Wishful Vacation #8
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Why I imagine I would go to Costa Rica:
Costa Rica has rainforests. This small country in Central America is amazing because of its biodiversity. It has a great variety of habitats from the coast to the mountainous inland regions. The rainforest itself has many layers of life. It would be amazing to see it in person.
Photo from here.
Monteverde, in the center of the country, is a lush cloud forest. I have been in cloud forest environments in a couple of greenhouses, and it is like a wonderland to me. I love the coolness and the humidity. It feels refreshing. Monteverde sits 4600 feet above sea level, and is literally in the clouds. The moisture from the clouds provides nourishment for the forest's inhabitants.
Photo from here.
The ecosystem contains 100 species of mammals that we know of (can you imagine!?), 400 species of birds, and over 2500 species of plants, including 420 orchids! I would love to watch nature in action in such a rich habitat!
Where I imagine I might stay in Costa Rica:
The Hotel Belmar in Monteverde is a small, eco-friendly lodge right in the middle of the cloud forest area. The style of the outside of the hotel looks strangely northern European. But, the style of the rooms is more tropical. There are only 28 rooms in the whole hotel, which means more peace and quiet for me!
Photo from here.
I love the open porches in the rooms. I can tell from the exterior shot that balconies are a major feature of this hotel. Its location up on a hill would afford gorgeous views of the mountain forest. I can't wait!
Photo from here.
I would love to listen to the sounds of the forest from this room. The hotel doesn't have a pool, but they do have a large jacuzzi with cloud forest views. I guess I'll settle for that.
What I imagine I would eat in Costa Rica:
Cheese. Seriously? Cheese? There is a cheese factory in Monteverde, which almost doesn't make sense, but there it is. Quakers from the United States founded it. So strange! I guess I would try their cheese. I also would have to eat some more traditional food while I'm in Costa Rica.
This photo is from a cool-looking restaurant called Tree House. I think they probably named it after that huge tree in the middle of the room! They serve light food and snacks, so it would work for a light lunch. The huge ficus tree growing inside would be really fun to see.
Flor de Vida restaurant is a local favorite. The New York Times says they have the "best and healthiest fare to be found in Monteverde." Sounds like a good start! They offer daily specials and lots of interesting vegetarian dishes. That sounds like just the thing for my eco-friendly Costa Rica experience.
What I imagine I would do as a fun activity in Costa Rica:
I want to go on a hike in the cloud forest. Maybe more than one. I also want to spend time looking for animals and plants with a knowledgeable guide. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a nature center with guided hikes that sound amazing. The hike I most want to take is the early morning bird-watching hike. Birds in the tropical regions are so numerous and so colorful! It would be awesome to see them in their natural habitat.
Photo from here.
Happy travels!
xoxo - Erika
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