Day 1 in Monteverde

Welcome to Costa Rica! Once your flight has arrived in San Jose you will go through immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Don`t give in to jet lag! There are many exciting things to see in Monteverde.

Take a relaxing drive to Monteverde and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lowlands and the winding roads up the mountain. There are half day activities that do not require much physical effort and can be enjoyed after the drive. Take a guided tour of Monteverde Train Forest which includes a guided ride on a small vintage train that provides a relaxing introduction to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The cloud forest here is lush and largely untouched. Admission is about $20 for adults, $10 ages 6-12, and is highly recommended.

Day 2 in Monteverde

After a hearty breakfast, head for the trails of Curicancha Reserve (about $14) exploring the flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the brilliant Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, Blue-crowned Motmot, or one of the other 200 species of birds. Frequently sighted mammals include coati, ocelot, two-toed sloth, and three species of monkey: spider monkey, white-faced capuchin and mantled howler. Curicancha is a great choice for those wanting seclusion and smaller crowds.

In the afternoon explore The Bat Jungle which delivers a comprehensive look into the life and habits of the odd flying mammals. A visit includes different types of exhibits from skeletal remains to a large enclosure where you can get to see various bats in action. It`s quite an intriguing experience. Admission is about $13 and 11 for students. Children under 6 are free.

Day 3 in Monteverde

A tour of El Trapiche gives you a chance to appreciate a family run sugar cane plantation, coffee plantation, and artisan chocolate business while learning how these products are processed. A tour costs about $32 for adults, and $12 for children ages 6 through 12. Stop by the Orchid Garden which features over 425 species of orchids. The garden is captivating, you are given a magnifying glass to view the beautiful flowers in bloom. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12.

Take a hike on Sendero El Rio (river trail). This trail puts you immediately in the middle of the dense primary cloud forest where mosses, bromeliads, and epiphytes cover every tree. This trail is a prime location for spotting a Resplendent Quetzal.

Additional Days in Monteverde

Enjoy bird-watching and hiking opportunities at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. The reserve is a 765-acre reserve has a maximum elevation of 5510 ft., making it the highest cloud forest in the Monteverde area. The reserve has 8 miles of hiking trails, as well as an information center. Because it borders the Monteverde Reserve, a similar richness of flora and fauna is found here, although quetzals are not nearly as common. Admission fee is $14.

Try one of the many extreme sports available. There is much to choose from including ziplines, rappelling, Tarzan swing, bungee jumping, and sky walks. Horseback riding is an excellent activity in Monteverde with several stables from which to to choose.

Hike The Bajo del Tigre Trail, a trail that`s home to several different bird species not usually found within the reserve. You can take several different loops, lasting anywhere from 1 hour to several hours. The trail starts a little past the artisans`shop and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and children under 12.

Your Last Day in Monteverde

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport, if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.