Hiking to Curi-Cancha Reserve: Guided rainforest walk

Walk deeper into the rainforest and actually see what moves through it

This guided nature walk takes you through primary and secondary rainforest at Curi-Cancha Reserve near Monteverde, with a live guide in English or Spanish leading a small group on foot. You'll spend three hours watching for birds, tracking mammals in the canopy and learning the plant life that holds the forest together. Children from age 6 are welcome. The entrance fee to the reserve is included depending on which option you choose at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike through Curi-Cancha Reserve

• Walk through primary and secondary forest
• Observe natural history and bird watching
• Spot mammals in the canopy

The experience

The walk moves through both primary and secondary forest, which means the habitat changes as you go: denser canopy in one stretch, more light and younger growth in another. Your guide knows the calls, the tracks and which leaves matter, so the three hours aren't spent wandering. They're spent looking at specific things. Bird-watching is the main draw here, but you're also moving through a transition forest where mammals travel the canopy, so the day holds surprises that don't show up on a checklist.

Small group sizes keep the pace manageable and the guide's attention real. You're not competing with twenty other people for the binoculars or the guide's ear, which changes what you actually notice. The forest is loud and busy if you know how to listen, and a guide who stops to point out a call or a movement is the difference between walking through trees and understanding what you're standing inside.

You'll need to arrange your own transport to the reserve near Monteverde, though public transportation options exist nearby. Wear layers (the forest canopy keeps things cool and damp), and bring water. Infants can come if they sit on an adult's lap. The walk itself suits all fitness levels, though you're on foot for the full three hours.

What’s included

• Guided walk through primary and secondary rainforest at Curi-Cancha Reserve.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• small group experience.
• entrance fee to the reserve (depending on your chosen option).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 11:30 and 13:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Infant (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Three Brothers Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable walking steadily for three hours through forest terrain and want a guide who knows the wildlife calls and tracks to maximize your chances of spotting animals.

Traveler reviews

4.76★★★★★★★★★★

71 verified traveler reviews

5 ★63

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★2

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on this walk?

The reserve is known for bird-watching, with exceptional opportunities to spot species moving through the canopy. Mammals also travel the forest, though sightings depend on timing and luck. Your guide will point out the plant life and natural history as you move, so even on days when larger animals stay hidden, you're learning what the forest is made of.

How long is the hike and how difficult is it?

The walk lasts three hours and suits all fitness levels. You're on foot the entire time, moving through forest terrain, but the pace is set by the guide and the group, not by a race or a summit.

Is the entrance fee to Curi-Cancha Reserve included?

The entrance fee is included in some options but not others. You'll choose at checkout which version suits you. Check your option details to confirm what's covered.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear layers because the forest canopy keeps things cool and damp. Bring water and wear shoes suitable for walking on forest ground. The guide will lead you through both primary and secondary rainforest, so you'll be on uneven terrain for the full three hours.