Monte Verde, Round Dos

A typical view in the Monteverde cloud forest

After yesterday’s relative dryness, we learned today why Monteverde is known for its cloud forest. We awoke today to the wet, cool weather necessary to sustain the remarkable biodiversity of the region. With rain jackets on, we filled our three buses and left to explore the region. Today, students spent time on horseback (if they did not do so yesterday), hiked in the Monteverde Reserve, planted a tree to offset the carbon footprint of our trip, explored the town, and set to the skies via zip-line.

Students walk to the town of Monteverde

With striking vistas, pristine countryside, and enough adventure-based activities to keep an adrenaline junkie satisfied for years, it should be no surprise that Monteverde draws travelers from around the globe. Today’s busy schedule left our students’ tired, but gave them plenty of memorable moments and photo opportunities. Four students were kind enough to co-write about today’s experiences and I’ve posted a handful of images that should give you a taste of the excitement.

Pura vida!

Our guide, Diego, shows us a millipede in the cloud forest

Monteverde hosts more species of orchid than any other location on Earth

 Who wouldn't want ice cream after a long day?

Today was very adventurous and a time to break from our comfort zones. We began our day with zip-lining through the valleys of Monte Verde. This was very exciting and almost life changing. Zooming across the monstrous hills was the closest we have ever been to death! After an exhilarating time, we planted trees to help he environment. It was very fun and a simple deed that helps create a better planet. After eating lunch, some of us went horseback riding across the mountains! Horseback riding was, in our opinion, very very very scary but in the end a great time. After horsing around and recovering from sore booties, we arrived back at the hotel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Anna (viajero) Reilly and Emma (viajero) Fisher

One thing we did today was horseback riding! We traveled through the mountains, which were absolutely breathtaking. A few kids worked on their Spanish by talking to an 8 year old Costa Rican boy named Paulo who only spoke Spanish. We introduced ourselves and carried on a conversation. Once on the trails, all you could see were mountains stretching far off into the distance. It was one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had and we will remember it forever. ¡Pura vida!
-Aidan Trinity & Annalise Myre