We were really looking forward to heading up to the mountains and visiting Monteverde, which is in a cloud forest. Although we were forewarned about the terrible roads, we had no idea what we were in for. Luckily we rented a 4 x 4 P.O.S. vehicle to get us through the bumpy, rocky roads. We'd see a sign reading "Santa Elena 5 km", so we'd get excited, but when you're driving 5 km/hr it takes forever! We finally arrived (after a few wrong turns) Thursday evening and checked into our hotel and went out for a nice dinner. The next morning we headed to the Monteverde Reserve (the reason people come here). We had a very knowledgeable guide that showed us all the flora and fauna this place has to offer. So beautiful!
I loved the enthusiasm of our guide and his passion to conserve the forest. It always amazes me the way the ecosystems work, and Costa Rica is a place they really care about the environment and conserving it.
Our own hike to the top of the forest. The clouds just sit between the mountains, and it's amazing!
A "strangler" tree that actually wraps itself around another tree and chokes it out. I was in heaven learning all these unique adaptations the plants and animals here have! Science teacher's dream come true!
Waterfall in the reserve
People come here hoping to see this bird - the Quetzal. Costa Rica has been working on increasing their population, although they are the national bird of Guatamala. Beautiful birds!
We finally found some cool bugs
Suspension bridge in the reserve
So lush! I don't think pictures even portray how lush and green everything in Costa Rica is!
After our day at the reserve we decided we'd try a night hike to see the scary animals. Not gonna lie, I was scared! They said most animals are nocturnal and being in a wooded forest with no sense of direction didn't seem like a fun time. The noctural animals include jaguars, tarantulas, snakes, frogs, bats, and many more. Yikes! As the sun set I was nervous for awhile, but soon we saw quite a few other groups, so you never feel very "alone".
Bell bird sleeping in a tree (this bird's call is so loud and unique!)
Hard to see, but that's a kinkajou (it looked much bigger in person)
FINALLY! A tarantula! I expected we'd be dodging large bugs left and right, including tarantulas on our trip. Not the case at all! But at least we saw one.
It was tough to get the pics at night to work, but we also saw a green pit viper in a tree, a 3-toed sloth, and an agouti. After our frightful night we headed to a great dinner at a local restaurant for some casada. We left the next morning for Arenal - the only active volcano in Costa Rica.
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