Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [157]
SkyTram (2645-5238; www.skywalk.co.cr; ), also owned by SkyTrek, is a wheelchair-accessible cable car that leads you on a gentle ride through the cloud forest; tickets can only be purchase in conjunction with SkyWalk or SkyTrek.
Monteverde Trainforest (2645-5700; www.trainforest.com; adult/student/child under 12yr US$65/33/free; ) is a miniature train system that travels four miles through the forest, crossing one tunnel and four bridges. The scenic railroad offers amazing views of Monteverde and Arenal lake and volcano. This is a great option for families with young children, as kids under 12 ride free. It’s located 5km north of downtown Santa Elena, on the road to Reserva Santa Elena.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Until recently, this region was most easily traveled on horseback, and considering the roads around here, that’s probably still true. Several operators offer you the chance to test this theory, with guided horseback rides ranging from two-hour tours to five-day adventures. Shorter trips generally run about US$15 per hour, while an overnight trek including meals and accommodations runs between US$150 and US$200.
Some outfitters also make the trip to La Fortuna, an intriguing transportation option (US$60 to US$100) with several caveats including only going in the dry season. Though a few operators will charge less, you (or more likely, the horse) get what you pay for.
Caballeriza El Rodeo (2645-5764, 2645-6306; elrodeo02@gmail.com) Does local tours on private trails, as well as trips to San Luis Waterfall and a sunset tour to a spot overlooking the Golfo de Nicoya. Average price is $30 for two hours.
Desafío Adventure Company (2645-5874; www.monteverdetours.com) Does local treks for groups and individuals around town, day trips to San Luis Waterfall (US$60 per person including admission, six hours) and several multiday rides. This established outfitter will arrange rides to La Fortuna for US$85, usually on the Lake Trail. The company also arranges white-water rafting trips on the Ríos Toro, Sarapiquí and others, and can help with transport and hotel reservations. Located next door to Morpho’s Restaurant.
Meg’s Riding Stables (2645-5560, 2645-5052; ) Takes folks on private trails nearby plus treks to San Luis Waterfall. Kid-sized saddles and gentle horses are also available. The horses are well looked after, and this is the longest-established operation in Monteverde.
Mirador Lodge (2645-5354; Monteverde to Arenal ride US$70) The Quesada family at this isolated cloud-forest lodge takes riders on horseback tours as well as to Arenal, starting from the lodge. If the weather and trail conditions are not perfect, they will arrange a taxi-boat-taxi transfer as an alternative.
Sabine’s Smiling Horses (2645-6894, 8385-2424; www.horseback-riding-tour.com) Run by Sabine, who speaks English, French, Spanish and German, Smiling Horses offers a variety of treks, from US$15 per-hour day trips to specialty tours, including a Full Moon Ride (US$50 per person, three hours). Several multiday treks are also on offer, and Sabine may also take experienced riders on the Castillo Trail, weather permitting. This outfitter has been highly recommended by readers year after year.
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Festivals & Events
The Monteverde Music Festival is held annually on variable dates from late January to early April. It’s gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the top music festivals in Central America. Music is mainly classical, jazz and Latin, with an occasional experimental group to spice things up. Concerts are held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at different venues all over town and at Monteverde Institute,