| Mist-shrouded
trees laden with bromeliads, vines and thick mosses stretch
hundreds of feet into a thick forest canopy perpetually covered
by clouds where thousands of acres of primary forest give
way to a Quaker village. Sound interesting? Welcome to Monteverde.
The area protects around 60,000 hectares (150,000 acres) of
forest. Monteverde is home to more than 100 species of mammals,
120 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 2,500 species
of plants. Flower lovers will find 420 different kinds of
orchids. Exotic creatures roam the lush forests, including
jaguars, ocelots, and the rare Resplendent Quetzal. Apart
from taking one of several guided tours through the forest
floor, there are several other ways to experience the region.
|
The Town:
Santa Elena is the area’s
hub. Due to the American Quaker and tourist influence, English
is widely spoken. There is a bank, and most hotels will accept
dollars. The town has a grocery store, internet cafes, several
interesting art galleries, a gas station, a clinic and other
basic services. Several local restaurants serve local and
international cuisine, and a wide variety of lodgings are
available that will satisfy budget Travelers and luxury seekers
alike.
Climate:
Be prepared for rain.
Because of its relatively high elevation (1,400 meters/4,600
feet), it’s cool and wet throughout the year, with average
temperatures ranging from 10C-25C (50-77F).
How to get there:
There are two roads
leading to Monteverde from the Pan American Highway. Both
routes eventually meet, and both take between one and one
and a half hours (The whole trip from SJ might take between
3:30 and 4 hours.). The road has some great views of the surrounding
mountains and the Gulf of Nicoya. The road is notoriously
rough, which has undoubtedly preserved the isolation and charm
of Monteverde, but makes the trip difficult. You will probably
need a 4x4 vehicle during the rainy season.
Public Bus Schedule:
Buses depart daily at
6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. form the Transportes Tilarán
terminal between avenida 9/11, on calle 12.
Interbus ( www.interbusonline.com)
and Gray Line (220-2126, www.graylinecostarica.com)
have daily departures in comfortable luxury coach buses from
San José, Manuel Antonio, and several Guanacaste beaches.
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Four Ways
To Live The Cloud Forest:
1. From the ground up:
Check out the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. This private endeavor has
managed to protect tens of thousands of acres of forest. The
forest is dense and often shrouded in fog, and is exhilarating
and refreshing for hikers. Be prepared for rain and muddy
conditions. We recommend taking a guided tour. for more information
call tel: (506) 645-5122 or visit www.cct.or.cr
2. Floating through the forest:
Natural Wonders Tram
and Walk allows you to ride on a smooth, comfortable cable
car with views above the clouds. 645-5960
3. A walk in the clouds:
Sky Walk offers system
of suspension bridges that cross deep canyons and pass through
the tropical cloud forest canopy. Bridges span nearly a mile
through the forest. ( www.skywalk.co.cr)
645-5283
4. Flying high:
A series of zip lines
fly you through the forest canopy. A long, high suspended
bridge offers an up-close view into the heart of the forest,
and an observation platform high above the canopy offers a
view few ever experience: the top of the forest, with 360-degree
panoramic vistas stretching all the way to Nicoya Peninsula.
Contact Sky Trek at ( www.skytrek.com). 645-5796 |
