Overview
The Monteverde Cheese Factory (La Lechería) was founded by Quaker settlers who emigrated from the US to avoid military service in the early 1950s, building a dairy-based community that became the seed of Monteverde itself. It once grew into Costa Rica's second-largest cheese producer and the region's biggest employer, though factory tours have been scaled back since an international company acquired it in 2014. Today the shop still sells a range of cheeses and ice cream, but hours and tour availability change often, so check ahead.
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 07:30-16:30, Sun 07:30-12:30 (subject to change).
Travel Tips
Factory tours come and go, so it's safer to plan your visit around sampling cheese and ice cream at the shop.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Monteverde, Costa Rica from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Costa Rica on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Monteverde on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Monteverde with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Monteverde 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Monteverde Cheese Factory (La Lechería)
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Things to Do in Monteverde
Cloud Forest Zip Line Adventure
Soar over the Monteverde cloud-forest canopy on 15 zip-line cables, the longest stretching about 1km at up to 50m height through misty forest. Combo with hanging-bridge trails available at Selvatura Park.
Quetzal Bird Watching Dawn Tour
Set out at 06:00 with an expert birding guide to search for the resplendent quetzal, one of the world's most magnificent birds. Curi-Cancha Reserve has the highest sighting success rate. Over 400 bird species possible, including toucans and bellbirds.
Night Wildlife Tour
Venture into the cloud forest after dark with flashlights to find nocturnal wildlife. Expert guides locate red-eyed tree frogs, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, tree snakes, and kinkajous — creatures invisible by day.