That depends on what you want to accomplish with your trip. If you want to see all there is to see and do all there is to do, then late November or February is ideal. The rates aren’t as high as holiday season and the drier weather is great for tours and activities.

If you want a relaxing vacation and plan to get in tune with nature, then May/June or early November is a great time to enjoy the most peace, and the lowest rates. You will still find lush greenery, plenty of wildlife, activities, and quiet beaches. Book your outings in the morning to avoid the afternoon showers then spend your afternoons relaxing and listening to the music of the rain on the leaves.

For a better understanding of Costa Rica’s weather patterns, click here.

Clothing and Accessories

• T-shirts or tops; breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying are best
• Button-down shirts; ones with flippable collars will help protect your neck from the sun
• Long pants or convertible pants for hiking and for the cooler weather; comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying if possible. Avoid jeans!
• Leggings are a comfortable alternative for women because they allow a good range of motion and protection against bugs and branches
• Lots of socks, if you are adventurous you may change them more than once each day- breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are best
• Pajamas (nights can get cool in the mountains)
• 2 swimsuits, this will allow you to alternate while one dries
• Sarongs are a lightweight and versatile piece of clothing that can also serve as a scarf or a picnic blanket
• Any bras and/or underwear should be comfortable and breathable so you can be free to enjoy all of your outdoor adventures
• Hoodie or cardigan for evening adventures
• One dressy outfit to enjoy one of the amazing local restaurants
• A good quality breathable hat, ballcaps or bucket hats work great for hiking, bonus points if it’s waterproof
• A sun hat with chin strap is great for relaxing outdoors and the strap will keep the wind from carrying it away
• Comfortable, breathable hiking shoes
• Comfortable everyday shoes 
• Dress shoes if you plan to enjoy a night out

Gadgets and Extras

• A quality lightweight camera
• A waterproof backpack
• Raincoat or poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Lightweight jacket or windbreaker, higher elevations have high winds
• Watersocks are ideal if you plan to do one of the tours that features sliding down a waterfall. This allows you to keep your hiking shoes/boots dry for the hiking portion. Look for water shoes with thick soles and good tread.
• A bandana is a great multipurpose item, it can hold back your hair, shade your head, act as a belt or rope in a pinch, and even soak up any extra sweat.
• A quality pair of sunglasses to protect you from the bright tropical sun

Here is a great article that will explain why each item was chosen and fill in any gaps.

Obviously there will be bigger crowds during the peak season, so if that is when you plan to travel it is a good idea to make sure you have everything, including tours, pre-booked to avoid disappointment. 

Here is a breakdown of the tourist seasons;

Peak Tourist Season: Mid-December to Mid-January (Holiday Travellers) and July/August (Families with kids out of school)

This is the busiest time of year, everything is in full swing and the weather will be the classic tropical paradise every day. Accommodation and flights are both at the highest prices of the season. If you travel during this period be sure to pre-book everything to nail down good spots, reservations, and travel accommodations. 

High Season: Late November to April

This time of year will have mid-level rates for flights and accommodations, tourism is brisk so you can expect line-ups and it’s best to pre-book your excursions to make sure there is room. If you travel near the start or end of the season, you may see some rain, but don’t worry, activities roll on no matter what!

Low (“green”) Season: May to Mid-December

During low season you will enjoy the lowest rates for both flights and accommodations and you will miss the crowds. Visitors during this time get to see Costa Rica at its absolute lushest. You will see a healthy amount of rain, but also plenty of sunny mornings. When the rain does come down, it does so in short, intense bursts. 

Apart from the lush green weather and the occasional storm, things are quiet. Some tour companies scale down for this time of year, so it’s worth calling ahead or prebooking to make sure you don’t get caught off guard by a “closed for the holidays” sign. 

As a general rule, the temperature in most of Costa Rica varies between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius (or 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit) all year long. But that’s an average. Costa Rica has several microclimates, so there will be some areas of the country that trend hotter, and some areas that are cooler (like Monteverde).

Elevation affects temperature, so areas which are in the mountains, can be warm at the lower elevations, but grow cooler as you climb so bring a few layers. In Monteverde where the  Ocotea Hotel is located, you can visit several of these microclimates in a short span of time by simply hiking up the mountain!

San Jose, the country’s capital, tends to be cooler than the coastal areas. The northwest portion of Costa Rica (Guanacaste) is the hottest and driest, home to one of the world’s rarest, most interesting microclimates — the tropical dry forest.

Mid-November through March is a popular time for tourists because the weather is exceptionally consistent. While the average temperature varies from place to place depending on the elevation, average temperatures range from 30-35 degrees C (86-95 F).

Mother nature does what she wants when she wants but in general, the period from May to Mid-November is considered the green season while Mid-November to the end of April is considered the dry season.

Here is a wonderful article that will tell you what to expect in Monteverde month-by-month. 

You can get to Cost Rica by Plane, car or boat.

By Plane

There are three international airports but most travelers fly into one of the two larger international airports, which are the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, San Jose, and the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. 

These are the two largest cities in Costa Rica and are located in the northern portion of the country. There is a third international airport, also located in San Jose, called the Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ).

All of these airports accept international flights and have access to connecting domestic flights that will carry travelers to small local airports located farther south although only a few domestic airlines make regular flights, (like Sansa which offers a daily flight from SJO to Nosara in Guanacaste) 

However, the country is dotted with small airstrips (many of which have grass landing strips) and there are airlines that offer charter flights. Here is a list created by Wikipedia, if you’re curious…

By Car

Another option for travelers is to drive into the country by one of the 4 land borders, two span the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border, and two span the Costa Rica-Panama border.

From Nicaragua, drivers can enter Costa Rica at Penas Blancas or Los Chiles on the Costa Rican side. Of the two crossings, Penas Blancas is the most popular since Los Chiles is very rural.

There are also two land crossings that enter Costa Rica from Panama to the south. On the Pacific Side you can cross at Paso Canoas and on the Caribbean side, you pass through Sixaola. 

The crossing at Paso Canoas is the most popular because it is a nice easy drive down the Pacific Coast along the Costanera highway, also known as Highway 2. It passes through plenty of small towns, offers interesting rest stops along the way, and ends right at the border. From there the nearest town on the Panamanian side is Pavones about an hour and a half away.

Regardless of where you cross, here are a few things you should know:

• Your car is allowed into the country, and you are allowed to drive using a valid driver's license for as long as your visa stamp is valid (90 days or less). After that, you must register your vehicle.
• You will pay an exit tax in one country and an entrance tax in the other. Usually $10 or less, depending on the country.
• To enter Costa Rica, you must have proof that you plan to leave within 90 days. This is usually in the form of a plane ticket or (major)bus ticket.
• It is possible to walk across any of these borders and there are various types of public transportation available at all crossings to get you where you’re going.

By Boat

People seldom arrive by boat but when this does happen, it is usually from a cruise ship that has docked at one of the international ports, located in Limon on the Caribbean side and Puntarenas on the Pacific side. It is possible to sail or motor from the US. As with a car, your boat is only allowed to be in Costa Rican waters for a limited time, after which you will need to register it, and potentially pay some fees.

Regardless of how you cross into Costa Rica, you will need to officially register your arrival, and officials will generally give your passport a stamp that is good for up to 90 days. This timeframe is at their discretion and may be less.

Now that you are safely in the country, let's talk about how you can get here from….there… wherever ‘there’ is… to Monteverde.

Rental Car

Many people who arrive by plane have arranged a shuttle from the airport to their hotel ahead of time. Another common method is to rent a car. If you’re comfortable driving in a strange country, rental cars are by far the best way to go. 

It's a big country and things can be pretty spread out so a rental car gives you the freedom to explore. 

**It’s important to note that if you’re adventurous and you plan to head off the beaten track (or you are visiting in the green season), we recommend that you reserve a 4-wheel- or all-wheel-drive vehicle with decent clearance to deal with the more rural areas that aren't paved!

Shuttles

If you aren’t comfortable renting a car, then the next most popular method of getting around is by shuttle. There are plenty of companies (like Ocotea Tours & Transfers) that offer private vehicles with a dedicated driver. You can hire them by the day, or book them for a particular trip. In many cases, these shuttles are comfortable and well-equipped with A/C and wifi, allowing you to sit back and relax in between destinations. 

There are also companies that offer regular shuttles from one destination to another. An example of this would be a daily shuttle from the hotel to one of the beaches, or from the hotel to the airport and vice versa, these are not private (and can be crowded) but will do the trick.

Buses

Costa Rica has an extensive bus system, and the fees are really inexpensive, so you can get almost anywhere by bus if you are intrepid. Keep in mind that long trips might require a few transfers, and with frequent stops, you could be on the bus for a long time. 

If that doesn’t bother you, then why not hop on a bus and explore the country like a local? Here is a handy link to the bus schedule. During busy periods you may need to book your seat in advance.

Ferries

There aren’t very many ferries in Costa Rica, but it is a good idea to know about them in case you plan to explore on your own. The most popular ferry travels from Puntarenas on the Central Pacific Coast to Paquera on the Eastern side of the Nicoya Peninsula. 

Since the Bay of Nicoya is quite large, crossing by ferry can save you a really long drive around the Bay. Known as the Naviera Tambor Ferry, it takes everything from walk-on passengers to 18-wheelers, up to 170 cars. The trip across the bay is around 11 nautical miles and will take you 70 minutes. In comparison, to drive around the bay is more like 5 hours.

There is a small ferry farther down the coast between Golfito (also on the Pacific Coast) to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula which takes about half an hour to cross.

On the Caribbean coast, there is a regular boat service instead of a ferry. It will take you from Barra del Colorado up the Rio Colorado to Puerto Lindo and takes 60 minutes.

(This information has been condensed for space, but you can get lots more information from the full article here)

Driving in Costa Rica is not like driving in North America. While there are some nice multi-lane highways (usually Toll Routes), most of your non-city driving will be done on 2 lane highways that wind up and down around various mountains.

It's a beautiful place to drive, but the curvy roads and traffic will slow you down and the speed limit off the main highway is usually 60 or 80 km. Distances that may look minor on a map (or as the crow flies) can still take a long time by car, but the journey is half the fun, and the time spent will be well worth it for the view along the way.

Having said that, here are the approximate driving times between Monteverde and some popular destinations…

• MONTEVERDE TO SAN JOSE. 2 HOURS 45 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO. 3 HOURS  (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO LA FORTUNA..3 HOURS 15 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO CARTAGO. 3 HOURS 20 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO PUERTO VIEJO. 6 HOURS 30 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO JACO. 2 HOURS 10 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO QUEPOS. 3 HOURS 15 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO PASO CANOAS. 6 HOURS (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO PENAS BLANCAS. 1 HOURS 45 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO LIBERIA. 2 HOURS 5 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO DRAKE BAY. 6 HOURS 45 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO LIMON. 5 HOURS 30 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO TORTUGUERO. 5 HOURS 15 MIN (APPROX TIME).
• MONTEVERDE TO PUERTO JIMÉNEZ. 6 HOURS 20 MIN (APPROX TIME).

Christmas in Costa Rica is an experience like no other, and well worth a visit. There is a joyful vibe that settles in and stays from mid-December to the second week of January. To read “A Costa Rican Christmas”, click here.

The “holiday season” for tourists is always the busiest, so we recommend that visitors come before or after the main rush which starts at the beginning of December. 

Festival De La Luz

The first major event on the calendar is usually a tree lighting ceremony. Most towns will have their own ceremony but the biggest one is in San Jose. Costa Ricans love Christmas, so they kick off the holiday season with a bang… literally. You will enjoy lighting ceremonies with thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights, some live theatre and music, and a fireworks show after sunset.

Many of the larger towns will also celebrate with a parade that includes floats with Christmas decorations sure, but also dance troupes, cheerleaders doing intricate routines, marching bands, clowns and jugglers, people on stilts, and even cowboys in full costume doing tricks on their horses.

Traditional Food and Drink

Every culture has its traditional Christmas treats and Costa Rica is no exception. The main Christmas feast which takes place after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve will have a variety of delicious items that vary from family to family. The most common holiday yummies include  rompope (which is like eggnog, but creamer with less spice), roast pork with rice, tamales, tres leche cake, queque navideño (Christmas cake), pastries, coffee, or agua dulce (a drink made with the thickened juice from sugar cane).

What’s it like to visit CR during Semana Santa?

The majority of Costa Ricans are Roman Catholic, so Semana Santa (the week-long celebration of Easter) is an extremely busy time. As the biggest religious event of the year, kids are out of school, families are off work and everyone takes the opportunity to head to the beach areas, or visit family. 

That means heavy traffic on the roads. So heavy, in fact, that the main toll highway that runs from San Jose to the Pacific coast is reduced to one-way traffic to handle the overflow. Normally on Friday at the start of the holiday, all traffic will flow south, and at the end of the holiday, all traffic will flow north. It's best to plan your trip so that if you do HAVE to be on the road during these periods, you are going with the flow.

So, What Is Thanksgiving Like In Monteverde?

Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy traditional cuisine with a tropical touch, and the leading restaurants in Monteverde will offer special menus for the weekend. 

Around the community, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to enjoy time at home with family and friends. However, a new Thanksgiving tradition has been growing steadily since its introduction in 2012. The Monteverde Quaker community has been encouraging residents to replace the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with Giving Tuesday. 

Giving Tuesday

GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that unleashes the transformative power of radical generosity and motivates people to simply do good. Since 2012 it has evolved into a year-round global movement that motivates hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

It's a simple concept and it's as easy as making someone smile, assisting a neighbor or stranger, supporting an issue or people we care about, or giving to those in need.

The name Monteverde is almost synonymous with the nearby cloud forest. Why? Because cloud forest is extremely rare, and as such it is the region's main attraction. Only 1% of the world's remaining forests are cloud forests. However, it’s important to understand that Monteverde has several other kinds of forest here as well.

That’s because as you reach higher elevations, the microclimate within the forest changes, and  with it the types of plants and animals that can survive there. In general, temperatures fall by about 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) for every 100 meters (328 feet) of elevation. 

Tropical Cloud Forest

Definition:

a wet tropical mountain forest at an altitude usually between 3000 and 8000 feet (1000 and 2500 meters)  characterized by a profusion of epiphytes and the presence of clouds even in the dry season

Tropical Rainforest

Definition:

1: a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) marked by lofty broad-leaved evergreen trees forming a continuous canopy. — called also tropical rain forest. 2: temperate rainforest.

Tropical Dry Forest

Definition:

tropical dry forest describes the biome of any open woodland in tropical areas that have a long dry season followed by a season of heavy rainfall. Tropical dry forests are found to the north and south of tropical rainforests, (in our case- Guanacaste) and are categorized by a dry season that lasts six or more months of the year.

Tropical Lowland Forest

Definition:

tropical lowland forest occurs in the humid tropics, within 10° of the equator, where rainfall is plentiful throughout most of the year. They typically exist in elevation ranges from sea level-1700 m.

Riparian Forest

Definition:

a wooded or forested area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, pond, stream, lake, marshland, canal, sink, estuary, or reservoir.

Mangrove Swamp

Definition:

1: a group of trees or shrubs that grow in chiefly tropical coastal areas that are flooded during high tide. Mangroves typically have numerous tangled roots above ground and form dense thickets.

2: a tidal swamp that is dominated by mangroves and associated vegetation.

Transitional Forest

While not technically a classification of rainforest, you will also hear the term transitional forest during your tours. This is a term that is used to describe a forest that is experiencing growth such as a forest that was diminishing in size because of deforestation, fire, or disease, but has now recuperated to a point where it has grown beyond its original size. In the Monteverde area, there are many reforestation projects underway, so many of these forests are considered “transitional”. 

Both rainforests and cloud forests are famous for their diversity and many of the same animals can be found in both, with the exception of animals that require warmer temperatures, like certain species of lizards. 

Still, the forests contain over 29 species of lizards,  60 kinds of amphibians, 71 types of snakes, and 100 species of mammals, and that doesn’t even count the insects! The forests are full of life, but to explore them fully, you need to visit in the daytime and at night. Learn more about the nightlife in our Escondido Reserve: From Night to Day post.

Jaguars are a keystone species in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. They are apex predators that hunt on land and in the water, and they regulate the population level of certain prey species. Without jaguars, the population of up to 87 species could increase, upsetting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

To read “The Fantastic Wildlife of Costa Rica”, click here.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is roughly 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel and takes around 15 minutes to get there. There are a few different ways to make the trip. For more information about this amazing park, click here.

Taking a Private Tour

In our opinion, a private tour is the best way to see the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! Professional forest guides take years of training and are extremely knowledgeable. They travel with fantastic optical gear, know all the forests’ secrets, and will help you to see magnificent birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal or the Three Wattled Bellbird, and the magnificent ecology of these remarkable forests.

The tour operator will pick you up at your hotel reception and drive you to the reserve and back, so you can sit back and enjoy the experience without the hassle.

Just contact us and we will arrange the best tour for you! 

If You Have Your Car

Guests who prefer to take their own car will travel east from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel to the main road, and then turn left. Continue past the gas station in Cerro Plano. (here the road turns to gravel) Follow this road for a little less than three miles until you see the signs for the parking lot and follow the signs. 

A large blue sign on your right will say "Official Parking Lot Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve."

Find a space, leave your car locked, and take the keys. From here, a shuttle with a friendly  bilingual driver will take you to the reserve's entrance for your tour. Afterward, they will pick you up, and take you back to your car. There is a small fee that includes the parking spot and this shuttle to and from the entrance. The reserve entry is closed to direct traffic.  

What Should I Take to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve? 

Layers of light clothes, breathable shirts, and hiking boots are ideal for your hike. It’s also a great idea to bring along a rain poncho, a hat, a water bottle (Refillable), some nuts, fruit or granola bars, and a few candies (in case your sugar levels go down), for a snack, and of course, a good lightweight camera. A sturdy waterproof backpack is the best way to keep everything safe, and dry.

As you learn about the world’s ecosystems, you start to understand that every living organism has a part to play in the well-being of the planet. Every time a plant, animal, or insect becomes extinct, we risk the failure of the delicate balance that makes it all work.

That’s why we have a responsibility to do our part to maintain our forests, wetlands, and oceans, even if that part is simply making an effort to reduce our footprint, clean up after ourselves, and be mindful of how the things we do (or don’t do) can affect our planet.

I passed this question on to Lindsay Stallcup, the Executive Director of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest Preserve, one of the 4 local reserves located in Monteverde and this was her response.

“People who visit Costa Rica have the power, in their hands and in their pocketbooks, to support the organizations and causes that are important to them. By visiting a non-profit organization like the BEN, visitors can be sure that 100% of the money they spend is being used to protect and preserve the forest and the species that live there. All income from visitation and donations goes directly back into preserving this incredible forest - through forest patrols, environmental education, research, and other crucial programs. Only a few tourism destinations in Monteverde can say that!”

To read more about the amazing people who have dedicated themselves to conservation, click here. If you would like to make a donation to the park, simply click this link.

A continental divide is a drainage divide such that the drainage basin on one side of the divide feeds into one ocean or sea and the basin on the other side feeds into a different ocean or sea. 

As rains come from the Caribbean Sea, they arrive in the area of Monteverde and turn into the dense clouds that cover the peaks of the mountains. The misty fog that gives the Monteverde Cloud Forest its name is caused by the low-hanging clouds that blanket the forests, and creates a unique and diverse ecosystem with creatures that have adapted to thrive in this environment, where the blazing tropical sun has difficulty breaking through the dense cloud cover.

Orchids, lichens, bromeliads, ferns, and tall trees abound in the cloud forest, and this abundance of food in turn draws a wide range of bird, animal, and amphibian species. Within (and without) the 50,000 hectares of protected forests you have the opportunity to see around 400 different kinds of birds, making Monteverde a must-see spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Migratory birds begin appearing as early as September, but you can see dozens of mixed flocks with the newcomers adapting to the environment by late October, or early November. 

January to April is a favorite time for many visitors, but the locals enjoy beautiful birdwatching all year long!

For a free guide to the Birds of Monteverde, click here!

The best time to go varies with the seasons and the time of day. In the sunny season, you can take the hike at different times throughout the day, while in the rainy season, hikes are taken in the morning to avoid afternoon showers. 

Luckily, this decades-old preserve is open and beautiful throughout the year. To learn more about it, click here.

Costa Rica is famous for several different things, but when it comes to tourism, canopy ziplines, and eco-tourism top the list. And really, those two things are connected because ziplining is a way for visitors to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the forest while leaving the smallest footprints behind.

Even though the country is known for canopy zip lining, people don’t always realize that it was invented here way back in 1979. Donald Perry, the US biologist that invented it, however, wasn’t thinking about tourism at the time. He created the ziplines to help him study the rainforest canopy without all the climbing.  His experiments resulted in an easy and fun way to travel amongst the trees!

While may have invented it (thank you Donald!), it was a Canadian entrepreneur named Darren Hreniuk who saw its potential for adventure and patented the technology. He opened the first canopy zipline in Monteverde in 1997, and soon a growing new industry was born. To read “A Costa Rican Creation: The History of the Canopy Zipline”, click the link.

Today millions of tourists arrive in Costa Rica each year, looking for a tropical vacation and the ability to explore a diversity of nature that exists in few other places.

Those of us with a fear of heights may not understand the appeal of the zipline, but this adrenalin-pumping activity brings visitors from around the globe, and here is why.

• The experience. Where else on earth can you can soar so close to the canopy and get a true appreciation of the beauty that it holds- and the sheer size of some of these humongous trees?
• The exhilaration. There are many ways to get your heart pounding and to trigger the burst of adrenaline that happens when your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode. But few of them are as safe as a properly run zipline. Choose companies that offer pre-tour training to make sure you use your equipment properly.
• Bragging Rights. That’s right, I said it.  Facing your fear and hurling yourself through the air under a tautly strung cable isn’t something everyone can enjoy. So, those of us who do it earn the right to pat ourselves on the back and tell all of our friends how brave we were!

The term Canopy Tour encompasses a few different activities, including the popular canopy zipline, so now that you’re all pumped up and ready to brave a Costa Rican Canopy Tour, there are a few things you should know.

• There is no point in taking all sorts of “stuff” with you because your hands will be too busy for purses or extra cameras, and if you drop them along the way- they’re gone forever. Some venues may offer lockers for your gear, but it’s a good idea to lock it safely in the car out of sight once you have paid your fee. It’s also a smart idea to have your keys on a lanyard or attached to a carabiner any time you are adventuring in nature so they don’t get lost.
• Many of the tours have cameras along the way snapping pics for you. It will cost you a few dollars, for the photo but not as much as losing your camera and all your vacation pictures in the jungle. Those with a  GoPro can attach it to their helmet, leaving their hands free during the tour.

You should be aware that there are different parts to a Canopy Tour with a zipline such as rope bridges, Tarzan swings, hammock bridges(aka hanging bridges), superman ziplines, and rappels. So, let’s talk about what each term means.

Obviously, to zipline through the canopy, you have to first get up there. This is generally done gradually through a series of ramps, or rope bridges that are attached to platforms built around the trunks of the trees.

A rope bridge (pictured above) is when a series of parallel ropes strung between trees hold wooden slats together. There are ropes to hang onto as you cross, and the bridge will sway gently when you step on it.

A hammock/hanging bridge is a more substantial version of a rope bridge with high side railings. They are often used to cross rivers or gullies. They look like this…

A Tarzan swing is exactly what you would expect, a swing on the end of a long rope, except that you are safely clipped in by a harness, and yelling is optional.

Another term that is easy to imagine is the Superman Zipline. While it’s not exactly flying like Superman, it’s as close as you can get- safely and without superpowers. This is accomplished via a special harness that clips in at your back so that you swing facedown and then glide along below the cable.

Rappelling is done vertically from the top of a cliff or waterfall to the bottom. Climbers who are wearing a harness, clip themselves to the rope using special equipment. It allows them to slide down the rope at their own pace while bracing their feet against the cliff face. Rappelling down waterfalls is a fun way to cool off!

Costa Rica has tours for every taste, speed, budget, and level of ‘daring.’ 

Do you like to cook? You can visit a local home and learn authentic Costa Rican cuisine from a Tico! Do you want to go to the market to buy the ingredients? Even the smallest communities usually have a weekly Feria or market full of fresh produce, home-baked goodies, herbs and spices, cheese, and even fresh or cured meats. 

Do you want to go to the farm and pick it yourself? You can do that too and you can choose from cocoa, coffee, dairy, sheep, cattle, or horse farms. Gather up the ingredients you need, or simply stay and explore. You can even milk a cow and make your own cheese! Or go Horseback riding!

If you’d rather see more exotic animals, There are lots of wildlife sanctuaries. Some of them — like the sloth sanctuary — provide some really fun tours! 

There are butterfly conservatories and sanctuaries to visit, but you don’t need to go to a sanctuary to see wildlife in Costa Rica though. There are wildlife preserves, and hiking trails galore… and that’s not even touching on the marine life on the coast.

A Water-Walk on the Wild Side?

Once you bring water into the equation, everything changes. Do you want to explore freshwater rivers?  Would you rather kayak or white water raft? Maybe you prefer to wade out into that stream and go fly fishing? It’s all available for you to enjoy.

If you don’t want to stay inland, head for some salt water! Inshore fishing, offshore fishing, scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, and whale watching are all available. There are even tours that show you how coral reefs are being preserved! 

So Many Ways to Immerse Yourself in Nature

There is everything from ATV-ing to rock climbing. If you don’t want to climb UP the rock, no problem, you can repel down a waterfall instead. Walk through the mists of the canopy on hanging bridges far above the valley floor or,  if you don’t feel like walking, hop on a zipline and glide through it instead.

And then there are the volcanos! There are 6 active and 61 inactive volcanoes to explore as well. If that's not exciting enough you can jump off a cliff into a pool, go spelunking or paraglide.

If these kinds of activities are too adventurous you can enjoy a round of golf or go birdwatching. Hop on a boat and cruise the mangroves looking for crocodiles. Or stroll the beach… at certain times of the year, you can even watch conservationists releasing baby turtles into the surf!

And finally, you can even visit one of the many indigenous villages and learn about the traditional Costa Rican lifestyle, and that takes us right back to cooking where we started.

The bottom line here is that learning about nature can be a lot of fun, and while you’re galloping, zipping, or swinging past it, take the time to appreciate the amazing plants and animals that share the planet with us because many of those creatures are endangered. They need our help to survive, and the best way to preserve their way of life (and our own) is to understand how we all fit together on the planet.

Read “Unlocking the Joy of Adventure in Monteverde”.

The Main Four Preserves of the Region are the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena Cloud Forest, The Children’s Eternal Forest, and the Curi-Cancha Preserve. 

Which is the best? Well, it actually depends on your preferences. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Of course, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the symbol of the region. This preserve started all, and the whole place is made to be appreciated. 

The trails are in excellent condition, very well marked, and there are both short and easy loops and strenuous trails, but due to its popularity, the park is also quite busy.

In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will find 9 trails in total. 

The distance on the longest loop is 7.7 Km | 4.7 Mi. , but you can find shorter loops that are only 2 kilometers on paved easy trails.

It is worth mentioning the outlook at the Continental Divide where you can see both sides of Costa Rica — the Pacific shows you the Pacific Ocean, the Nicoya Gulf, and islands. Meanwhile,  the Caribbean side is a huge forest that starts with an elfin forest and goes on for miles. 

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Preserve

This reserve is owned and managed by the high school of Santa Elena. The trails are narrower than the ones in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, but I feel that Santa Elena Reserve is wilder than Monteverde.

In Santa Elena, there are some spots worth mentioning, namely the Youth Trail which is easy to walk and has universal access. 45 minutes at a steady calm pace will get you through.

Also, the Platform, a three-story structure with a 360° view out across Arenal Volcano, its lake, and the Volcanic Mountain range of Guanacaste on a clear day. 

The Shinrin Yoku Forest Bath is part of the Bajo trail in Santa Elena, and as you start, it will guide you to take time to breathe the cloud forest, its sounds, aromas, and sights.

Forest bathing can be seen as a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both). The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”). 

The purpose was to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.

The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know, that time spent immersed in nature is good for us. 

While Japan is credited with the term shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health. 

Children’s Eternal Forest

This is the biggest private reserve in Central America. When you walk in the trails of the Eternal Forest of the Children, you find that it is a very different ecosystem. It is one of the very few unique rain shadow forests in Costa Rica.  

Despite being within a mile from the Monteverde cloud forest, the drier environment of this region means that many of the plant and animal species here in the area are unique. Only roughly 40 km2 of Costa Rica’s unusual “rain shadow forest” are protected!

The trails in this preserve have been made to suit families and children. As it is drier and the trails in certain areas are sandy and rocky, shoes with good traction are a must. In the depths of the forest, you’ll find the Bajo del Tigre Station, which has a sizeable community of soldier ants, and you will spot them on the trails often. Pay attention to what happens around these ants! 

These great ant columns attract a whole range of wildlife that eat the ants. So, usually, wherever the ants are, there may be toucans, several types of antbirds, motmots, and more. 

Curi-Cancha

Curi-Cancha is the smallest of these preserves. The Lowther family bought this property in 1970 and named it Curi-Cancha, which means “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. The land was roughly half meadow and half pristine rainforest. Over the next 45 years, the Lowthers allowed most of the pastured land to revert naturally to woodland.

The site was legally designated a Refugio de Vida Silvestre under MINAE in 1997 and opened to visitors in 2011. Curi-Cancha Reserve is located close to the Cheese Factory. It protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of land that is 50% virgin forest, 45% secondary growth, and 5% open grassland. Visitors can explore the flora and wildlife of the tropical cloud forest over seven kilometers of natural trails. 

*A Note on Curi-Cancha

The amazing fact about having such different environments as open pasture areas in recovery near small ponds is the variety of birds grows exponentially. So, this is the perfect place for birdwatching, and they cultivate this by providing benches to sit on while you take in the place's beauty. 

El Tigre Waterfalls

El Tigre Waterfalls is actually a bit away from Monteverde, on the way to Tilaran. It takes about a half-hour from downtown Santa Elena to get there. However, it is one of the most beautiful and pristine rainforests of Costa Rica and a wonderful day trip.

El Tigre Waterfalls is one trail, very well-marked and simple to follow. The hike can go from 5.4 km to 8 km long, and it is from moderate to difficult. From the trailhead, it goes down to a canyon where you will see 4 breathtaking waterfalls amid a luscious primary rainforest.

There are 9 bridges in total (including hanging bridges and natural tree bridges). Some of them have rails, although some just have a rope to hold on to, and parts of the trail follow the river so the hike is an adventure. If you have waterproof hiking boots, better to bring them.

Another interesting part of this experience is that at the end of this trail, you will have the option of coming back to the restaurant by horse or walking back.

If you chose to walk back, the path is quite strenuous, with steep hills out in the open. As part of the El Tigre Tour, a nice traditional lunch is provided, with a variety of alternatives (including veggies). All of them are made in their wood stove, for a wonderfully authentic experience!

If you are interested in not only seeing the forest, the wildlife, and the amazing birds but also  understanding a bit about this fantastic life system, we absolutely suggest you contact Ocotea Tours and Transfers and book a tour guide or sign up for one of their guided tours.

Whether personalized and private or shared with other people, a naturalist will take you to the core of the cloud forest. They know where everything is and how it works. They will show you the tarantula holes and the Resplendent Quetzal sighting hotspots, and they know about the ecosystem, its delicate relationships, and all its interconnected nature better than anyone. They walk these paths every single day, and they love to show them off. 

Tour guides are not only knowledgeable local experts and great naturalists but they also carry great optical gear, and whenever they find a bird like the Three-Wattled Bellbird, which usually perches up at the peak of the trees, they will point their telescopes for you to see the breathtaking bird in all its might. 

So yes! Hiring a tour guide for Monteverde is a good idea. 

We recommend you bring: 

• Good hiking shoes
• Fresh breathable clothing
• A rain poncho
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Energy bars
• A lot of water
• Candy

Extra Tips for Solo Hikers

Plan your hike! Please check the maps and plan your hike before getting into the reserves so that when you enter, you already know what you are doing, so that you can inform the people of the preserve where you are going to be, especially if you are hiking solo. This is a universal safety precaution, and it means you can settle in and focus on exploring!

*Note- be careful not to leave anything behind, and don’t feed the wildlife. As tempting as it may seem, if monkeys, coatimundis, or agoutis show up, please keep the food in your bag. They’ve got delicate digestive systems, and it’s also important to keep them independent and wild!

Monteverde has a unique and inspiring culture, and there are lots of ways to appreciate it.

A simple walk through town is a great way to stretch your legs after a long drive and get an idea about the town and its amenities. 

Plus, a stroll towards the Monteverde reserve will take you through several parts of town, across some beautiful rivers surrounded by forest, and give you a chance to enjoy some time on the benches that have been placed strategically to help you enjoy the different beautiful views en route. Especially if you time your walk to coincide with the sunset!

As you arrive in the town of Monteverde from Santa Elena, you will find the Women's Cooperative of Casem, a small whole food supermarket, and a couple of cafeterias and sodas (the term for restaurants that serve typical Costa Rican cuisine). 

If you walk further, you will find the Cheese Factory and the entrances to the Children’s Eternal Forest and Curi-Cancha. 

You’ll pass the Rio Chante Cultural Center on the right-hand side, which provides events and classes in different disciplines and arts, and all along the way, you will also notice on the sidewalk different artistic manifestations. Some are just words to inspire thought during your walk, while others are beautiful murals. 

The standard diet is fairly simple and really quite healthy. The staples are rice and beans (mixed together and called Gallo Pinto), fruits, veggies, fish, and meats served with corn-based breads like tortillas. 

Authentic Costa Rican food is uncomplicated, uses whatever fresh ingredients are handy, and is meant to be shared. Meals are social occasions, often prepared as a group and savored slowly with friendly conversations, much laughter, and probably music.

If you wander into any local restaurant (referred to as a “soda”) you will usually find a buffet-type set up. To go truly authentic you can order what’s called a casado. Sold in various sizes, you will be able to choose from a variety of side dishes including the standard gallo pinto, grilled veggies,  cold salads, grilled plantain, various meats, and pico de gallo.

The flavors are relatively simple. Meats are usually grilled but also appear in rich sauces. Dried plantains often take the place of chips or fries and cilantro is extremely common.

Costa Rica has some of the best deep-sea fishing anywhere, so a wide variety of fish and seafood is available everywhere, and in many cases, the fish is caught and served on the same day. Octopus (known in Spanish as Pulpo) is a really common dish and is served as ceviche, in pastas and soups, or breaded and deep fried.

Authentic Costa Rican food is prepared simply and unhurriedly, most commonly over a wood fire in an outdoor kitchen. It’s made with fresh ingredients, simple spices, and lots of love.

The concept of “craft cuisine” is an interesting one because the craft cuisine movement involves creating food by hand, using intention, expertise, and experience. Craft foods are artisanal in nature, meaning the creator has a level of skill that is beyond the average, making the food, in essence, an art form.

Many of Monteverde’s best restaurants are at the forefront of the local craft cuisine trend. To explore the “Craft Cuisine Scene” in Monteverde, click the link.

Bon Appetit Pizzeria e Ristorante

Bon Appetit is located quite close to the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, making it a favorite of their guests. It combines classic Italian influences with an unmistakable Costa Rican identity. The vibe here is a really nice balance between casual and fine dining, with a comfortable atmosphere that feels like home and food that will certainly remind you you’re on a wonderful vacation!

For instance, meat-eaters can enjoy a delicious cut of meat, grilled to perfection and topped with a sauce you would never find in a typical Italian eatery, like sweet pineapple sauce. 

Lovers of spice can tempt their tastebuds with a salmon steak topped with jalapeno sauce! Finding ingredients mixed and matched in exciting new ways is one of the most appealing things about haute cuisine and the craft cuisine trend. 

Like this delicious salad.

You can almost taste the slices of fresh parmesan cheese and the tang of the olives drizzled with balsamic.

Here is another example. Just in case the thick, juicy piece of steak wasn’t enough to make your heart melt into a puddle on your chair….they’ve drizzled it with…yup…  strawberries! It is combinations like these that make dining here such a taste adventure.

Here is an example of the local cheese factory’s wares, beautifully arranged as a charcuterie board. It shows why the Monteverde Cheese factory has become such a popular tourist destination. 

I guess it’s easy to understand why Bon Appetit! made it onto the list.

Tramonti Pizzeria E Ristorante

This one is on the list because of the sheer size and selection of delectable items on the menu and the gorgeous expanse of glass windows. Eating in an authentic Italian eatery with a view of the wondrous Monteverde Cloud Forest just can’t be beat! 

Here is a view of the restaurant at night…

The restaurant opened in 1983 and is run by Gianna from Italy and Adriana from Costa Rica. The menu is a wondrous collection of offerings that will make your mouth water and set your heart racing. Real authentic cuisine that has complex and luscious flavors. Ingredients that have been picked fresh or pulled from the ocean less than two hours away make it so much better.

Imagine a dish of steaming mussels fresh from the Pacific simmered in a spicy Neapolitan sauce, or tuna caught fresh and served in a delectable parsley sauce! The only problem may be narrowing down which tasty tidbits to nibble.

Nectandra

We recently did an interview with Roberto Cruz, the chef at Ocotea’s Nectandra Restaurant, and he literally embodies the essence of the craft cuisine movement. A breakfast created by Roberto and his staff is a piece of art. Every morsel is prepared with care, every flavor combination is designed for the perfect taste experience.

Nestled high on a hill overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery in Monteverde, the Ocotea Boutique Hotel is dedicated to providing its guests with a unique experience that immerses them in nature, so they can leave refreshed. 

Thanks to Roberto’s skill in the kitchen, they can also leave knowing they have sampled the very best ingredients that Monteverde has to offer in flavorful combinations that appeal to all of your senses before taking your tastebuds to heaven.

This menu is built around the idea that guests should experience all of Monteverde’s riches and heritage, right down to the simplest ingredients, picked fresh and locally sourced for the best possible flavor. 

With new lunch and buffet menus on the way, we can look forward to even more scrumptious options, like sea bass in a cashew crust and chicken roll stuffed with earthy vegetables. Click here for the new menu.

The process of coffee making in Costa Rica is quite different from what North Americans are used to, but the connection to it, and desire for it, remains. Why? Because Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world!

Unlike the various North American methods of coffee brewing from perked, to French-pressed, to little prepackaged pods, coffee making here is utterly simple.

You grab a cup. You grab a coffee sock. (not the kind you put on your feet- a tube of simple cotton fabric sewn into a tube with a closed bottom called a “colador” or “bolsa” and a top that is stretched over a circular wire frame with a hook on one end.)

If you’re feeling fancy, you hang the hook on a wooden frame made for that purpose, (called a “chorreador”). If you aren’t feeling fancy, you pop the sock in your cup. Then you measure some coffee grinds into your sock, and pour hot water in until the cup is full. 

Then you stand over your cup with a groggy smile on your face sniffing the rich aroma for a few minutes while you pry your eyes open. Remove the sock, add your sugar or cream, and voila! Fresh arabica. It may not be fancy, but you can’t beat the rich, delicious flavor of fresh Costa Rican coffee!

Read “Nector of the Gods: The Story of Costa Rican Coffee”.

Coffee is not indigenous to Costa Rica, it arrived in the 1700s, from Cuba, brought in to see how well it would grow. 

The answer was- incredibly well. By 1808, the Costa Rican Government realized the impact this amazing new crop could have on the country’s economy. This is why Governor Tomás de Acosta encouraged citizens to plant the crop by offering free land to coffee farmers. Understandably, production took off.

By 1821 there were a reported 17,000 coffee trees producing beans. The best coffee grows at altitudes of 1200 to 1700 meters, and thanks to the country’s year-round warm weather, rich volcanic soil, and many mountain slopes, these trees could be harvested three times a year. 

The large volume of beans produced created a need for improved infrastructure, roadways, and even railroads, so you could say the coffee industry has shaped the country.

The Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (ICAFE) was established in 1933 to support and regulate the industry’s commercial and agricultural development. They even established a law in 1989 that prohibited farmers from growing the robusta strain of coffee beans, so that only the best arabica beans could be used. Talk about dedication to quality!

In 1829, coffee surpassed sugar cane, tobacco, and cacao as the country’s number one export. Then, in 1832, the beans were exported to Chile and Panama and onwards to England, where the population instantly took a liking to it. 

The British Market was huge and the golden age of coffee production began. The Costa Rican economy thrived, thanks to the ‘golden harvest’ as it was called, until WWII. Sadly, during the war, the British Army began rationing their supplies and demand dropped dramatically.

Fun Facts

• Costa Rica is famous for its brightly colored Oxcarts which were brought here by the Spanish in order to help move the coffee beans to the coast.
• The Tarrazú region is thought by many to make the best coffee because they are at the highest altitude. Back in 2012, the most expensive beans sold at Starbucks were the Tarrazú Geisha!
• In parts of Costa Rica, growers harvest the beans three times per year. The January harvest produces the biggest crop and workers are brought in from neighboring countries to help out. The beans are picked, processed, and packaged within 24 hours! That’s why it tastes so fresh!
• Costa Rica exports between 1.2-1.5 million bags of coffee annually!
• Most of those beans are still picked by hand by workers carrying big baskets on their backs. Then the beans are transported to beneficios (processing plants) to be washed, depulped, and dried. In many cases, they are still left in the sun to dry.
• More than 70% of Costa Rica’s coffee production follows ‘adaptation actions’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (ICAFE, 2015)
• Costa Rica only has around 5 million inhabitants, living in 19,730 square miles…but in 2015 they produced 215,639,213 lbs and exported 131,305,680 lbs of coffee!
• In some cases, coffee beans will pick up flavors, not only from the soil but from other nearby crops

Coffee tours are a great way to see for yourself how the beans are collected and processed. You can also discover the various varieties of beans and the way the different growing regions affect the taste of the beans. 

Ocotea Tours offers a great Coffee Tour. <click this link to check it out!>

There are 8 growing regions for coffee in Costa Rica. Since the altitude and soil content are different in each region, the flavors of the coffee produced also vary.

There are two popular chocolate tours in Monteverde.

The first is put on by the Cabure Argentine Cafe. Whether you take the tour or not, they are well worth visiting for their scrumptious hand-made truffles. (they show you how to make them at the end of the tour).

These hand-dipped bits of deliciousness are then drizzled with more yummy goodness. Need I say more??

The other popular coffee tour is through Don Juan Tours. Their tour actually explains the production of coffee, cocoa, and sugar cane all in one tour, so it’s a great way to enjoy all your indulgences at once.

Here is the story I was given by a tour guide when I asked him about the strangely shaped fruit that was on display in their gift shop. I didn’t know at the time that it was a cocoa bean, and I wasn’t actually there for a coffee tour, but it is the best story I have heard by far.

One day a few members of the tribe stumbled upon an unknown tree while foraging for food. The tree was short and covered in large green pods like these…

Curious, the men gathered as many of the strange pods as they could and took them home to show the other villagers.

The other members of the village gathered around to discuss the strange pod. A new food source was always welcome, but there was no way of knowing if the pod was edible or poisonous.

They cracked the pods open to see what was inside.

Inside the hard outer shell, the pod was full of hard beans. Each bean was coated with a soft white goo. They cracked open more of the pods and passed them around eagerly, pulling out the gooey beans, and sniffing them. They gave off a mild, sweet odor.

As they sniffed, they discussed the strange pods some more, trying to decide the best way to test the beans. Eventually, a brave young man offered to sacrifice his life for the good of the tribe. He would eat one of the beans and see what happened.

The villagers waited anxiously while he popped the bean in his mouth and sucked off the white coating.

He smiled and nodded at them. The coating was sweet, it seemed like a good sign. Still, they waited, sitting around the fire, to see if he would survive this new discovery.

After a while, when the young man was certain that he wasn’t going to fall ill from the white coating, he pulled the hard bean out of his mouth and bit it in half. After a few chews, he grimaced and spat it out into the fire.

The bean was bitter and unpalatable. With loud groans and much disappointment, the villagers collected up the pods that they had broken open, carried them to the edge of the village, and dumped them on the ground.

Many weeks later while returning to the village, one of the young men noticed an enticing smell coming from the forest.

Curious, he went to investigate. There on the ground were the dried-up pods that they had discarded. But now they were dry and hard, baked by the heat of the sun. The white coating had been absorbed by the beans which were now small and brown.

He gathered up some of the beans and sniffed them. They smelled sweet and rich. He took the handful of beans to the elders of the village and showed them.

Once more the villagers gathered to discuss the mysterious pods and their transformation.

Once more the brave young man offered to taste them. He picked up a dried bean and gingerly bit into it.

He chewed for a moment, and then a smile lit up his face. The bean was slightly bitter, but the flavor was rich and delicious.

This time the villagers smiled and nodded at each other hopefully while they waited to see if this brave young man would fall ill. When he did not, they cheered and reached forward eagerly to try the beans themselves.

From that moment on the beans were a favorite food of the villagers. They ground the dried beans up and mixed them with hot water to make the very first version of hot chocolate.

(Traditional recipes for this drink include ingredients like honey, herbs, and even chilies!)

To read the full article which includes some amazing recipes, click here.

Now that you know the story, here is the more scientific information…

The History of Cocoa

According to the Royal Botanical Gardens the name ‘cocoa’ which we use today wasn’t coined until much later.

“The scientific name Theobroma cacao was given to the species by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, when he published it in his famous book Species Plantarum. Theobroma means 'food of the gods' in Latin, and cacao is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word xocolatl, from xococ (bitter) and atl (water).” (KEW Science, 2009)

As much as I adore the story that I shared above, it doesn’t show up in searches about the origin of cocoa. Legends and lore have been passed down verbally in many ancient cultures, so I still have hope that that’s what actually happened.

At least one part of the story is true, however. According to the record books, Christopher Columbus noticed the indigenous tribes' obsession with the dark beans and tried them. Once he found out how delicious it was, he took them home to Spain and the rest is history.

More than one ancient culture was obsessed with cocoa beans from Mexico through parts of Central America and even Guatemala. Some Aztec cave paintings suggest that the beans were so precious, only royalty was allowed to enjoy them.

Archeologists have found Mayan cave paintings that suggest the beans themselves were used as currency.

The answer to this question is very extensive and available in these two posts.

What on Earth is That? Costa Rican Fruits- Part 1

What on Earth is That? Costa Rican Fruits- Part 2

The answer to this question is very extensive and available in these two posts.

What on Earth is That? Costa Rican Veggies- Part 1 (all about peppers)

What on Earth is That? Costa Rican Veggies- Part 2

For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Pura Vida”, I think a little explanation is in order. Technically, the phrase translates to “pure life”, but in Costa Rica, it means so very much more. 

It is a universal term that can mean anything from “hi,” to “how are you,” to “I’m fine,” and everything in between. It can also mean “goodbye,” “see you later,” and “have a great day.”

It is something you say to greet people and to wish them well, but it is also the verbal expression of a lifestyle. It is a motto that reminds us to live a pure life, a life that is in harmony with nature, and with everyone around us.

Read “Wellness and the Pura Vida Lifestyle”.

A Blue Zone is an area in which historical studies consistently record a population that enjoys extreme longevity. 

The five designated blue zones are:

• Sardinia, Italy
•  Okinawa, Japan
•  Ikaria, Greece
•  Loma Linda, California
•  and Nicoya, Costa Rica. 

These communities regularly maintain a high number of centenarians (aka- people who live well into their 100s), whereas the average human lifespan is 70.

Researchers may not know exactly why these areas support such healthy, long-lived populations, but they have some pretty interesting theories, and there are ongoing studies that, they hope, will prove these theories.

They have to do with the environment, diet, community, and lifestyle. As these areas are spread across the globe, they each have their own unique diet, cultural habits, and community structure. But, they also have certain traits in common. The studies hope to prove that it is the common traits, habits, and diet ingredients that help people live longer so the rest of us can learn from their example.

As a result of the current health crisis, product of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, and given that the tourism sector has been one of the most affected, at Ocotea Boutique Hotel we will implement sanitary and biosafety measures in compliance with the guidelines of the competent health authorities and the Costa Rica Government.

To prevent the spread of the virus in our operation and nationwide, in addition to ensuring the integrity of our employees, business partners, suppliers, guests and their families, we will strictly apply the following:

• Mandatory use of face mask in the common areas of the property (parking, gardens, reception, restaurant, bat and cafeteria, reading and massages room, etc.), and avoid improper handling of it.
• Each visitor, with no exception, will have their temperature taken with an infrared thermometer upon entering the property. In the event that a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher is found: the nearest health service will be notified for evaluation and attention.
• Correctly carry out the protocol of hand washing, sneezing and coughing. Likewise, avoid contact when greeting.
• Each visitor will be informed of the designated hand washing site. In addition, they will be provided with water, liquid soap and alcohol gel on the premises.
• Hand disinfection stations will be available at different places on the property (common areas), as well as within each room.
• It is recommended not to touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands.
•  Always keep the distance (minimum 1.80 meters) recommended by the health authorities.
• It is recommended to keep personal items in a container for easy cleaning and disinfection.
• It is the responsibility of each visitor to report if they are sick or have any symptoms related to COVID-19 (fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, muscle pain, difficulty in movement, loss of smell or taste, diarrhea, cyanosis, hives, congestion nasal, runny nose, etc).
• If you have had contact with any person suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, you must indicate it before or during your arrival for proper boarding by the health system.
• You will be consulted at the reception, what your breakfast time will be in order to have your table ready (free and disinfected). In addition, to maintain the capacity required by the health authorities.
• Common areas will be disinfected hourly for safe use.
• At the end of the cleaning and disinfection of each room, these will be closed and will not be opened until the guest enters, as a way to guarantee quality and safety.
• The hotel's transportation fleet, used for transfers or activities, will be disinfected before each service. Likewise, the hotel guides and drivers will comply with the biosafety protocols required by the health authorities.
• A temperature control and monitoring is carried out daily among collaborators in order to detect any symptoms related to COVID-19.
• Immediate attention will be processed, with the respective health authorities, in case of any suspicious case among the hotel staff.
• Each hotel employee will use personal protective equipment at all times, not only a face mask but also what is necessary to guarantee maximum protection for all our guests in the different areas.
• Each member of Ocotea Boutique Hotel has had extensive training in biosafety protocols for the management of cases associated with COVID-19.
•  Our cleaning and sanitation products are certified to guarantee a safe space for guests, collaborators, suppliers and other visitors.