The target? The ecologically-conscious and those genuinely interested in the bio-diversity of Costa Rica. As overcrowded beaches and themeparks continue to lose their novelty and wane into the inevitable “fad” classification, the world’s natural attractions are dragged into the spotlight, front and center; offering an authentic “exotic” vacation that doesn’t force you into long lines or to invest ten dollars in a hotdog.
Planning your Costa Rica vacation to Monteverde will be like choosing 12 donuts to fill a dozen-box; you can mix and match to create something unique and you, or you can go all glazed from the asylum of a resort; there is no right or wrong way to go about it. This guide is to provide you a surface overview of your options. Think of it as a ‘choose your own adventure’ book without the life and death consequences; all ways will lead to a life-altering experience.
To Visit
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve – The reserve is how Monteverde got its name; at least that’s what I like to think. First and foremost it is a forest; vie for a spot to grow is so fierce that the trunks and branches of trees are almost entirely caked in vegetation. The high elevation and naturally high humidity of Costa Rica lend themselves to the “cloud” aspect of the reserve as they completely immerse into the dense forest, creating an eerie ambiance that is only interrupted by the sounds of the native inhabitants of Santa Elena.
Entrance fees to the reserve are menial and are used for its future protection and are also channeled to local public schools. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students. A 3 hour guided tour costs $15
Monteverde Cheese Factory – An often overlooked attraction. Their Cheese Tour not only offers a great deal of information regarding milk and the cheese making process, but is also precursor to some of the best ice cream I have ever had the pleasure of shoveling into my mouth.
Bajo del Tigre – Located a short distance from the Cheese Factory. Bajo del Tigre is another reserve, offering an area of forest in the transition zone from pre-mountain wet to seasonal moist. It is located on the Pacific slope, giving it a range of unusual flora and fauna. The reserve is composed of 3.5km of trails particularly suited for families. A guided ‘Twilight Walk’ allow visitors the chance to observe a variety of nocturnal birds, insects, and mammals.
The trails are open every day from 7:30am to 5pm. Prices are $7 for adults and $4 for students.
Selvatura Butterfly Complex – Over 50 species of butterfly are housed in this controlled Victorian-style environment. Other features include indoor waterfalls and more than 60 species of tropical plants.
Rate: $20 for adults and children.
Arenal Volcano – An active volcano with visible flowing lava, flying rocks, and hot springs. Arenal can be accessed by car, bus, horseback, taxi, boat, or any Costa Rica tour.
Café Monteverde Coffee Tour – Takes you through a working coffee farm and offers a glimpse into the biodiversity of the coop’s produce which includes coffee, banana, plantain, orange & lime crops. You will also be taken to the farm’s large processing location and given the chance to sample the variety of roasts at their retail shop.
To Eat
Sophias - Considered one of Monteverde’s premier restaurants, offering the finest Nuevo Latino cuisine in Costa Rica, fine wines, and other specialty drinks. Located in the Cerro Plano area between Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserve.
De Lucia’s – A lot of variety to the menu with an emphasis on the meats and Chilean wine. De Lucia’s also offers seafood and vegetarian options. This restaurant is the perfect solution for any arrangement; couples, families, or the individual traveler.
Tramonti’s – Located in the Cloud Forest. Offers a wide range of Italian foods; from anti-pasta, fresh pasta, seafood, pizza, and a long list of fine wines.
To Sleep
Paradisus Playa Conchal – The Costa Rica resort. Offers a massive lagoon-style pool set in 20,000 acres of beautiful gardens, an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, a spa and health club, and many styles of elegant suites to choose from.
Hotel Fondavela – Located in Monteverde. A smaller hotel, nestled into a scene of ripe vegetation and looming trees. The interior resembles a fusion of cabin life and a polite décor.
This guide has only skimmed along the basic needs for survival in Costa Rica—food, shelter, and something to do. Every one of these locations are starting points for your own unique vacation and, at least in my case, will present you with a number of paths, all leading to the best Costa Rica activities.
__________
Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. When visiting Costa Rica, she stays at luxury Costa Rica resorts like Paradisus Playa Conchal.