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Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Feels like walking in a grandiose green Cathedral. Wind-sculptured elfin
woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have majestically
tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses.
Poorly drained areas support swamp forests while parts of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, dissected by deep
gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large
altitudinal gradient has helped produce an extremely high biodiversity. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar,
Ocelot, Bairdīs Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare necked Umbrella bird and the famous elusive Resplendent Quetzal.
History: In 1972 under the threat of homesteading in the surrounding rain forest, visiting scientists George Powell
and his wife joined forces with long-time resident Wilford Guindon to promote the establishment of a nature preserve.
The Tropical Science Center was receptive to these efforts and accepted institutional responsibility for ownership and
management of the protected areas. An initial land purchase of 328 hectares formed the core of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica.
In 1975 the 554-hectare community watershed reserve, founded in the mid-60s by members of the Quaker community and
named Bosque Eterno, was annexed under an administrative contract to the Preserve.
After the Preserve's creation, the Tropical Science Center continued to secure the financial and human
resources necessary to expand, consolidate, and properly protect and manage the non-profit Rainforest Preserve's current 10,500 hectares.
Staying at Fonda Vela Hotel
also check tour with stay at Trapp Family Lodge
Trip Description
3 days / 2 nights tour at Fonda Vela Hotel
Day 1:
We begin our trip early in the morning from San José.
Traveling by shuttle transportation drive up North until you reach Monteverde. Check in at Fonda Vela Hotel.
Afternoon free to explore the sorroundings of the hotel, perhaps visit the Santa Elena Village. Spend the night in Fonda Vela Hotel.
Day 2:
Breakfast served at Fonda Vela Hotel. Today you will havethe chance to enjoy a tour of choice: Sky Walk, Sky Trek, Canopy Tour, or Horseback Riding.
Extra tours can be arranged at extra cost. Afternoon free to visit the Reserve of Monteverde or do any other personal activites in the Monteverde Areas.
Night in Fonda Vela.
Day 3:
Breakfast in Fonda Vela, you can spend some more time outdoors. Transportation Monteverde - San José.
Junior Suites
Standard Room
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Tour Prices Fonda Vela Hotel
3 days / 2 nights
Includes:
- 2 nights of loding in Fonda Vela and breakfast
- Transport SJO-Monteverde-SJO in Shuttle (non private) / private transportation can be arranged at extra cost.
- Includes one tour in the area, choose from: Sky Walk, Sky Trek, Canopy Tour, Horseback Riding
- Extra Tours can also be arranged at extra cost.
Rates per person
Standard Room
Season Dec 01, 06 until Nov 30, 07
Single US$372 Extra night: US$121
Double US$275 Extra night: US$73
Triple US$248 Extra night: US$60
Junior Suite
Season Dec 01, 06 until Nov 30, 07
Single US$397 Extra night: US$134
Double US$299 Extra night: US$85
Triple US$264 Extra night: US$67
Children
0-3 stay free with adults - pay $30 fee
4 to 7 years pay US$183
8 to 12 pay US$208
13 or more pay full rate.
Prices are subject to change due to possible tax
% variations in Costa Rica.
Note: The order and logistics of the itinerary may be altered depending
on weather conditions.
About Fonda Vela Hotel
The Fonda Vela Hotel is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its Resplendent Quetzals, Three-wattled Bellbirds, an abundance of orchids, and a gorgeous cloud forest. The climate is refreshing, many times referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1400 meter elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights in Monteverde is recommended.
The Fonda Vela Hotel has nine buildings nestled in the landscaped property, designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth. All have large windows with views of our forest allowing the outside beauty to be a part of a cozy interior.
Our 18 junior suites have a small refrigerator, table, king and queen-size beds, a comfortable sofa and television. All rooms have telephones. Most of the rooms are wheelchair accessible; please request one at the time of making your reservation if that is required.
On the 35-acre property, you will find lush forests and verdant pastures that are excellent for birding and hiking. In this tranquil setting, you may see parrots and emerald toucans that come to feed in the fruiting trees, occasionally. During certain months the Fonda Vela is excellent for seeing Resplendent Quetzal, Three-waltted Bellbird and Keel-billed toucans. Horses graze in the pasture below. A 15-minute walk away is the world famous 10,500-hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Santa Elena Reserve is a short drive away where you may observe the Arenal Volcano on a clear day.
Throughout the Fonda Vela you will find paintings of Paul Warren Smith, the owners' father an early settler of the property. His works, along with other artists of the Monteverde community, reflect the mysterious mist enshrouded cloud forest provoking the mind to meditate on the meaning of peaceful living with our planet.
Other services include our elegant and spacious restaurant, a separate bar and TV room.
Our meeting rooms seat 50 people and have balconies overlooking the forest. Every day at 6 pm. We present a slide show of Monteverde's Quaker history and secrets of the cloud forest. The slide show was prepared by Bobby Maxon and the cost is $5 per person.
Private hiking trails, guided horse-back riding, and laundry service are also available.
The Fonda Vela is an ideal hotel for birdwatching. We have more than one kilometer of private hiking trails and are within walking distance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Hummingbird Gallery and the Children's Eternal Rainforest.
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