MONTEVERDE
In a 4 to 7 day road trip to Monteverde, we go on an overland adventure to explore Monteverde National Park. We stay in the picturesque town of Santa Elena and enjoy hikes to explore two national parks – one a Cloud Forest and one a Tropical Forest.
MONTEVERDE TRIP
“Monteverde is located atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, offering a unique experience compared to the coastal towns that dot the country’s famous shoreline. It is known for its cloud forests, coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The small and quaint town of Santa Elena is filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity.
Depending on your itinerary, you may spend 4 or 7 days in Monteverde. Regardless, we will provide a fun included activity for every day.”
“Monteverde, located at an altitude of 4,662 ft (1,440 m) above sea level, is privileged to receive a steady supply of clouds and the life-giving moisture they contain. This moisture, often in the form of fog, catches on the branches of the tallest trees and drips down to the other organisms below. This supports a complex and far-reaching ecosystem, which harbors over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2,500 varieties of plants, including 420 species of orchids.”
“Visitors can explore this internationally recognized environment through trails and trams, canopy tours, or museums. Our 4 and 8-week ‘Learn Spanish, Surf, Turtles & Adventure’ program includes a four-day, three-night adventure through this verdant and mountainous world, as follows:”
Itinerary
“The itinerary varies from group to group depending on factors such as weather, availability, group size, etc. However, a typical itinerary may look like the following:”
“We will have an early morning breakfast and depart from Jakera at 8 am for the beautiful, scenic 3 to 4-hour drive to Monteverde. As we climb up into the surrounding mountains, enjoy the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean below. We will arrive at Hostal Santa Elena for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will explore the village of Santa Elena and the surrounding area. For those who have a head for heights and want to experience an adrenaline rush, there is a huge ‘Strangler’ fig tree that we can climb inside to the top for an incredible birds-eye view of Santa Teresa. Later, we will return to the hostel for some relaxation before dinner.”
After an early breakfast, we will enjoy a guided hike to the Monteverde Reserve to explore a Cloud Forest and learn about its inhabitants and flora. This is one of the few places on earth where you can see the rare Quetzal bird and get spectacular views of both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. There are three kinds of monkeys, medicinal plants, and a plethora of insects, fauna, and birdlife to discover.
We will then return to Hostal for lunch, and your afternoon will be free to relax or enjoy one of the many activities that can be enjoyed here, including rope bridges, bungee jumping, and zip-lining* a visit to a coffee, cocoa, and sugar cane plantation* , horseback riding* and more*
*not included activities
After breakfast, we will enjoy a guided hike to the highest point of the area, where on a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans and the amazing jungle surrounding us as far as the eye can see. Our guide will identify and explain medicinal plants and unique wildlife found in this environment.
We will return to Hostal for lunch, and the afternoon and evening will be free to enjoy one of the extra activities on offer or to simply relax and enjoy being in this magical place
You will need to wake up early as we will take you on a sunrise hike. Trust us, it will be worth it and will create unforgettable memories.
Some downtime in the afternoon to explore Shops and Cafes
After another early start (not as early as the day before), we will take you on a hike on the hanging bridges. Eight different bridges will enable you to see the wildlife from above and discover numerous birds and other animals. This is a relaxing hike and will make for a laid-back day.
You will have some free time to enjoy the best cafes and bars or any other activity, such as visiting some hot springs or waterfalls. We have plenty of options ready for you.
End of Trip – You will have the option to either travel back home, to Cirenas, or to Santa Teresa, depending on your itinerary.
Accommodation
We will be staying in the picturesque town of Santa Elena, located centrally right next to cafes, shops, and restaurants. The town is also close to two national parks, one being a Cloud Forest and the other a Tropical Forest, where we can enjoy hikes to explore the natural beauty. You will be staying in shared rooms with your groupmates.