Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.

Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.

Aside from the preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. The Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, and the Hummingbird Gallery a must for those with a penchant for these winged, colored jewels of the forest, to name a few.

A novel and spectacular way to view the forest canopy without much physical effort is the Skywalk. Some of the bridges hang suspended at over 130 feet making for truly spectacular views.

Other recommended activities include:

Santa Elena Reserve - Located 3 miles northeast of the town of Santa Elena, open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Serpentarium - This exhibit of Costa Rican snakes is located in Santa Elena and is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Canopy Tour - The Canopy Tour offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective.

This is accomplished by modifying techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable passage above the forest floor.

Continuously active since 1968, Arenal Volcano dominates the local countryside. With smoking cinderblocks and fiery lava, this is Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active volcanoes, but by no means the only attraction of this area. Bass fishing, windsurfing, Tabacon Resort and Spa, waterfalls, horseback riding, hiking, Venado Caverns, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge make this an ideal stop for many visitors.

Day 1 - Early morning pick up at your hotel in San Jose to begin drive along the Pan-American Highway north and then on to Zarcero, a picturesque small town dedicated to agriculture and dairy farms. This town features a very unique city park crowded with cypress trees trimmed in different shapes of animals and objects related to the daily life in this area. Lunch upon arriving at hotel and check in. Afterwards, begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was still moving only two years ago.Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to witness some of the lava flows, and observe some of the wildlife of the area while hiking back to the vehicle. Enjoy a relaxing soak and dinner at the thermal pools of Tabacon Resort and Spa whose warm, mineral-rich waters are heated within the volcano, then go back to the hotel to view the spectacular nighttime and lava flows (L, D)

Day -2 After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. Enroute stop for Canopy tour at the private cloud forest reserve of Los Angeles. You can plan to be back in your hotel around 7:00 pm. ( B, L)

Package includes: