Top 5 Cultural Tours in Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas

Sugar cane, Chocolate and coffee Tour The first trapiche (sugarmill) came to Monteverde in 1948 when Mr. Higinio Santamaría (grandfather of the present owner), moved from San Ramon of Alajuela to Monteverde. The journey was done with oxen carts, to thearea we know now as Santa Elena and lasted about 15 days, then it was installed and started working regularly. Approximately 13 years after the arrival of the family to Monteverde, Mr. Juan Santamaría Campos (father of the present owner) creates a partnership buying a diesel-powered mill. The idea of turning it in to an agro-tourism farm, was created with the aim of showing to visitors a representative part of Costa Rican culture where they can appreciate the process of sugar by the old way making brown sugar (tapa de dulce) and processing of fresh coffee cultivation in educational and cultural tour, which began on 2005.

Inclusions: Local guide, Snacks

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

This tour is a unique experience which provides visitors with a true cultural understanding. Our philosophy was born from our local Monteverde family who wanted to give clients an exclusive excursion different than conventional tours. We aim to provide our clients with a extraordinary experience by fully immersing them in this vibrant culture. This tour begins with a walk to a hidden Strangler Fig Tree, where there is an option to climb inside of it. Here, we have the chance to meet Capuchin White Face monkeys and Howler monkeys, who are both frequent visitors to the area. After spending time at the tree, we will go towards the upper part of the mountains, passing the original central town of Monteverde. This is where the Quakers settled in the 1950s and founded the cheese factory as well as the Quaker school. We will then catch a ride to an organic coffee farm in the bordering town of San Luis.

Inclusions: Costa Rican Casado, Organic Coffee, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Enjoy a full-day tour to Monteverde where the clouds meet the woods and take an exhilarating walk through the famous cloud forest on hanging bridges. Sky Walk uses trails and a series of suspension bridges for a more relaxing introduction of the flora and fauna of the forest. It allows a vision of the forest from a different perspective which starts with a hike on the ground and then taking you to explore the treetops, a hardly discovered habitat called the “canopy” with a professional guide.

Inclusions: Lunch, Guide, Transportation from the hotels mentioned, Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities

Night walk wildlife observation and Reptile watching in Santa Elena Monteverde from San José This is one of the best tours in Santa Elena Monteverde to see wildlife; This tour begins at sunset time; This is when all the wildlife is very active, because all the diurnal animals are looking for for some place to sleep; and the nocturnal animals are beginning your activities. This is also a great experience because you will have the opportunity to listen and see very different animals that in the day The most common animals you will see are slot machines, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray fox, Tarantulas, frogs, some species of insects and many sleeping birds.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation, Flashlight, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

This experience opens the doors of a local Costa Rican's farm and family to enjoy an afternoon cafe. It is an authentic opportunity to learn about farming while you try our products, have your kids running around the farm animals, or swinging in a rope swing. Our goal is to make visitors feel part of the family and expose them to the local culture.

Inclusions: Entry ticket and access to coffee or other local beverages. You can also purchase farm products.

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