Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica was by far the best 2-week holiday my husband and I have taken. There are too many highlights for one blog entry, but here's a good place to start--in the clouds.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is located 225km northwest of San Jose, Costa Rica, about 7 hours by car, if you take the slow pothole-ridden route, or 5 hours if you believe the guidebooks.

A cloud forest is a specific type of rainforest that is found only in mountainous areas. The temperatures are much cooler than what you would think of a rainforest, so it’s the perfect temperature for a couple of Canadians looking for a long hike. Cloud forests are immersed in cloud moisture, most of the time making for wonderfully green foliage. With an endless variety of orchids, brightly coloured frogs, and tree trunks covered with ferns, vine, and mosses leaning and growing in and out of one another, the photo opportunities and breathtaking moments are endless.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve has 13km of paths and trails open to daily visitors in an area called The Triangle. It is open year-round from 7am to 4pm and has an entrance fee of $13 for foreign visitors. Leisurely stroll for a couple hours or get lost for a couple of days... your soul will thank you.