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Hi mroseCR2022!
I can certainly help! Quick question to begin: When you ask which of the two options is better, is there something specific you’re referring to? For example, if you’re talking about which offers better scenery, you’ll find the cloud forest appears very similar at both reserves. If you meant which is better in terms of avoiding crowds, this would be the Santa Elena reserve, because it receives fewer visitors. If you meant which is better in terms of wildlife-spotting, this is tough to predict since both reserves are home to tons of wildlife, but I’d go with the Santa Elena reserve here again simply because it receives less traffic.
Here’s a brief rundown of the experiences you can have at each reserve:
Monteverde Reserve: you can stand at a viewpoint that overlooks the Continental Divide (although the view is often masked by clouds); you can cross a hanging bridge; you can visit a small waterfall; you can hike easy or moderate trails; you can visit a free hummingbird garden just outside the reserve’s entrance/exit; overall, this reserve is the most developed and touristy.
Santa Elena Reserve: you can hike to three viewpoints including one tall observation tower where you can see four volcanoes on clear days; you can hike easy or moderate trails; overall, this reserve is less developed, less touristy, and less expensive (entrance fee and guided tour option) than the Monteverde reserve.
Regarding your other question, since you plan to travel during the peak season, it isn’t required that you go to the reserve as early in the day as possible (you can go later in the day if you wish, to avoid the early-morning rush), but it is highly recommended that you reserve your visit in advance. Both reserves have maximum capacities, and those capacities are easily met during the peak season.
Pura vida! 🙂
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