In a previous article, I told you all about the meandering path that brought me from chilly Canada to sunny Costa Rica. Judging from the number of happy expats that I’ve met since my story isn’t as uncommon as you might think.
Costa Rica has a lot to offer, whether you’re a tourist looking to relax and unwind, or an avid birder planning to hike your way through some of the most biodiverse parts of the world.
When we made the decision to start exploring the country, I headed right to my trusty Google page. I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to planning trips, so as you can imagine, I did a lot of research about my soon-to-be home.
What I found out about the varied, fascinating destinations around Costa Rica was mind-boggling. I asked myself, how did I not know this already? I suppose the answer is simple. I didn’t look. We always leaned towards Caribbean destinations. I wish I had known then what I know now... and that’s why I want to share my experiences with you.
I’m going to start with Monteverde because in my opinion, it is the most unique experience that my new home has to offer.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In the grand scheme of things, the town of Monteverde is small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to tourism. That’s because Monteverde lies within a rare microclimate, known as a cloud forest. Less than 1% of the world is classified as Cloud Forest.
What is a Cloud Forest?
Cloud forests are found in tropical regions where the clouds intersect the mountain ranges. Most cloud forests are along the sides of mountains at elevations between 3,000-10,000. This combination of elevation and damp tropical air combines to form dense clouds…. hence the name.
It’s also interesting to note that the higher up you go, the cooler it gets — and this happens fast! This means that cloud forests can contain a wide variety of life in a very small area. I did a search to try to find out how many microclimates there actually are. A conservative estimate was 30-35 but the scientists also noted that there are way too many variables for an accurate number.
The bottom line in all this scientific mumbo jumbo is that there are very few places in the world with such a variety of plant life in one area. Central America as a whole is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Which means that Monteverde ALSO contains hundreds of different species of animals, birds, and insects. It's mind-boggling. Really.
The Cloud Forest Monteverde website has this to say about it.
“Biodiversity is an intrinsic characteristic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It is estimated that about 50% of Costa Rica’s biodiversity may be found within this area, an impressive 2.5% of the total world’s biodiversity.”
How cool is that???
The Cloud Forest Reserves
I like to think of it as getting a WHOLE LOT of bang for your tourism buck. There are three main places to go and explore the Cloud Forest. The most well-known is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. With 4125 hectares (10193 acres) of forest to explore and 13 km of trails to follow, it will keep you busy for quite a while.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is quite a bit smaller, with 310 hectares (765 acres) and 1-5 kms of trails to wander. Yet my research suggests that Santa Elena has the highest elevation and so the best cloud cover. They also boast an observation tower with phenomenal views of the Arenal Volcano. At least when the clouds don’t get in the way.
The last is the Children’s Eternal Rainforest or “Bosque Eterno de los Niños”. There is actually a beautiful story behind this one. In the 1980s the land was purchased and protected through the fundraising efforts of a group of Swedish school children. Today it is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica with 22,600 hectares (55,800 acres). I recommend clicking the link and learning more. It’s a heartwarming tale, and a cause worth supporting.
Travelers Tip!
1 - As I mentioned in last week’s post, tourism in Costa Rica isn’t like tourism in North America. The Reserves make every effort to preserve the natural resources in the area. They work hard to maintain the trails, but they are generally operating on a shoe-string. When you go to see nature, nature is what you’re going to see.
2 - Don’t be tempted to save money by wandering the park alone. Spend a little extra and hire a guide, it's well worth it. Companies like Ocotea Travel and Transfers can provide transportation to and from your hotel room. They know the area inside and out and they've spent 13 years wandering those forests. They know how to spot the critters and can give you lots of information about the rare flora and fauna you’ll find. They also carry a big telescope so you can get fabulous close-up pictures without lugging a heavy camera through the park.
3 - Dress Appropriately! Good walking shoes are a must. It’s important to remember that the temperature within the forest fluctuates quite a bit because of the elevation. Also clouds = moisture. It’s best to wear layers and to bring a light waterproof jacket.
Okay...where was I?
The Little Town With The Big Heart
Once you’ve wandered to your heart's content and you’ve loaded your camera with enough gorgeous images to make a documentary movie, you’ll be looking for a place to relax and recuperate.
For a small town, there are a lot of great culinary options. Small family-owned restaurants and cafes with lots of character. There are open-air patios with wildlife hanging around nearby, literally. You can even eat in a great big treehouse.
This is the Treehouse Restaurant and Cafe in Santa Elena...
Enjoy great food, warm hospitality, and live entertainment while you rest your tired tootsies and enjoy a tasty craft beer. Yup, craft beer. You will find not one but two breweries right in Monteverde, and both offer tours.
Do you see what I mean about a good bang for your tourism buck? There are so many activities, regardless of whether you want laid back and relaxed or hair-raising adventures.
Spend your time visiting hanging bridges, butterflies, snakes, bats, frogs, birds, and orchids.
Learn all about coffee, or chocolate. Want to milk a cow? Yup, you can do that too. That in itself might not be surprising. What flummoxed me about the area was the presence of Quakers - from Alabama! You never know what you’ll find here.
Maybe you've spent enough time on your feet. If you feel the need for adventure, you can go horseback riding, ziplining through the canopy, or swim in a waterfall.
And, if you really want to experience life on the edge, there’s the Tarzan Swing. What’s a Tarzan Swing you ask? Take a look.
Monteverde Tarzan Swing - 100% AVENTURA
Bonus Traveler’s Tip - Maybe bring extra shorts!
The Time Of Your Life
Whether you want to unwind and commune with nature from a comfortable chair or spend your time hiking amongst the clouds. Maybe you’re a botanist who wants to learn everything Mother Nature has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid birdwatcher or an adventurer. If you have a yen for beer and tacos or artisanal cheeses and farm-to-table dinners … Monteverde has it all.
It’s here waiting, with a warm smile and a welcoming vibe. If you want to discover what Costa Rica is REALLY about, if you want to immerse yourself in Pura Vida, this is your place.
I hope to see you here.
Toodles for now...and Pura Vida!
