Home to lush green mountains and a magical cloud forest, Monteverde embraces its visitors at every turn. This ecological haven is relatively un-touristy, by Costa Rican standards. When Quakers settled here in 1951, they established a strong dairy sector. The modern Monteverde Cheese Factory is living proof of their lineage and success in the region. Conservationists work hard to maintain 25,000 acres of rainforest that give shelter to more than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals.

To enter Monteverde visitors travel through the cloud forest reserve — one of the nicest welcoming mats in the world. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in heaven here — just don’t forget to bring your rain jacket.