A small, covered boat ferried us across Arenal Lake, giving us spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and the rolling hills dotted with horses. Then we bumped and rocked our way in a bus up the long and winding gravel roads to Monteverde. Known as the dry side of Costa Rica, we were now in the cloud forest, with more amazing opportunities to experience the nature, the beauty and the culture. 
We explored forest trails and learned about the characteristics of a cloud forest, home to more than 350 avian species and a myriad of other creatures and critters. Our guide was quite excited to hear and then spot an elusive Three-wattled Bellbird, and we got a good look at it through binoculars.
Our visit at Monteverde included a coffee farm field trip with demonstrations of coffee and chocolate making and of course lots of tastings! We enjoyed meeting Don Juan, the founder of the plantation whose name adorns the coffee packages. An evening presentation was given by Marvin Rockwell, one of the original Quaker settlers in Monteverde, who enlightened and entertained us with his fascinating history.
The visit was rounded out with a visit to a bat jungle that has more than 90 bats, representing eight different species, housed in a recreated nighttime cloud forest environment, and a visit to the fascinating Butterfly Garden, where were were introduced to the world of bugs by Bryna Belisle, who informs her audience with the skills of a stand-up comic. She demonstrated the friendliness of a giant cockroach by putting it in her mouth. Video here.
Kudos to Road Scholar for another informative, exciting and memorable experience.
Pura Vida!
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