Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
3 days & 2 nights
Perched atop the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde’s super-lush forests are home to an array of wildlife that includes howler monkeys, colorful hummingbirds and resplendent quetzals
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is situated along Costa Rica’s Continental Divide, extending down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. It consequently has very different environments within a small area, which means a diversity of plant life ranging from the wind-sculpted dwarf forests on exposed ridges to valley forests dominated by giant ficus, and aguacatillo trees covered with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and mosses. The area is home to such rare birds as the resplendent quetzal and three-wattled bell bird, as well as toucans, swallow-tailed kites, coatis, racoons and howler monkeys. In addition to the abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, and jaw-dropping sunsets, the area offers and array of outdoor diversions that include horseback riding, hiking and canopy tours.
Day 01 Drive to Monteverde & Afternoon Canopy Tour
This tour departs in the early morning. After a scenic three and a half hour drive past rolling sugar cane and coffee fields, cattle ranches, and amazing vistas, you will arrive at your cozy lodge near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. After lunch, you’ll head to either the Selvatura Park Canopy Tour, or Sky Trek. These unique tours consist of a series of suspension bridges, platforms and zip lines between treetops. They allow you to explore the cloud forest canopy, where the tree branches hold lush gardens of mosses, flowers, ferns and other epiphytes. Return to El Establo Hotel or similar. Meals (L, D).
Day 02 Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Butterfly Garden.
After a delicious buffet breakfast, we drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve: a 26,000-acre wilderness inhabited by 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians more than 400 bird species. You’ll hike through a remarkably luxuriant forest composed of more than 2,500 plant species, including 420 different kinds of orchids. The varied and colorful birdlife includes various types of hummingbirds, emerald toucanets, collared redstarts, three-wattled bellbirds, and the legendary resplendent quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Clouds drift in regularly over the slopes, providing constant moisture to keep the abundant vegetation green, and giving the cloud forest its name. A stop at the nearby Monteverde Butterfly Garden offers a chance to view native butterflies freely fluttering about inside an enclosed garden. A tour there explains the life cycle of the butterflies, from caterpillars to cocoons to colorful winged creatures. Free afternoon to relax or take an optional tour. Overnight at Hotel El Establo, or similar.
Day 03 Morning horseback tour & return to San José, or continue to your next destination.
After picking you up at your hotel, we’ll drive you to a local stable where your guide and horses awaiting you for a two-hour horseback ride along pastureland and forest patches. The trip passes panoramic views and includes a stop at a beautiful waterfall. Return to your hotel for lunch and drive back to San José, or continue to your next destination.
Above itinerary includes: Round-trip land transportation from San José; two nights lodging at the Hotel El Establo, or similar lodge; Selvatura Canopy Tour, guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve; tour of the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Horseback tour, 2 breakfasts & 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Rates
High season January- April 2012 & July 1- July 31, 2012
$609.00 per person in one double room
Low season May- June 30th 2012 & August 1- December 15, 2012
$578.00 per person in one double room
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