Visitors to the Ocotea Boutique Hotel often ask us about our unique name, perhaps because the Ocotea Tree, from which the hotel derives its name, is more commonly known by another name.

When you’re a small rural town in Costa Rica, people don’t really expect to see your name in the news, especially well-known global publications, but that doesn’t seem to apply to Monteverde the cloud-veiled jewel in Costa Rica’s selection of world-class destinations.

Sometimes it’s hard to narrow down exactly how to spend your time on vacation. Especially if your time is limited. We decided to ask the experts at Ocotea Tours for a little help. After all, they’ve been a leader in the local tourism industry for well over a decade, and they know which excursions and destinations are both popular and enjoyed.

A while ago we posted some articles about the unique and sustainable architecture and design that went into the Ocotea Boutique Hotel in beautiful Monteverde.

We’ve said it before, and it is worth repeating- one of the things that genuinely sets Monteverde apart as a destination, is the sense of community which enfolds you the moment you arrive. So what creates that magical feeling of warmth and welcome? The people of course!

Monteverde is an amazing place, with incomparable beauty and a unique collection of ecosystems, thanks to its location near (and occasionally among) the clouds in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range. This creates a range of elevations and, subsequently, a range of ecosystems that draws scientists, students, and nature lovers from around the globe.

We often talk about how important the forests are to the health and welfare of the planet, and about how much work goes into their preservation and care, but what many people don’t understand- at least until you take a tour- is that it really is a labor of love.