Costa Rica from the Sky

The Costa Rica from the Sky tour departed early morning on an already hot and humid summer day. There were 22 guests on the tour which comprised a lengthy drive via the Pan American Highway.

Pan American Highway to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Exon, our tour guide, shared his knowledge of the area during our trip. One fact he shared was that only 1% of cloud forests have managed to survive in this world. Sad, but true. We also learned that Costa Rica means Rich Coast and Monteverde represents Green Mountain.

It was a humdrum but beautiful ride to Monteverde, passing beside a large, tuna processing plant soon after leaving the port.

We watched and photographed the terrain as we turned back and forth, clambering up the side of several mountains. Since it was December and the dry season, there were no landslides to worry about.

After some time, we began to observe the canopy of cloud cover ahead, signifying that the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was near. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a 60-million-year-old rain forest, is imposing by its own virtues.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Upon our arrival we spilt into two groups consisting of 12 persons each. Recommendations suggested that only 10 persons can cross-over the sky bridges at one time, therefore we had to space out a bit.

Our tour guide was Jocelyn, who led us through the nature and suspension bridge sky walk network. We entered the rain forest, sporting our Pura Vida green ponchos, just purchased! The weather was very chilly at this elevation, and we were told it would be quite windy later in the tour.

We began with paved foot path that eventually gave way to light mud trails. We made a mental note to bring hiking boots and more clothing layers for any future trip to this venue.

Jocelyn shared a great deal of information about the Cloud Forest and pointed out various species of fruits, sampled us a leaf or two, and showed us a tarantula habitat along the pathway.

Although we saw an abundance of flora and fauna, it perplexed me that there were no bird sightings and just a handful of butterflies.

We ended up crossing four of the six suspension bridges constructed in the forest. We proceeded through the bridges in this order: Zapote (#5), Maria (#3), Inga (#4), and Bijagua (#6).

Nearing the end of the trail after the Bijagua bridge, there was a slight uphill climb returning us to the main visitor center.

Gondolas of the Aerial Tram

We ascended the mountain of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to the incredible views one might expect. We could now see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

As we neared the top, the wind became fierce, just wailing across our bodies. At the top, about 5,500 feet above sea level, was a nice viewing platform and small cafe. For the adventurous, an added set of stairs would take you 72 feet higher to a small platform.

This staircase also houses one of the many zipline platforms found throughout the forest.

Regrouping outside the gift shop, we began the second leg of our tour just past noon. This encompassed climbing aboard a Gondola of the Aerial Tram for a 2,625-foot-long cable ride above the treetops. Each Gondola accommodated up to six guests with three Gondolas being made accessible at one time.

After spending about 20 minutes at the top, we headed back down and boarded the bus headed to our late afternoon lunch.

Bon Appetit Restaurant. Costa Rica

Just a short ride and we were settled in for our Costa Rican-style buffet lunch consisting of chicken, beef, black beans, rice, and salad.

Return to the port of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

On our return to the port, the journey treated us to even more amazing landscapes.

Knowing that Costa Rica protects ¼ of its land mass, a country slightly smaller than West Virginia, preserving the rain forest for future generations, gives one a tremendous emotion about the lands we visited today.

Cruise Port: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Tour Name: Costa Rica from the Sky

Cruise Line/Ship: Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas

Tour Operator: Swiss Travel Services C.R. / Careli Tours Nicaragua