Hanging out at the Monteverde Bat Jungle

August 8, 2013 by Javi the Frog

The Bat Jungle tour sign, Monteverde

Some people may shy away from winged creatures that only come out at night, but bats are actually very interesting! Costa Rica offers the Monteverde Bat Jungle, a place where you'll get to learn about all of the little details of a bat's life, such as the creature's diet, wings, roosting habits and the diversity of the animals within the bat family. While I must say I am terrified of bats, (they find frogs to be quite delicious, eek!) the exhibits at the Monteverde Bat Jungle are very fun to look through, and luckily, I was protected from the bats by a glass window!

Created to introduce travelers to the interesting and misunderstood world of bats, the Bat Jungle is both educational and fun. This world-class exhibit is home to more than 95 bats, representing eight different species, that live in a space designed to mimic a nighttime cloud forest. Located in the heart of Monteverde, this museum is actually one of the country's most beloved attractions because it teaches travelers and locals about the bat population without visitors having to venture into a forest with a high population of bats.

Couple of bats sleeping at bat museum, Monteverde

What You'll See

As you walk through the exhibits, you'll learn about bat's roles in nature. They help to control the insect population, regenerate tropical forest and pollinate flowers. You'll even be able to hear what they sound like. The ultrasonic calls that bats make are actually picked up by microphones in the room with them, and are then projected throughout the viewing area so visitors feel like they are in the room when them. It's a little spooky!

The great thing about this attraction is that it sheds light on an amazing group of winged animals that many humans tend to look past. They play a major role in the environment around them that kids and adults will both love learning about.

The Bat Jungle is open at 9 a.m., and feeding starts around 11 a.m. If you want to watch the bats feeding on fruit, you'll have to begin your tour 45 minutes before the scheduled feeding time. The fee to get in is $11 for adults and $9 for students.

If you've ever been to the Bat Jungle, I'd love to hear about your experience. What did or didn't you like about the attraction? Do you have any advice for future travelers who are planning on visiting?