We recently stayed at El Sol in the Monteverde area of Costa Rica, and I can’t recommend it enough! Read on for our family’s full experience and why we can’t wait to go back.
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Quick Verdict: Is El Sol Monteverde Worth the Stay?
The quick and easy answer is yes, if you’re looking for privacy, space, and sweeping valley views in a quiet setting. El Sol is not a luxury resort, but it delivers private cabins, warm hospitality, and some of the best views (and food!) we experienced in Monteverde.
Who El Sol is for: Travelers looking for cozy, serene, and private accomodations with amazing breakfast and dinner options.
Who El Sol is not for: People looking for high end spa services, super budget travel, or a lively nighttime atmosphere.
About Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde is a must-see on your trip to visit. It is truly unique, unlike any other area of Costa Rica. As one of the few designated cloud forests in the world, the vegetation is rich and diverse, while the climate is cool and misty. While it's a fairly small area, there is plenty to do; but an ideal itinerary here would give you time to rest and soak in the views.
About El Sol
El Sol is a locally-owned bed-and-breakfast-meets-cabin-rental establishment. Cabin sizes range from sleeping two to six people. On our visit, we traveled with extended family, six total in our party, so we booked the Sun'a Casita, a two-bedroom, two-bath cabin with full kitchen. Sun's Casita is one of the four cabins that boasts a stunning valley view.
Tip: The cabins with valley views are Sun's Casita, Magic Sun, Chalet in the Sun, and Sunny Garden.
With the swimming pool and gardens overlooking the valley, the vibe is quiet and idyllic. The owner's friendly dogs roam the property and came up to greet us every so often. We could hear a little road noise since it's just off Route 606, but it was barely noticeable most of the time.
El Sol falls within a moderate price range; definitely not budget or luxury. We wanted the full kitchen so we could save a little on meals with our group of six.
Where is El Sol in Monteverde?
Located about 3 miles south of the town of Santa Elena on Route 606, El Sol is a bit farther from the main draws of Monteverde than some other options. The whole area is fairly small, though, so it doesn't take very long to get around. The drive to Santa Elena takes you on a scenic mountainous drive. The road has recently been fully paved, though expect to encounter some potholes here and there.
To reach the Monteverde, Curi Cancha, and Children's Eternal Rainforest reserves, you'll head north on route 606 then turn south onto 620. Santa Elena Cloud Forest reserve and several of the eco-adventure parks (Selvatura, Treetopia, 100% Aventura) are further north off route 619.
Pre-Arrival and First Impression
The receptionist at El Sol reached out to us the day before our stay to inquire about our arrival time and sent us a dinner menu in case we planned to eat in. Even before our arrival in Costa Rica, the communication was excellent with the hotel; they were easy to reach by email, modified our reservation when needed, and gave us tips about road conditions and the best route to get there from Liberia.
When we arrived, the receptionist was ready for us and gave us a complete tour of the property and our cabin. She introduced us to the dogs, pointed out where we could fill our water bottles with natural spring water, and reviewed how to place meal orders and book transportation into town. Since they knew we were bringing our kids, the sofas in the living area were already made into cozy beds, and the cabin was stocked with coloring paper, markers, and a few games.
We had just come from a busier adventure-hub resort, so stepping into the quiet atmosphere of El Sol was a very different experience. Even though it's just off the main road, it felt secluded. The common areas are all outdoors; there is a natural spring pool and terrace with hammock, which overlook sweeping grounds leading down toward the valley. Our cabin itself had a long stretch of private outdoor space with chairs and a spot to hang the hammock that was stored inside.
El Sol Cabins
Cabin Types & Layouts
There are seven individual cabins, four of which offer valley views. Some of the cabins have a kitchenette while others have a full kitchen, and some have a jacuzzi. We stayed in Sun's Casita, and the views were unbelievable. Some of the cabins are set on the other side of the property and don't overlook the valley. However, because there is so much shared space with views, this isn’t a deal breaker in my opinion.
Tip: According to the receptionist, the real magical cabin is the Magic Sun. The Magic Sun feels like a treehouse directly overlooking the valley with an outdoor jacuzzi. We'd love to go back to El Sol without the kids so we can experience this one!
Our Stay: Sun’s Casita
Sun's Casita was perfect for our group of six. It's spacious with two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, and dining table large enough for all of us. There are two very comfortable sofas that were already made into beds for our kids when we arrived. When you walk in the front door, the first thing you see is the view to the back of the cabin, with wide windows and sliding glass doors to show off that amazing view.
The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. Coffee, tea, cocoa powder, and milk powder were complementary and restocked daily. There were a few beverages in the fridge that the receptionist told us we could purchase.
Both bedrooms had queen beds. One bedroom is very cozy with just enough room for the bed, a closet, and en suite bathroom, while the other bedroom is a bit more spacious (also with en suite bath). Aside from the open, spacious view of the back of the cabin, the rest of the cabin was surrounded by gardens, making it feel very secluded.
There was no air conditioning, but we truly never felt it was necessary. Monteverde has a cool, misty atmosphere. We kept the windows and doors open during the day to allow a nice constant breeze to come in. A fan was included in each room in case it got too warm at night. Each cabin includes wifi, which was fully reliable in our experience.
Breakfast & Dinner at El Sol
Breakfast and dinner are available to order, while lunch is not. I expect most people grab lunch in Santa Elena before or after a tour or reserve visit; at least, that's what we did on some days. We also stocked up on a few groceries in town. You can book the rate that includes breakfast and it's well worth it! We chose from a select menu of traditional Costa Rican and American style breakfast platters, and breakfast was served with tons of fresh fruit and juice. There was even a vegan option, which we appreciated.
While we only ordered dinner one night, it was home cooked and absolutely delicious; probably some of the best food we've had in Costa Rica. The menu included steak, chicken, salmon, vegan options, and fun, creative kids' meals ("Chicka-broo-schetta" and "Bolognese cheesy magic sticks").
Both breakfast and dinner are ordered in advance and delivered to your cabin at the requested time. If the staff didn't hear from us, they made sure to reach out to us to see if we needed to order.
If you order breakfast a la carte, rather than booking the included rate, it costs $15. Dinner ranged from $20 to $32 at the time of our stay in November 2025.
Service & Hospitality
The hospitality here is, in one word, unmatched. The staff reached out well ahead of our arrival to see if we needed anything, and I inquired about the weather and road conditions. They provided very helpful advice about local conditions and the best route to take. The staff is minimal, so there is not always someone available at the front desk, but we always received a rapid answer to any question we had via WhatsApp.
Our daughter's 5th birthday happened to fall during our stay, and we didn't think to mention it to the hotel in advance. The morning of her birthday, we sent a message to the staff to see if they could include sprinkles or a candle on her pancakes; but it was early in the morning and they didn't see the request in time. When we returned from exploring the area later that day, we came in to find streamers, a banner, and balloons - completely unexpected. Our daughter was absolutely beaming!
How Many Nights Should You Stay at El Sol Monteverde?
For most people, three nights is the ideal amount of time in Monteverde. That gives you one full day to explore a cloud forest reserve and another for an adventure park plus a cultural experience such as a cooking class or coffee tour.
If you have a lengthier Costa Rican itinerary or you've been there before and don't feel the need to see a ton of the country in one trip, you could plan to stay four nights at El Sol to slow down and appreciate all the area has to offer. Four nights allows time to visit multiple reserves (such as Monteverde, Curi Cancha, or the Children’s Eternal Rainforest) and allow for longer hikes.
Book: El Sol Monteverde
Pros and Cons of Staying at El Sol Monteverde
Pros
- Exceptional valley views
- Quiet, peaceful setting
- Spacious or cozy, romantic cabins depending on your travel party
- Good value for Monteverde
Cons
- Not walkable to town/transportation required
- No onsite restaurant or bar
- No lunch option onsite
Who El Sol Monteverde Is Best For
- Couples wanting privacy and views
- Families needing space and a kitchen
- Travelers who prefer quiet evenings
- People with a rental car
Who Should Skip It
- Travelers without transportation (you can book rides through El Sol, but this cost can start adding up quickly)
- Luxury-focused travelers OR budget backpackers. If you're looking for a different experience than El Sol, take a look at our complete Monteverde accomodation guide, where we have options for every budget.
- People who want nightlife or walkability
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay at El Sol Monteverde Again?
Absolutely. Sun's Casita was perfect for our extended family of six, but we'd love to stay the Chalet in the Sun next time if we were just traveling with our kids, because of the amazing views directly from the bedroom and the terrace overlooking the valleys. And for a couple's only trip, we can't wait to come back to stay in the Magic Sun. If your idea of a perfect Monteverde stay includes privacy, space, and waking up to mist drifting over the valley, El Sol is an easy recommendation.
Do you need a car to stay at El Sol?
I would say yes. It's not an absolute necessity, because you can book transportation from the hotel to Santa Elena, but this cost $15 each way at the time of our stay, which would definitely add up.
How are the roads?
Route 606 is paved and generally in good condition. It's mountainous but an easy drive.
Does El Sol have air conditioning?
No, but at the cool, higher altitude of Monteverde, it never felt necessary. Floor fans are included in each room in case it's needed.
Is El Sol Monteverde good for families?
Yes. Some cabins have multiple bedrooms and full kitchens, making them ideal for families. When we arrived, the staff had already prepared sofa beds for our children and stocked the cabin with small touches like coloring supplies. The layout works especially well for families who want more space than a traditional hotel room.
Is El Sol Monteverde good for couples?
Yes. Some cabins like Magic Sun are especially romantic, with valley views and private terrace jacuzzi. The quiet setting and option to have dinner delivered to your cabin make it a great choice for couples looking for privacy.
Is breakfast included at El Sol Monteverde?
Breakfast can be included depending on the rate you book. We recommend booking the rate that includes breakfast, as the food was excellent and generously portioned. If ordered separately, breakfast cost $15 per person at the time of our stay (November 2025).
How far is El Sol from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?
El Sol is about a 20–30 minute drive from the Monteverde and Curi Cancha reserves, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and several eco-adventure parks are slightly farther north.
Does El Sol have a restaurant?
El Sol does not have a traditional restaurant or bar. However, breakfast and dinner are available by advance order and delivered directly to your cabin at your requested time. Lunch is not offered onsite.