Monteverde Hotspots

While admiring the misty jungle canopy, keep your eye out for the mythical quetzal, a sacred bird of Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec kings. The quetzal is so beautiful and rare that European settlers believed it to be a figment of the natives’ imagination. Now, bird watchers from around the world flock to Costa Rica to track its whereabouts.

The Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest is a reserve with well marked trails that allow you to stroll through the rainforest and more importantly, find your way back! Ferns, orchids, rare birds and mammals inhabit the rainforest, but these exotic species are well camouflaged in the green backdrop. If you’re lucky, you might just see a jaguar, ocelot, or tapir. The entrance fee is $9 and park hours are 7-4. Phone: 645-5112

The Monteverde Musical Festival is great if you happen to be in Costa Rica during January and February, Monteverde holds one of the most famous music festivals in all of Central America. Music includes classical, jazz, and Latin. The concerts take place in the Monteverde Institute, and tickets cost $9 US.