Costa Rica
By Henry Arnault - Please Recommend This!
Where is it? Monteverde is located in the northern region of the Puntarenas province in the Cordillera de Tilarán. It is a 4-hour journey from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. Monteverde, meaning "Green Mountain," is home to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Why is it special? The tiny nation of Costa Rica draws over 1.5 million visitors every year, so there must be something interesting here. Often considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries, more than 27% of Costa Rica is protected by wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and national parks. The country is smaller than West Virginia but it offers a diverse range of ecosystems and activities.
Monteverde is a good vacation destination for travelers looking for eco-friendly travel opportunities. Many of the companies and institutions that operate in this area are aware of their environmental footprint and strive to decrease it as much as possible, while still allowing guests access to this beautiful area.
Monteverde is 4,662 feet above sea level and the cloud forest is blanketed in mist which creates a magical environment teeming with mosses, lichens, vines, and wildlife. Over 2,500 plant varieties, 400 birds, and 100 mammals call this area home.
Did you know? The town's settlement dates back to the 1930s when a few Tico families left the gold-mining settlement of Juntas and headed up the mountain to making a living by logging and farming. But they were soon joined by foreigners. In 1949, four Quakers were jailed in Alabama, USA for their refusal to accept their draft to fight in the Korean War. After they were released from prison, 44 Quakers from 11 families left the U.S. for greener grass down south. The Quakers adopted a simple life of dairy farming and cheese production in the cool mountain climate. Today, it is still a Quaker dairy farming community which produces some of the most delicious cheeses in Costa Rica. Don't leave without sampling some of the tasty treats!
Best time to go? The best time to go depends on your personal interests. The prime bird watching season is February through May, when flocks of birds migrate and nest in the region. Prices may be lower during May to November, as this is rainy season and there may be fewer hiking opportunities. If you enjoy good music, the Monteverde Music Festival occurs between January and February, and is a great time to visit the region.
This guide to Monteverde, Costa Rica, was written by a Costa Rica travel expert at Costa Rica For Less, available to help you custom design an exciting Costa Rica vacation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Arnault
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