How to Climb a Ficus Tree in Costa Rica
Climbing the Ficus Tree was a highlight of our time spent in Monteverde, Costa Rica. We were lucky to learn about these trees from a fellow traveler while on a bus during our trip. This post will teach you how to climb a ficus tree in Costa Rica. Where to go, how to do it, and how to be respectful.
Imagine having a jungle gym inside of a tree. That’s what a ficus tree is like.
The Ficus Tree
Ficus Trees are also called “strangler trees.” They grow next to a host tree and sort of take over. The other tree dies, and you’re left with vine-looking branches on the outside and a hollow inside. Because of the way it grows, you can easily climb up to beautiful views of Monteverde. It’s a very unique experience.
Starting the climb up the ficus tree.
How to get to Monteverde
Monteverde is best known for the cloud forest… you hike on suspension bridges so you’re wayyy up in the trees. To get here from San Jose, you can take a public bus, drive yourself in a rental car, or go on a group tour. The cheapest way is to take the public bus, which is what we did when we visited. It worked out well. For more info on transportation, check out this site.
How to get to the ficus tree in Monteverde
It is not easy to find information on how to get to find this tree. I googled a bunch of things, and we were still iffy as we were hiking to the tree. We were able to use the maps.me app, search for “ficus tree” and get a general idea of where to go. See:
Follow the route to the ficus tree.
You walk from downtown Santa Elena (up the hill from the treehouse restaurant), take a right at Mi Casa Su Casa, keep walking, and eventually you will see some trails on the right side of the road. Take the first trail you see, pass a ficus tree on your right, and continue on down a little until you get to the one pictured here.
This is what the tree looks like from the outside. Look for this one!
You will easily be able to climb this tree. If you’re having a lot of difficulty, you are probably at the wrong tree.
Climb on up!
It was mildly terrifying, if I’m being honest. Rock climbing with a rope/safety net is more my style. Therefore, knowing that I could fall gave me a pit in my stomach. My arms were shaking by the time we climbed up and back down. I was being a little dramatic, though. It’s a very doable climb. The tree provides great hand holds and places to put your feet. Once you get to the top, take a minute to appreciate the view.
The view from the top was better than this, but it was hard to capture. I was afraid of dropping my camera. Or falling :/
Congrats! You’ve done one of the few free things to do in Monteverde! For more ideas in this little touristy town, check out these ideas.
Please be respectful of these trees. Try not to scratch them with what you’re wearing, only grab onto healthy looking parts of the trees, and don’t do anything to damage them. Wear socks or go barefoot to not damage the trees (I didn’t know this when I climbed them).
If you’re looking for relaxation next, head on down to Montezuma for the closest thing to paradise.
If you’re looking for more adventure and have some time, check out volcano boarding in Nicaragua – the only place in the world that you can cross off this wild bucket list item.
Nurse Advice
While the hand holds and foot holds are good, there is a chance of falling. Therefore, my nurse brain imagines broken everything. Be careful. Go slow, go back down early if you think you can’t make it, and have a buddy with you just in case something bad happens. As always, if something terrible happens and you think you have a broken bone or worse, check in to the nearest hospital or clinic.
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I just got to Monteverde last night and I am staying in the Bird of Paradise apartment just down the road from the map you included. I took a quick trek up the road this morning and I think I may have found the trail. I walked in a little ways but I was alone and wearing flip flops so I didn’t go too deep into the woods. I was afraid I may slip along the path. I hope this was the correct trail. Climbing this tree is on my must do list! Is there anything I should look for just to be certain I’m on the right path?
Hi Ami! I am so sorry that I’m delayed in responding to your comment… I was backpacking through the mountains in Europe and didn’t have much cell service. It sounds like you were on the right path… and I agree, I would have been a little afraid to do it alone too. Did you end up finding it and climbing it?
I would ask that you delete this. The local tree climbers try to protect their trees from travelers because they will kill the tree if they use shoes, or if too many people climb the trees. This is something is very special to the locals there and should be kept a secret.