Waking up to the sounds of a tropical dawn chorus in one of the best bird watching destinations in the world is an experience to behold. As the sun rose through the trees on my first morning in Costa Rica, having driven up from San Jose the day before, the mist hung low over the lodge’s gardens, but this didn’t deter the numerous species of birds from belting out their early morning song. The effects of jet lag meant I was wide awake and so taking advantage of this went out to explore the trails around the reserve to immerse myself in the sounds and smells of the cloud forest. The trails were mostly deserted, bar one or two other keen bird watching guests, but I still felt I had the whole place to myself. Satisfied with my pre-breakfast stroll, I came back to the orchid house dining room ready for the platter of fresh fruits, freshly brewed coffee and full Gallo Pinto breakfast that awaited me, which needless to say set me up for a day of exploring the surrounding national reserves of Monteverde.
Nicola Gude - Senderos
No. of rooms: 28, all with garden views, free Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, plush, pillowtop beds and private terraces or balconies (some covered, some open).
Room Categories: All rooms offer plush pillow-top beds, private balconies, nightly turndown service, soft bathrobes and free WiFi.
Forest View Downstairs: 12 Rooms, all with 2 double beds and private ‘internal balconies’ with views straight out the gardens, stream and forest. Max Occupancy 4 guests.
Forest View Balcony: 12 Rooms, on the upper floor above the Forest View Downstairs, these rooms are the same size with 2 double beds and with balconies with covered roofs and open at the front, offering views into the forest and canopy. Max Occupancy 4 guests.
Garden View: 3 rooms, 1 king sized bed, slightly smaller than Forest View Rooms, but cosy and ideal for couples. private terrace with hammocks with views straight out to the landscaped gardens. Maximum Occupancy 2 guests.
Garden View Superior: 1 very spacious room with a super-king sized bed, large bathroom, private covered terrace with chairs and hammock and views straight out to the landscaped gardens. Maximum Occupancy 2 adults and 2 children.
Package basis: Bed and Breakfast. Trails around the property’s reserve. Lunch, dinner, excursions, transfers and spa treatments are extra.
Excursion details: A menu of excursions are available to book through the lodge with local experienced guides. These include Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided tour, Curi Cancha reserve guided tour, Santa Elena Reserve guided tour, Night tour, Frog pond, Orchid Garden, Butterfly Garden, Bat Jungle, Horse riding tour, Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Tours, Sky Adventure Park, Selvatura Park and El Tigre Waterfall
Rates from: Double Rooms from $282.73 per room per night (Forest View Downstairs) plus $8 conservation fee per person
Rate Seasons: Green: 01 May - 30 June / 16 Aug - 21 Dec. High: 06 Jan - 30 April / 01 July - 15 Aug. Holiday: 22 Dec - 05 Jan
Minimum stay: None
Minimum age: N/A
Dates of operation: All year
Facilities: Saline swimming pool, bar and beautifully designed restaurant with an exquisite menu, plus orchid house dining area, self-guided trails, WiFi, live music in the evenings Thu - Sat. Coming soon - Ice-cream Parlour! And newly renovated spa.
Internet: WiFi throughout
Senderos recommends: 2 to 3 nights to make the most of the area and the lodge’s own reserve and gardens.
Families, couples, bird and wildlife enthusiasts
2.5 - 3 hours drive from San Jose to Monteverde with incredible views across to Nicoya Peninsula and the mountains around Monteverde.
From Arenal there is the option of travelling cross-country by boat and road. This takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours
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Misty and cloudy much of the year. Rainier season starts in June and continues onto September. Sool in the evenings and warm and humid during the day.