Monteverde Cloud Forest

A visit to this virgin forest is a unique experience. Give in to the chirps and croaks as you hike the trail, while getting enamoured by its fascinating fauna. Stay alert as you might just end up spotting the mythical golden toad or the resplendent Quetzal, both found on this region of the continent. The noteworthy trails in the cloud forest are the 3.5 km long Jaguar Canyon Trail (Sendero Bajo del Tigre); Hidden Valley Trail (Sendero Valle Escondido); and the hike that takes you to the waterfall San Luis (catarata San Luis). Carry water, mosquito repellant, wear a hat or cap, and wear sturdy shoes. The trail tends to get slippery with moisture year-round. The cloud forest is also a photo-op as it is home to the continental divide, basically the line that passes through to separate the Pacific side from the Atlantic. This is more than a day's visit as it takes a four hour drive to reach here. You can also spend time visiting exclusive museums dedicated to snakes (serpentario), frogs (ranario), a butterfly garden (el jardin de mariposas), and a bat jungle. There is also the Monteverde Cheese factory and a coffee plantation in the vicinity. Lastly, if you are still not feeling adventurous enough, scream your lungs out like Tarzan on a zip line that will whoosh you through the jungles.