keep your bookings tight and your coffee flowing!
From coffee fields to cloud forests, from sky-high ziplines to glowing mushrooms under the stars, this day was unforgettable.
We came for the views. We stayed for the vibes.
We laughed, we learned, we flew, and we walked under the stars. It was the kind of day you wish you could replay, again and again with your best friend by your side.
What would your perfect one-day Monteverde adventure look like with your best friend?