Monteverde is hummingbird country, and the garden at Selvatura Park is one of the easiest places to see them close up. Planted with flowers and set with feeders, it draws more than a hundred birds from about fourteen species, from tiny, buzzing violet-coloured ones to larger sabrewings that defend their feeders with surprising ferocity. You can stand a few steps from the action with a camera, watch the birds hover, feed and squabble, and use the quiet moments to learn to tell them apart. The same ticket includes the Jewels of the Rain Forest insect exhibition, built around the collections of entomologist Dr Richard Whitten, with thousands of specimens, and a short film about the insects shown through the day. It is a simple, relaxed stop, good in drizzle, and a handy break between zip-lines and bridge walks.
How it fits into a day
The experience takes about an hour or two, and the ticket is valid at any time during opening hours, so there is no need to book a slot. Many visitors combine it with the hanging bridges, the sloth habitat or the zip-lines. The booking page shows free cancellation up to a day before.
The booking page has few reviews for this separate ticket, so treat it as a modest add-on to a larger Selvatura day rather than a headline attraction. If hummingbirds are your priority, remember that there is also a free hummingbird gallery with a cafe near the entrance to the Monteverde reserve, where you can watch feeders at no cost.
Photography tips
Stand still, let the birds get used to you and use a fast shutter speed, because hummingbird wings beat dozens of times a second. Overcast light is kinder than harsh sun, and the garden is often best in the morning, when the birds feed most actively.
Wear muted colours, avoid sudden movements and resist the urge to reach out; the birds are wild and will keep their distance if disturbed. Combine the visit with a birdwatching walk in the cloud forest if you want to add more species to your list, from toucanets to the resplendent quetzal.
What to expect
The experience
An unhurried visit to a hummingbird garden with feeders, followed by an insect exhibition and a short film.
Best time
Morning, when hummingbirds feed most actively; overcast days make for better photographs.
How long
One to two hours, depending on how long you linger with the birds.
Tips
Stay still, use a fast shutter speed, wear muted colours and keep your distance from the feeders.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and bird lovers who want hummingbirds at close range.
- Families
- Easy and quiet, and the insect exhibition is a hit with curious children.
- Couples
- A calm pause between more active outings, good in light rain.
- Pair with
- The Selvatura hanging bridges and sloth habitat, or a guided cloud forest walk.
- Time needed
- About an hour or two.
Good questions
How many hummingbirds can I expect to see?+
The garden is home to more than a hundred birds from around fourteen species. Numbers vary with the weather and the season.
Do I need to book a time slot?+
No, the ticket is valid during opening hours, so you can arrive when it suits you. Booking ahead still helps you choose your date.
Is there a free alternative?+
Yes, the Hummingbird Gallery near the Monteverde reserve entrance lets you watch feeders for free. It is smaller, but a good stop after a reserve walk.
What else does the ticket include?+
The ticket also covers the insect exhibition and a short film shown several times a day. The park's other attractions are sold separately or in combinations.
What is the best time to go?+
Mornings tend to be most active. Soft, cloudy light is better than harsh sun for photographs.
