The Saga Continues.. Costa Rica (Part 2)

Day 3: Monteverde

We took the bus up a long and winding dirt road. At some places the incline was 45 degrees, and they had to turn the air conditioning off so that we had all the power to the engine. Luckily as we ascended the air became cool and it was delightful to have the windows open. 

Our bus (Left) View out the window (Right)

Monteverde is a beautiful cloud forest. The guide told us that it often has 100% humidity, though the elevation makes it cool. The hotel we stayed at was really nice, but had no heater or air conditioner. Think about that, a place where there is never a need for air conditioners or heaters! With our guide we walked over several of these suspended bridges as we explored the forest. You can't really tell, but we are really pretty high up. Maybe 100 yards.  

The view was beautiful everywhere we looked!

Marc had a fun time playing with the different settings on his phone. Capturing only reds, only greens, or only blues. 

Another setting on his phone really emphasizes the different levels.

 

More of the scenery from the bridge

 Look at this little guy crawling around the trees eating the berries. He is a relative of the raccoon.

And on the right he is hanging around the building looking for food in true raccoon fashion.

This shows the plants that land on the trees and just start growing there, so they have a better chance at light.

Our tour guide walked us around and told us a lot about the plants and animals in the area.

 Everyone in our group made sure to get rain jackets or ponchos, because the day before none of us had them and we all got drenched! It didn't rain here, but since humidity was near 100% being in a cloud- cloud forest remember- it was still a little wet. I'm not that great at listening to the tour guide while my picture is being taken. Notice I look at the camera in both, and Marc doesn't in either.

Some of the sights as was walked around. 

After the tour in the forest, we rode a sky tram up higher and climbed a tower to really be on top of the world. 

Up the tram ride.

From the tram we could see all the way to the Arenal Volcano:

Zoomed in:

 The tower was several levels of stairs up. I got a little nervous at the top and didn't stay long.

A view from the top!

 We took some pictures at the top of the tram. Below is the whole group with whom we toured.

 More pictures at the top:

We stopped in town before going to the hotel and got lunch. Marc's chocolate shake was delicious! The food was pretty good, though the carved carrot was the coolest part. 

 Marc and I got different dishes, but they both came with this lovely carrot.

View from the restaurant, looking into the city.

We bought this cool hammock in the city of Monteverde from a guy selling them from the back of his truck. The picture is taken back in the states though :)