Monteverde Canopy House
Ecocabin & Cloud Forest Preserve

About the Canopy House and Finca Colibri Property

The Canopy House, located on the Finca Colibri property in Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers a unique and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts, herpers, and birders. Owned and managed by Mills, an American who purchased the land to protect the old-growth cloud forest, the property provides a rare opportunity to explore one of the few remaining untouched cloud forests in the region. Unlike many other guest rental properties in the area, which have been cleared of old-growth trees, Finca Colibri preserves 50 acres of both primary and secondary forest, and the cabin is surrounded on all sides by forest. With its close proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and the popular birding destination of Curi Cancha, visitors are perfectly positioned to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde region.

The Canopy House is a cozy and ecologically sustainable cabin nestled deep within the forest, offering comfortable accommodations for up to two guests. Designed with a passive solar structure, the cabin includes modern amenities like a full-sized bed, coffee maker, fridge, stove, and bathroom with a shower. Its terraces provide panoramic views of the surrounding forest canopy, where you can observe a variety of wildlife, including birds like keel-billed toucans and motmots. For herping enthusiasts, the property offers an exceptional opportunity to search for the elusive Bothriechis lateralis, a nocturnal viper native to the cloud forests and high elevation regions of Costa Rica. Unlike many nearby reserves that close their trails at night, Finca Colibri allows guests to explore the property’s trails around the clock, increasing the chances of encountering this highly sought-after species.

In addition to Bothriechis lateralis, other reptiles and amphibians, such as cat-eyed snakes, anoles, and various frog species, can be found on the property. Mammals like two-toed sloths, bats, and armadillos also inhabit the forest. However, visitors should be prepared for the adventure, as the trails are not well-developed, and the terrain includes steep hillsides and cliffs near the river. Guests with strong navigational skills will find the challenge rewarding, as they explore the diverse microhabitats and ecosystems that Finca Colibri protects.

The Canopy House at Finca Colibri is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a model of sustainable living. The cabin's eco-friendly design incorporates passive solar energy, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering comfort to its guests. Staying at the Canopy House means embracing a simple yet fulfilling lifestyle deeply connected to the surrounding natural environment. Guests are encouraged to bring their own supplies, such as rechargeable batteries and quick-dry clothing, as the cool cloud forest climate, with daytime highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 50s, can be chilly and damp. Flashlights or headlamps are essential for navigating the trails at night, and mud boots are recommended for walking through the sometimes muddy paths.

With its secluded setting and intimate accommodation for just one or two guests, the Canopy House is perfect for those looking for quiet contemplation or dedicated photography sessions in an undisturbed environment. The property offers several trails, though they are rugged and best suited for those with strong navigational skills. The trails meander through the diverse ecosystems of primary and secondary forest, offering unique opportunities to encounter wildlife away from the more crowded preserves nearby. Guests can also take advantage of the property's close proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Curi Cancha, both of which are within walking distance or a short drive. At $60 per night during the low season and $80 per night during the high season, the Canopy House provides an affordable and deeply immersive nature experience.

Birding Finca Colibri

The pristine primary cloud forest and well-developed secondary forest at Finca Colibri provide ideal habitats for a variety of bird species. From the cabin windows or porch, guests can easily spot motmots and various species of hummingbirds as they nest and feed in the surrounding forest. For a more immersive birding experience, however, hiring a guide at the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve or the Curi Cancha Reserve is highly recommended. These reserves, located just a short drive from the Canopy House, offer more open areas that make bird spotting easier. The experienced guides are deeply familiar with the region and know the best locations to find specific species, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, and Orange-bellied Trogon. With over 200 bird species recorded at both reserves, birders can expect to see a diverse array of species, including the Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucan, and many hummingbirds and woodpeckers. Additionally, mammals such as armadillos, coatis, agoutis, kinkajous, ocelots, two-toed sloths, and three species of monkeys (howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkeys) are often spotted.

The best time of year to see resplendent quetzals is during their nesting season and when their favorite food, wild avocados, are in fruit. This corresponds to late February through May, with March having the most number of sightings according to inaturalist.org.

Herping Finca Colibri

While herping in the cloud forests of Costa Rica may not offer the same abundance of species as the lowlands and premontane rainforests, it is the only place where you can find the highly sought-after side-striped palm pitviper (Bothriechis lateralis) and the elusive black-and-green palm pitviper (Bothriechis nigroviridis). The "holy grail" of Costa Rican cloud forest herping is arguably B. nigroviridis, known as the "ghost of the forest" due to the extreme rarity of encounters. This species' elusive nature is likely due to its preference for the upper canopy, rather than a reflection of its population size. While B. nigroviridis likely inhabits Finca Colibri, spotting one during a short visit remains highly unlikely due to its canopy-dwelling habits.

The side-striped palm pitviper (B. lateralis), however, is more frequently encountered in the cloud forest. Although it primarily resides in the canopy, adults often descend to the forest floor or lower vegetation at night to hunt small mammals, returning to the canopy before dawn. Juveniles of the species tend to inhabit lower vegetation, where they feed on small frogs and anoles, making them slightly easier to spot. That being said, B. lateralis is still a challenging find. For the best chance of encountering one, it’s advisable to book a night tour in the Monteverde region. Places like Curi Cancha, Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, and Hotel El Establo offer such tours. When booking, be sure to inform your guide of your target species. Though guides often emphasize the unpredictability of wildlife encounters, they are often aware of recent sightings and may already know the whereabouts of your target species, giving you a higher chance of success.

Other reptiles and amphibians frequently seen at Finca Colibri include various species of rain frogs, robber frogs, anoles, and the rhombic cat-eyed snake (Leptodeira rhombifera). The Central American milksnake (Lampropeltis abnorma) is commonly found in the Monteverde area and likely inhabits Finca Colibri as well, making it an exciting prospect for herpers exploring the property.

The author of this article found success finding Bothriechis lateralis only with the help of a guide on the night tour at Hotel El Establo (call or text +50683155002 via whatsapp for information on the night tour). However, he only stayed for three nights, which is evidently not enough time. The owner of the property, Mills Tandy, assured the author that he has seen B. lateralis on multiple occasions on the property.

Mammals of Finca Colibrí

Guests at Canopy House may be treated to sightings of several charismatic mammals right from the trails or even the porch. Troops of white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and the endangered Central American spider monkey often move through the canopy, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Their presence is a highlight for visitors and a sign of the forest’s health.

On the ground and after dark, guests may spot white-nosed coatis, Central American agoutis, and nine-banded armadillos, while kinkajous and the elusive Mexican mouse opossum emerge in the treetops at night. The rich mammal diversity around Canopy House makes wildlife watching a rewarding part of the Finca Colibrí experience.

The Story of Mills Tandy, Canopy House, and Finca Colibri

Finca Colibri and the Canopy House trace their origins back to the early 1980s when Mills Tandy, a biologist and fine art photographer, first visited Monteverde. Mills was introduced to the region by fellow biologists Bill Calvert and Fred Morrison, who had purchased cloud forest property in Monteverde with the goal of preserving its natural beauty. Captivated by the untouched cloud forest and the incredible biodiversity it housed, Mills decided to invest in the area. In 1983, he purchased his share of Finca Colibri, a property bordering the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, with the intent of protecting the land and building a home where he could live and work in harmony with the natural surroundings. Over the years, Finca Colibri has remained a sanctuary for wildlife and an important site for conservation in Monteverde.

Mills, who holds degrees in Environmental and Systematic Zoology and Botany from the University of Texas at Austin, combined his scientific background with his passion for nature photography to further the conservation cause. His work as a photographer, having studied with renowned figures like Ansel Adams, Chris Rainier, and John Paul Caponigro helped raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of the cloud forest ecosystem. Mills established the Canopy House as a means of sharing this special place with others while financing the protection of the old-growth forest. The cabin is designed to be ecologically sustainable and to offer guests an immersive experience in the heart of the cloud forest, allowing nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the rich biodiversity of the area while supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

Throughout his career, Mills has been deeply involved in both scientific and conservation communities. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Association of Professional Photographers and the Monteverde Conservation League. His commitment to protecting the cloud forest extends beyond his own property, as he continues to support efforts to preserve the Monteverde region. Mills’ long-term vision for Finca Colibri is to safeguard the land for future generations, maintaining it as a refuge for wildlife and a place for ecotourists, herpers, and birders to experience the wonders of the cloud forest. Through Finca Colibri, Mills has created a lasting legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship in Monteverde.

Golden Toads of Monteverde:
A Lost Treasure of the Cloud Forest

The Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes) once thrived in the high-altitude cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, but is now a symbol of the global amphibian decline crisis. Discovered in 1964 by herpetologist Jay Savage, this brightly colored species, known for its vibrant orange males, inhabited a small 4 square kilometer area in the elfin cloud forest. For decades, the population was abundant, with up to 1,500 adult toads recorded from April to July during breeding seasons. However, starting in 1987, their numbers rapidly diminished, with only ten or eleven individuals observed in 1988. The last sighting of a Golden Toad was in May 1989, when a single male was seen, marking the species’ extinction. Although the exact causes of their disappearance remain uncertain, factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease, particularly chytridiomycosis, are suspected contributors.

Mills Tandy had the rare opportunity to study the Golden Toads in 1985, during one of their final breeding seasons. Renting a house close to his property, Mills conducted a two-week field study near three breeding sites on the continental divide in Monteverde. His round-the-clock observations led to intriguing findings that challenged previous reports—he noted that the toads were active only during the day and exhibited no evidence of mating calls, a rarity among amphibians. Mills’ research provided valuable insights into the behavior of these elusive creatures, but by the time his study concluded, the population was already in decline. His work offered a final glimpse into the lives of the Golden Toads before their mysterious disappearance, a poignant reminder of the fragility of species in the face of environmental change.

Accommodations

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Trails of the Finca Colibri Property

As of 2023, the trails of Finca Colibri were primitive and narrow. Some trails were easy to follow, while others were extremely faint. The Canopy House host, Mills Tandy, will provide you with a paper map. It is advised that you take the map with you when you are out hiking, and have a photo of the map on your phone as a backup.

Hikers should have excellent navigational skills, especially when hiking at night on the more overgrown and less obvious trails. Be aware of very steep terrain close to the river bordering the property.

Monteverde Videos Playlist

11 YouTube videos about Monteverde, Costa Rica. Press play, then press (or Shift+N) on the video player to move to next video and (or Shif+P) to move back to the previous video. Click the icon in the top right corner of the player to view list of all videos.

Travel Guide to Canopy House at Finca Colibri, Monteverde, Costa Rica

*Caution: Use this section as a starting point for your transportation research, but be sure to confirm accuracy with a second reliable and up to date source. Additional travel information can be found in the Costa Rica Travel Guide or from an outside source such as My Tan Feet blog.

To get to Canopy House, you need to travel by road (via taxi, bus, or car rental) to first get to Monteverde. The quickest route from downtown San José is to take highway 27 west to the Pacific coast, highway 23 North to the intersection of highway 1, highway 1 North to route 606, and then 606 North into Santa Elena/Monte Verde. Alternatively, if you are driving from the Juan Santamaria airport (SJO), you can take highway 1 to get to highway 27 and follow the above directions from highway 27, or just take highway 1 west to route 606. Note that Monteverde is a canton (administrative subdivision of a province), and the towns of Santa Elena and the adjacent Monte Verde are the communities often referred to as "Monteverde". Regardless of your ground transportation method, this route first leads you into the town of Santa Elena de Monteverde. From Santa Elena, follow the signs towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (MCFR). 1 km from the MCFR you will notice the Trapp Family Lodge on the right side of the road, and shortly afterwards (and before reaching the MCFR at the end of the road), look for a green metal gate with a "Finca Colibri" sign. After booking your stay, Mills Tandy, the owner, will give you detailed instructions on how to enter the gate, where to park, etc.

San Jose to Santa Elena and Monteverde

Car Rental: From Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), proceed past the luggage carousel to a car rental booth, where the attendant will direct you to your shuttle to the car rental office in Alajuela. From Alajuela, the fastest route will be to take highway 1 to highway 27, and follow the directions given at the beginning of this section.

Taxi: After exiting Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), finding a taxi is easy. Taxi drivers or their scouts will likely approach you as you leave the airport. Look for red taxis, or orange ones (orange denotes airport taxis), usually marked with a yellow triangle on the door. Since Costa Rica doesn't use traditional addresses, you won’t be able to give the driver a direct address for Canopy House. Instead, instruct your driver to head toward Santa Elena, Monteverde, using a navigation app to ensure he follows the most direct route (explained above)

Once in Santa Elena, instruct the driver to follow the signs towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (MCFR). About 1k from the MCFR, you will see the Trapp Family lodge on the right, and shortly after, look for a green metal gate on the left (izquierda is Spanish for "left") with a "Finca Colibri" sign. You have arrived.

Bus: From Juan Santamaria international airport (SJO), you need to get to the Terminal 7-10 San José bus station. This is most easily accomplished by hailing a cab ($20-30) immediately outside the airport exit and instructing your driver to go to the Terminal 7-10 San José (the driver should know how to get there). Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to the Tuasa terminal in San José, and then a short taxi ride to the Terminal 7-10.

Once at the Terminal 7-10, purchase a bus ticket (at the Boletería) to Monteverde or purchase online. It's helpful to have a map app on your phone, such as Maps.me, with a downloaded map that can work even if you don't have cell service. With a map app, you can track your location so you know where to get off (it's possible for the bus to let passengers off at intermediate destinations). The bus destination will likely be in the town of Santa Elena (check an outside source for accuracy). From the town of Santa Elena, hail a cab (red exterior with orange triangle on door), and instruct the driver to head towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (MCFR). About 1k from the MCFR, you will see the Trapp Family lodge on the right, and shortly after, look for a green metal gate on the left (izquierda is Spanish for "left") with a "Finca Colibri" sign.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Canopy House at Finca Colibrí