Monteverde Alive - Costa Rica
Discover the meaning of the Costa Rican phrase "
pura vida"-the pure life- with us. Monteverde and Cano Negro, the essence of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an active travelers ideal destination. With vibrant mountain rivers and verdant forest trails the Monteverde and Arenal region combine to offer the perfect setting for our newest trip. We ramble through cloud forests rich with flora and fauna and paddle crystal sparkling rivers with an active volcano as a back drop.
After meeting in San Jose we begin our journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Monteverde started as a Quaker community founded by peaceful people who wanted to live in a quiet and friendly environment. The village of Monteverde is nestled on the slopes below the cloud forest where families raise dairy cattle, famous for their delicious cheese.
The mist shrouded privately owned Reserve is home to many varieties of brilliant colored birds, including numerous varieties of hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and the elusive and rare Resplendent Quetzal. Early Mayans believed the quetzal to be the "bird of life" and a symbol of freedom since it was believed that the bird would not live in captivity.

We spend several days here, as there is much to see and do. Along with the Monteverde Reserve there are several smaller reserves that in themselves offer wonderful walking, hiking and exploring choices. Afternoons can be spent enjoying the local butterfly gardens where brightly colored mariposas dance among us, or visiting the small art galleries, artist co-ops and local coffee growers.
We leave Monteverde and head overland to the village of Fortuna and the stunning Arenal Volcano. Looming over the village of Fortuna the volcano is a constant reminder of nature's power and grace. Wehave a variety of river choices including the Rio Fortuna, Rio Penas Blancas and the Rio Arenal. All are quick and lively with verdant vegetation blanketing their banks. These waterways are a haven for a collection of birds including Northern Jacana, Little Blue Heron and Fly Catchers. We paddled at a leisurely pace allowing us to soak in all that surrounds us.
Ramble choices continue to abound here as well. Lava flows around the volcano provide wonderful areas to discover and take in the views of Lake Arenal. We may choose a walk to the Fortuna waterfalls, a pleasant walk through rich pasture land leads us to the edge of the forest and the cascading falls.
At days end we enjoy a trip to the Tabacon Hot Springs. The Rio Tabacon is heated naturally by the near by volcano and is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and reflect on a great day.
All to quickly our adventure ends. It is now time to leave the lowlands and return to San Jose and our final farewells. 

 

Monteverde

Monteverde Rambles
6 day moderate fastwater lodge based trip meeting at Monteverde Costa Rica and disbaning in San Jose:

ZZ-CNB07
Land Trip Price: $1,250
Single Supplement
$225
2005 Dates:
not currently offered
Private baths on 5 nights

 

 

Monteverde Rambles Itinerary

Day 1:
We depart from the San Jose International airport at 10:00am and begin our journey to Monteverde. We will travel along the Intraamerican highway to Santa Elena and Monteverde. Along the way we pass fields of coffee and sugar cane. The countryside unfolds in front of us with new sights and sounds. Upon reaching Monteverde we feel as if we are on top of the world. We will have lunch on our own today, and there are many places to choose from including the highly recommended "Stellas". The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a privately owned cloud forest reserve that is home to many varieties of brilliantly colored birds, including numerous hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and the elusive and rare Resplendent Quetzal. Early Mayans believed the quetzal to be the "bird of life" and a symbol of freedom since it will not live in captivity. Monteverde is indeed special, and is a fitting introduction to Costa Rica. We will have the afternoon to visit the butterfly garden, the Children's Rainforest and other sights in the area. We will settle into our lodge, enjoy an evening meal and begin to soak in the new sights and sounds of our surroundings.
Lodging - Hotel Villa Verde
Note - Lunch is on our own today
Day 2:
We have a full day to explore Monteverde with a local guide surrounded by a medley of ferns and a profusion of blooming orchids. We will leave time for shopping at CASEM, a local handcrafts cooperative and enjoy a cup of fresh roasted coffee.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest lies on the continental divide so we can take advantage of spectacular views of both the Pacific and Caribbean side of the country. To spend time in the cloud forest is truly a magical and educational experience. The forest reveals itself in layers and we are amazed and intrigued how everything is interconnected.
In addition to the cloud forest we will have time to visit the butterfly garden, hummingbird garden and other local areas during our stay. Evening finds us enjoying a well cooked meal with friends and looking forward to yet another day.
Lodging - Hotel Villa Verde
Day 3:
We plan an early morning departure from Monteverde and head overland through rugged mountains, lush coffee plantations and small villages on our way to Fortuna, and the stunning Arenal Volcano. Looming over the village of Fortuna the volcano is a constant reminder of nature's power and grace.
We have a variety of choices on how to travel from Monteverde to Fortuna, which include, horseback, walking or driving. The horseback and walking option each take about 4-5 hours and brings us through a mix of pasture land and cloud forest as we descend from the mountains down to the Arenal Valley. Views of the Arenal Volcano and wonderful birds are highlights of the day. The third option of driving brings us through the town of Tilaran and around the edge of Lake Arenal. However we choose to travel today rest assured it will be an exhilarating and enjoyable one. At the end of the day we find ourselves at La Catarata Lodge where we will settle in for the next two evenings, now thoroughly immersed in the true fabric of Costa Rica.
Lodging - La Catarata Lodge
Note-The horseback trip is optional and there is an additional charge
Day 4:
This morning after a full breakfast of gallo pinto and fresh fruit we are off for a day of
paddling. Our river choice today is the Rio Arenal. The scenery will be dominated by panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, lush forest, vibrantly colored birds and the mystery of being in a new place. This river is a haven is home to a wide collection of birds.
The end of the day brings us to the small village of Cano Negro. We will settle into our simple cabinas and perhaps opt for a paddle at sunset to enjoy watching the birds return to roost for the evening.
Lodging - Cano Negro cabinas
Day 5:
We have an early departure planned this morning as we look forward to a day of paddling on the Rio Frio through the Cano Negro Wildlife refuge. A wildlife reserve, Cano Negro, is very remote and provides a haven for a wide assortment of wildlife. We will paddle among wood storks, anhingas, cormorants, ducks, countless cayman, and all five species of kingfishers. River otter, sloths, howler monkeys and an array of other mammals and reptiles also make their home in the refuge.
It is a full day of paddling and birdwatching and by late afternoon we will return to our Lodge in Fortuna. If the weather cooperates we may choose to drive to the base of the Arenal volcano and see what the mountain has to offer. An active volcano, Arenal is known to glow, rumble and put on a good show. Nothing is guaranteed but just enjoying this wonder of nature is exciting.
Lodging - Albergue La Catarata
Day 6 After breakfast it will be time to check out and begin our journey back to San Jose. We may have time for a short paddle before bidding farewell to this special place. Our short visit has allowed us to explore this divers part of the country by canoe and foot.
Our journey ends as it began with a 2:00pm return to the San Jose Airport. If your travel plans differ from this you will be responsible for your own transfers.