Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a cloud, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle whisper of mist? That’s exactly where we found ourselves during a recent Monteverde cloud forest adventure in Costa Rica, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical.
A Coincidence Straight Out of a Rom-Com
My journey began with a simple plan to visit my girlfriend in Costa Rica. After spending some cozy nights with her family and in her apartment, we decided to embark on a little adventure to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful country. With so many incredible places to choose from, we narrowed it down to the mysterious cloud forest of Monteverde and the majestic Arenal volcano.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. I had a secret plan to surprise my girlfriend with a stay at an amazing Airbnb. Little did I know, she had the same idea! In a twist that could rival any romantic comedy, we discovered we had both been eyeing the exact same place in the cloud forest. I mean, what are the odds? Needless to say, we ended up booking it together, laughing at our synchronized minds.
Day 1: Monteverde Bound
Our adventure kicked off bright and early at 7 AM. After a three-hour drive punctuated by a couple of snack and bathroom breaks, we arrived in Monteverde just as our stomachs started to grumble. Perfect timing for lunch!
Our chosen accommodation, the Amalu Lodge, wasn’t in central Monteverde. But the owner, bless their heart, also runs a hotel in town where we could leave our bags. Talk about convenience!
Sky Walk: A Stroll in the Clouds
First stop on our Monteverde cloud forest adventure: The famous Sky Walk. Now, a word of advice – if you’re planning to eat at the restaurant near the trail, be prepared for some eye-watering prices. We indulged in traditional Costa Rican casados and drinks, which set us back about $70. Was it delicious? Absolutely. Was it budget-friendly? Not so much. If you’re watching your wallet, maybe pack some snacks or eat before you arrive.
The Sky Walk itself was breathtaking. Imagine strolling across suspension bridges with the cloud forest sprawling beneath you. It’s like walking in the sky – hence the name, I guess! We didn’t see as many animals as we hoped (just a couple of birds), but the views more than made up for it.
I’ll admit, we rushed through the trail a bit. We were eager to visit the sloth sanctuary before it closed, which meant we didn’t take as much time as we could have to soak in the surroundings. Note to self (and to you): take your time. The clouds aren’t going anywhere.
Sloth Sanctuary: Slow and Steady
The sloth sanctuary was our last stop for the day. These adorable, slow-moving creatures are a must-see, but I’ll be honest, seeing them in captivity rather than in the wild stirred up some mixed feelings. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation and nature.
Oh, and heads up – the sanctuary isn’t included in the Sky Walk ticket. It’s an extra $30 per person. Costa Rica isn’t exactly easy on the wallet, but the experiences are priceless.
Amalu Lodge: Love in the Clouds
As the day wound down, we made our way to the star of our Monteverde cloud forest adventure – The Amalu Lodge. Nestled in the depths of the cloud forest, about 15 minutes from town, this place is straight out of a dream. We stayed in the black glass house, and wow. Just wow.
Picture this: floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re floating in the clouds. A terrace that begs for morning coffee and evening drinks. And the best part? The utter seclusion that makes you feel like the only two people in the world.
I had secretly asked the Amalu team to add some romantic touches, and they went above and beyond. It was the perfect setting for a certain question I had in mind (spoiler alert: she said yes!).
We rounded off the night with a relaxing soak in the indoor bathtub. We had considered the outdoor jacuzzi, but the darkness and mosquitos made us opt for the cozier indoor option. Afterwards, we cozied up for a movie night using the in-room projector. Talk about ending the day on a high note!
Pro tip: Close those curtains early and turn off outside lights unless you want to share your romantic evening with every bug in Costa Rica. Trust me on this one.
As I drifted off to sleep that night, with my new fiancée by my side and the sounds of the cloud forest all around us, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this magical Costa Rican adventure. Monteverde, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart – bugs, expensive meals, and all.
What’s next?
As we packed our bags the next morning, still buzzing from the magic of our Monteverde cloud forest adventure, we couldn’t help but wonder what awaited us at our next destination. The Arenal volcano was calling, promising a completely different side of Costa Rica. Whispers of luxurious hot springs, breathtaking volcano views, and a mysterious resort and spa had us itching to hit the road. But that, my friends, is a story for another day. Stay tuned for the Part 2 of our Costa Rican escapade, where relaxation meets excitement in the shadow of a sleeping giant!
If you want to check out more central america bog posts you can check it out here: Discover the beauty of central America
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!