"...on
rising slopes of the mountain sides with
magnificent views of the gulf
and Nicoya peninsula, with the far-off
lights of Puntarenas dancing a counter-point
at night to the myriad fireflies in the
surrounding clearings." |
Rex
Benson
Writing for the Tico Times, 1957 |
Overlooking
the gulf of Nicoya and straddling the continental
divide at 1440 meters (4662 ft), Monteverde
is approximately a 4 hour drive from San Jose.
Approximately 750 live in
the Monteverde community, which sometimes feels
more like a rural area in the U.S., rather than
a small town in Latin America.
The surrounding area,
also often referred to as Monteverde, includes
the communities of Cerro Plano, Santa Elena
and San Luis and has a population of approximately
7,000. These areas feel more like Latin America
and are where many more of the “Tico”
(Costa Rican) families live.
The Lay
of the Land
The
Monteverde Friends School is a focal
point for many of the community’s
activities. |
|
Monteverde
is not so much a town but rather
a series of rural houses tucked
into the woods. The two centers
of activity are by the Coop and
dairy plant and the school. |
|
The
play area in front of the Coop location
has been a gathering spot for children
for many years. |
|
The Face
of a Community
The
local Ticos commonly get together
to share their passion for horses. |
|
The people
of Monteverde are as diverse as
its natural environment. Old and
young, foreigner and national, Quaker
and Catholic, scientist, farmer,
environmentalist and artist all
find common ground in Monteverde.
|
|
Monteverde is home to many international
residents, not only from North America
and Europe, but also from various
parts of Latin America. |
|
Natural
Abundance
The
endangered Resplendent Quetzal is,
perhaps, Monteverde’s biggest
celebrity. |
|
Monteverde
is world renowned for its natural
diversity. The area is home to more
than 100 species of mammals, over
400 species of birds, tens of thousands
of insect species and 2,500 species
of plants including 420 kinds of
orchids. |
|
Monteverde
has more species of orchids than
any other part of the country. |
|
Living
in Monteverde
Yoga
classes are hosted in homes and
nearby galleries and are enthusiastically
attended. |
|
Living in
Monteverde offers challenges as
well as great rewards. Weather and
roads are frequently demanding,
yet the community, by many accounts,
is unequaled. Yoga classes, choir,
talks at the biology station, art
classes and the annual music festival
provide opportunities for entertainment
and socializing. |
|
Choral
practice and performances is an
important part of life here for
many. |
|
Surrounded
by Nature
Friends
enjoy a horseback ride to nearby
San Luis valley. |
|
Hikes in the
rainforest and horseback rides provide
opportunities to appreciate the
natural beauty that Monteverde has
to offer. |
|
Hiking
to San Luis waterfall |
|
|
