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Monteverde
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
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I went on two optional tours--the Forest Canopy Ride (zip line) and the Hanging Bridges Tour. I loved the Forest Canopy Ride. It was on the grounds of the El Establo Resort, so we didn't have to travel to get there. I was a bit apprehensive when I saw how high up it was. There were 11 zip lines in all. After the first one, I lost most of my fear, and got more confident with each one. The staff was very professional and helpful. I found the experience to be fun and exciting. The view from the last platform was incredible!
Although it was raining during the The Hanging Bridges tour, it was still enjoyable. I expected to see a lot more wildlife, but perhaps there wasn't that much because it was raining and also because wildlife is hidden by the dense forest. Seeing the lush tropical foliage from the level of the canopy, was a great experience, nonetheless. There is such an huge variety of trees, plants and flowers in the cloud forest. Our tour guide, Carlos, shared his extensive knowledge of these during the walk. El Establo Mountain ResortEl Establo Mountain Resort in Monteverde was simply gorgeous. My room was huge! There was a private terrace with a breathtaking view. You could see the Nicoya Gulf (which is part of the Pacific Ocean) and the Nicoya Peninsula, about 50 miles away. The sunsets were incredible. I watched to sunset from my room one night and on another night, I went to the bar for happy hour while viewing the sunset over the gulf. The resort is enormous,so there is a shuttle to take people to and from the main building. The shuttles run continuously and it was never a problem getting one.
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