OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Costa Rica
- Northwest Costa Rica
- Monteverde
Monteverde
Monteverde is a small community scattered along several
kilometres of road that leads to the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Biological Reserve. It was founded by North American Quakers in
1951, having bought over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of land for
their dairy farming. Today they are an integral part of the Costa
Rican society and are known especially for their distinctive cheese
that is sold throughout the country. In 1972 about 2,000 hectares
(4,942 acres) were added to their land, which became the famous
cloud forest reserve that has become so popular among visitors
today. The village of Santa Elena is the closest settlement to the
reserve and has a cloud forest reserve of its own, although much
less visited.
Monteverde has a number of other attractions, such as the
Butterfly Garden, the Serpentarium, a cheese factory and a number
of art galleries. CASEM Handicrafts Cooperative, made up of 140
local artisans, sells handmade goods and the profits go towards
supporting the local community. There is also the Hummingbird
Gallery near the entrance to the reserve that has feeders
attracting several species of hummingbird providing some excellent
photo opportunities. Several nature and hiking trails allow
visitors to amble through coffee and banana plantations or up onto
the hilltops for views of the cloud forest and, on a clear day
Arenal Volcano, and provide a good chance of seeing lots of birds
and wildlife.
Information & Facts
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken.
Money
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is
the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely
accepted. US Dollars and travellers cheques can be exchanged in
banks and many hotels. Banks charge a service fee for cashing
travellers cheques and currency other than US$ is difficult to
exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as they have
been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in Colombia. Banks
close anywhere from 3pm to 6pm. Major credit cards are widely
accepted, although American Express and Diners Club might be more
limited. ATMs are available in major towns throughout the country,
but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy.
Time