Monteverde is a mysterious shroud of mist and clouds nestling in the midst of ancient vines and animal species, and perched at an elevation of 4,500, is the Montverde
Cloud Forest Reserve.
Swathes of green spread across the horizon which witness a fairly moderate flock of travellers in their search for the tranquil. Monteverde is a quaint little town with refreshing weather that lets to reboot for a while. Another interesting thing that lures people to this cloudy abode is the multitude of adventure activities; be it horseback riding or hiking.
Navigating this dense cloudy rendezvous has been made easy with the availability of several routes, from trekking to gliding across a zipline, there is no dearth of options. While the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica calls for some spontaneity in your trip, it is still wise to have a concrete itinerary in place before you set foot.
A Search for the Elusive Quetzal
The forest is humming with birdsongs with an astounding number of over 400 bird species. You would stumble upon a hiking tour that assures sighting of some rare bird species, one of which is the quetzal—a vibrant hummingbird whose beauty precedes its origin and ear-soothing music. To ancient Aztecs, quetzals were a divine and spiritual presence in the forest. Besides this ancient demi-god of a bird, you can spot other winged wonders. Much effort is being put into the rehabilitation of Costa Rican wildlife, a glimpse of which this trip will offer to you.
A Tour of the Eco-friendly Plantations
Costa Rica is renowned for coffee. On your visit to Monteverde, a tour around the plantations of coffee, sugarcane, and chocolate would be an immensely rewarding experience. Since eco-tourism is now a crucial part of Costa Rica, the plantations integrate its quintessential principles to yield organic produce. The use of natural herbicides, crop rotation, and compost fertilisation are part of their sustainability. For visitors, the traditional process of churning the products is on display. It is sheer beauty to see this art from scratch.
Stroll through the Hanging Bridges with Clouds for Companions
The hitherto unnavigable life that thrives in the canopies of Monteverde is now accessible thanks to the hanging bridges. The skywalk excursions are an insightful study of the beaming life that flourishes in the open and sometimes in the nooks of corners; it is a life farthest removed from the soil. Sometimes, you traverse ravines to reach mountains, while other times you look below at the dense forest. The hanging bridges let you steal sneak peeks of the treetops and teaming wildlife stretching below. The parks that dot the rainforest host a few hanging bridges and exploring each has a thrill of its own.
Hiking through the Virgin Forests
The forest has many enchanting trails and hikes you would not want to miss for anything. What enhances the mystery and enigma of these trails is the less crowd. Instead, each venture is replete with wildlife, scenic views, and picturesque nature. Quite a few naturalist tour groups arrange for night tours for the nocturnal life of Monteverde, a repository of colours, sound and sightings.
Besides the adrenaline rush, you may also opt for pleasant recreational activities which include visiting the local art galleries that mostly showcase the artwork of the local indigenous tribes, especially female artists. The culinary scene is also sumptuous with the array of eco-friendly restaurants, cafes, and budget eateries offering gastronomical delights—a fusion of the local and international flavours and dishes. Lodges. plush hotels, and affordable homestays have sprung up making the trip family-friendly and safe.
