Monteverde

Blissfully suspended in clouds of mist and dew, the hanging bridges of Monteverde spread out in the canopy of some 10,500 hectares. They offer one of the most breathtaking sceneries ever conceived by a route. Here, the forest has grown so thick and tall that everything from the ground to the horizon is made of trees. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is daunting in size, matchless in beauty, and unrivaled when it comes to natural purity. Divided into six ecological zones, the reserve shelters over 700 animal species and thousands of insects enveloped by rich flora. As you tour the forest’s main arteries, you will experience the exotic blend of the familiar and the more uncharted.

Aerial views best reflect the chaotic spirit of Monteverde. So, head to the adventure park and soar through the canopy via zipline. Pockets of wildlife are preserved within different zones. There, you will be the closest you can get to fascinating species. Butterfly Garden is among the most treasured, harboring a myriad of butterflies and insects in four gardens. The Curi Cancha Reserve close by is another must-see natural paradise with colors slightly warmer and beauty less interrupted by humans. It is a private refuge, making it the perfect place to be if you seek a more intimate encounter with the raw state of the region.

No wonder coffee is the primary product in Monteverde—the weather is so moist and clean that coffee plants thrive in excellence. A tour of the famous plantations will reveal the essence behind Costa Rica’s “golden grain.” Also worth of your time are exquisite tasting experiences and a convivial conversation with the local coffee producers.