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.

Heading out to visit a new place is always an adventure. With the right amount of planning, it can be a wonderful experience… or not. There are always things you can’t control, like delayed flights or flat tires, that can keep things from running as smoothly as they might have… but we aren’t going to focus on those.

So often when we talk about Monteverde, we talk about it in terms of the feelings we experience there. In many ways, that makes it difficult to describe exactly what it is about this amazing and awe-inspiring place that makes people want to visit. After all, we all experience beauty in a different way.

There are many beautiful places, scenic vistas, and mountains, but there is only one Monteverde. I say this not only because of the rarity of the cloud forest, which makes up only 1.4% of the world’s tropical forests. Or because of the fact that Costa Rica hosts 6% of the planet’s biodiversity while only having 0.03% of the Earth’s surface.

There is something special about small-town life. Especially when the town in question sits amongst the lush green backdrop of tropical forests high in the hills, and when the views stretch for miles in every direction. 

It’s an honor to be able to share the stories and experiences of those who have come to stay with us in the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. Today, our guest writer Joy Detlor explores her own “Misty Morning in the Clouds.”

Monteverde is a fantastic region, sheltering one of Costa Rica's cloud forests, and there is a bit for everyone to experience all year round. It is also one of the few regions in Costa Rica where there are three climatic periods, not only two.

Monteverde has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful landscapes. Supported by a joyful and progressive community and driven by sustainability, wherever you look in Monteverde, you will find beauty. Pure and wild, nature lives through everything, and it shows.

As we all know, Monteverde is a stunning place. However, the best of Monteverde is what cannot be seen: its magnificent community spirit that is lived and enjoyed by all living creatures in this fantastic place.