Monteverde: 2 and a half days (Costa Rica 3 weeks itinerary)

14.4., Sunday, Day 1

We left from our Tamarindo hotel for Monteverde around 1:30 PM. After changing cars and drivers about an hour outside Tamarindo, the rest of the journey was quite challenging. Ascending the mountain, we encountered a poor road with steep inclines, and numerous sharp turns. Despite the tough conditions, we reached our destination safely, though our driver appeared visibly fatigued.

Upon arrival around 4:30 PM, we settled into our accommodations. I took a quick shower and then we headed to the nearby Frog Pond, which offered both daytime and nighttime visits. With a majority of nocturnal frogs and only a few diurnal species, it was impossible to spot them all in a single visit. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the experience, as we saw most of the frogs, feeling like adventurous explorers. As darkness fell, more visitors arrived to observe the nocturnal frogs, safely enclosed behind glass.

Afterward, we got a snack from a local store rather than dining out. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed sandwiches while watching Shrek on TV. Soon after, I fell asleep, when Tin dozed off even during the movie.

• Throughout our journey, we noticed several places with smoke, indicating widespread fires in the Tamarindo region.
• Arriving in Monteverde, we were met with cold temperatures. Transitioning from 38°C to 19°C, we quickly put our warmer clothes on.

15.4., Monday, Day 2

Breakfast started at 7:00. The eggs we received were tasty, and we were amused by a small dog walking around, hoping for a treat.

Our shuttle picked us up at 8:30, and we set off for Selvatura Park. The ticket queue looked endless, but it eventually started moving, and we soon secured our tickets. Our first stop was the Hanging Bridges, offering a scenic 1-hour-and-30-minute walk. The bridges were stunning, and the view was breathtaking.

Following that, we chose a package to explore the Butterfly Garden, Reptile House, and Sloth Rescue Garden. While it initially seemed costly, we had no regrets after experiencing it. Our time was thoroughly enjoyable. With a guide, we entered the Butterfly Garden, where hundreds of butterflies fluttered around in the pleasant air temperature. It was truly breathtaking, leaving us in awe. Additionally, our guide was incredibly dedicated and friendly, sharing intriguing insights. He taught us about the complete transformation process (lasting about 4 weeks), explained how some butterflies live as butterflies for only 12 hours, while others survive up to a week. He also shared the information about the functioning of life within the garden, how workers collect chrysalises and place them in safe spots, and why some chrysalises die (often due to perfumes and insect repellents brought in by visitors).

• Cocoons are specific to moths, while chrysalises are formed by butterflies. Insects that mature through a process known as complete metamorphosis enter a stage called the pupa stage before entering the adult stage.

We spent around thirty minutes there before Tin and I, accompanied by the guide, continued to the Reptile House. The place housed approximately ten different snakes, a Jesus Christ lizard, and a few frogs. Once again, we stayed longer than planned as Tin and I had numerous questions and engaging conversations with the guide about the wildlife of Costa Rica. We discovered that there are roughly 600 snakebite incidents annually, with a 3% fatality rate. Sadly, many of these occur too far from medical facilities for victims to receive antivenom promptly. We also learned that Costa Rica has over 20 venomous snake species and more than 100 non-venomous ones, ranging from small to over 2 meters long.

We found the experience fascinating and concluded our visit after spending more than thirty minutes there. Subsequently, we headed to the Sloth Rescue Garden. Upon entering, the sight of the first sloth left us absolutely amazed. Sloths are incredibly adorable to us, and since they’re not commonly seen in our local zoos, this marked our first encounter with them. Additionally, they were really close to us, resulting in fantastic photo opportunities. We observed them for approximately thirty minutes, during which Tin and I bombarded the guide with numerous questions. I believe we exhausted all possible questions about sloths.

• Selvatura consists of three rescue gardens, but only one is accessible to tourists. Inside the one we visited, there live twelve female sloths, unable to survive independently in the wild due to various injuries ranging from falls to illnesses. Despite their circumstances, they all appeared content and relaxed, typical of sloths. Some were awake, allowing us to witness their eating habits and open eyes.

Our time there was so enjoyable, but as all good things must end, we boarded the bus back to the hotel. After a brief thirty-minute rest, we headed to 100% Aventura Park for an exhilarating zip-lining adventure.

First, we geared up, received instructions, and then set off. The initial routes were easy, allowing us to practice holding onto the cable from behind for braking. However, my confidence was shaken when we encountered the first longer route of about 800m. I chose to grip the ropes instead of the cable, preferring to spin rather than risk getting stuck halfway. A girl ahead of us from London got stuck just 50m from the end, causing quite a scare. She even shed tears out of fear and stress, which was understandable. This reinforced my belief that spinning was preferable to getting stuck high above the ground.

The following routes were even longer, with one stretching about 1.5km and the other around 1km, making it the longest in Latin America. We changed into equipment for the Superman position, lying down, with arms either open or closed.

Despite feeling terrified, I managed to make it to the platform, where they secured me before letting me go. The wind brought tears to my eyes, but the experience was exhilarating, something entirely new for us. The second Superman route, where we had to place our arms behind our backs, was even scarier for me as I struggled to maintain balance.

Overall, it was an incredible experience, though I used the word “shit” numerous times and was trembling with fear before each Superman. Nevertheless, I conquered my fears.

I decided not to try the Tarzan Swing, considering it too scary, especially after feeling overwhelmed by the Supermans. Instead, I watched Tin take on the challenge.

Afterward, we purchased our photos and caught the bus back to the hotel.

Following a brief rest, we headed to a nearby bustling Mexican restaurant (Taco Taco), where we enjoyed a delicious burrito and mango smoothie. The ambiance reminded me of the Coco movie, and the service was excellent. We even engaged in a pleasant chat with the waiter about the film.

After dinner, we stopped by a store for some snacks and drinks before returning to the hotel, where we ended the eventful day by falling asleep around 8:00 PM.

16.4., Tuesday, Day 3

Once again, the windy conditions gave us another restless night, but we managed to sleep just enough. We arrived for breakfast a bit earlier, around 6:50, aiming to eat by 7:30. We were the first to arrive and placed our orders at 7:00. Suddenly, we received a message stating that we needed to arrive 10 minutes early at Curi Cancha Reserve to purchase tickets. Since we hadn’t arranged transportation, walking wasn’t an option. I promptly asked the server if she could call a taxi for us, which she and manager did.

After buying tickets and renting binoculars, we started our tour with Roy as our guide, exploring the diverse flora and fauna until almost 11 o’clock. It was both relaxed and informative, spotting various birds, coatis, agoutis, and even a tarantula.

Following the reserve visit, we walked to the Orchid Garden, where we waited for the next tour through the garden, enjoying coffee at a nearby café. The garden tour was enlightening, learning about the national flower of Costa Rica, the orchid.

Returning to the hotel for a brief rest, we then visited the Don Juan Coffee, Sugar, and Chocolate Plantation. The tour was nice and informative, but it felt somewhat forced, possibly due to the perception that everything appeared larger here. It gave the impression of being solely focused on business and profit, guiding us through the production story. However, this perception may be influenced by our prior familiarity with the topic. We felt the presentation was more engaging in La Fortuna.

After the tour, we enjoyed a complimentary coffee and hot chocolate at the souvenir shop before walking back. Fortunately, a kind gentleman offered us a ride, which we gladly accepted.

Arriving back in town, the gentleman recommended a restaurant, where we enjoyed a satisfying dinner before returning to the hotel. There, we rested, watched movies, and surfed the internet until falling asleep.

17.4., Wednesday, Day 4

We had another night of poor sleep. Although there was no wind, dogs began barking at 3:30 and continued until breakfast.

Our packing in Monteverde was minimal as we kept things organized. After successfully packing, we awaited breakfast at 7, enjoying a relaxed meal, conversation, and playtime with the dog.

Seven minutes before 8, we spotted an Interbus shuttle passing by. Rushing to the road, we were ready to leave, but it had already departed. We were wondering if the driver missed us, or it wasn’t our shuttle. Waiting on the road, panic escalated with each passing minute. We messaged the provided tourist contact, unable to call directly. Around 8:30, I managed to find a Costa Rican phone number, and Tin asked the reception manager to call them for us.

After a brief wait, we received assurance of arrival in about 10 minutes, explaining that the delay was caused by some scheduling issues. The journey to Manuel Antonio, lasting just over 3 hours, started with driver apologizing us. We got in and enjoyed the ride.