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The Road to Monteverde Costa Rica

2010-10-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Good news is that the road to Montevede is really not in bad shape considering it is the rainy season. Those traveling to Monteverde should just make sure cars are 4x4 (this is more for the height that these cars have - you'd rarely use the extra gear).

Check out a video of the Road to Monteverde Costa Rica http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+road+to+monteverde&aq=f

Weather in Arenal Costa Rica

2010-06-29T14:02:00.001-07:00

The last two days have been beautiful and sunny in Arenal Costa Rica. Lucky for those going on Arenal Volcano Hikes!! Good lava viewing in these conditions.

Activity! Arenal Volcano Early March 2010

2010-03-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Activity! Arenal Volcano Early March 2010. It was all over the news March 3rd that Arenal Volcano was super active the new previous days, probably from a build-up of lava accumulating at the cone and spitting out all at once. Nothing dangerous for residents of the area, just interesting to watch!!

Bicycle Rally Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake Feb 20 and 21 2010

2010-02-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

Over 5,000 eager cyclists attended this year's national 2-day Bicycle Rally around Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake on Feb 20 and 21 2010. The first day was rainy and muddy and some cyclists were only visible by the whites of their eyes - there was that much mud in parts! Luckily it didn't seem to take away from the festive atmosphere which led to many parties in La Fortuna later that night. Although the riders themselves were keeping a watch on what they were drinking - knowing they had a hard second day of peddling!

Day 2 weather-wise was much kinder to the cyclists and produced a happy start to the second day.

Weather Monteverde Costa Rica

2009-12-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

Weather in Monteverde Costa Rica - always a talking point! But I am happy to report beautiful sunshine all over the Christmas period (apart from a few spots of rain).

Happy Xmas to all!

Cheap Flights to Costa Rica!

2009-12-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Several airlines have recently reduced fares on round-trip flights from major U.S. cities to San Jose, Costa Rica, for travel through July 2010. American Airlines, Mexicana and more have cut ticket prices to as low as $217-$351 round-trip, including taxes.

Be flexible when searching for dates to find the lowest prices -- it's best to shop for plane tickets on Tuesday afternoons because the airlines tend to drop their prices on that day. Many of the cheapest tickets can be found for midweek travel.

Fly to San Jose from the following cities (prices listed are round-trip, including taxes):
• Miami: $217
• Boston: $308
• Chicago: $259
• Orlando: $259
• New York: $269
• Washington, D.C.: $291
• Colorado Springs: $296
• Detroit: $298
• Los Angeles: $351
• And more!

Christmas in Arenal Costa Rica - No Child Without Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

No Child Without Christmas 2009 - Desafio Adventure Company
For the 3rd year in a row, we made our list, checked it twice and found that that we had to come up with nearly 400 presents for needy children in our small Costa Rican community. So, we set out to get the whole town involved.
Event organizer Ericka Chavarria said response was overwhelming this year. "Just from employees at Tabacon Resort alone, we received 90 gifts & a wonderful donation from Costa Rican Trails of over 60 pairs of shoes," Chavarria said.
The children enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn, delicious rice & chicken supplied by friends & local grocery stores, the Boy Scouts troop helped with fun games & activities and the Fortuna High School band played holiday tunes.
"It's rewarding to see such happy children this time of year," said Desafio owner Suresh Krishnan. "We couldn't have done it without everyone's generous help!" Check out more photos and videos here: www.desafiocostarica.com or our FACEBOOK page. Happy Holidays to all & thank you again to everyone who helped out this year!

Latest Horse Videos Monteverde Costa Rica

2009-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Funny video of Marvin Anchia, owner of Horse Trek Monteverde, training young horse Fantasma. Under the legs and out and putting the horse's front legs on Marvin's shoulders. Could be one of the smarter horses of Horse Trek Monteverde! Check out
http://www.monteverdetours.com/horseback/horse_trek_videos.htm#fantasma1

Arenal Volcano Weather Nov 5 + 6 2009

2009-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

The weather in Arenal Volcano Costa Rica has been lovely the last couple of days, especially 5th November with clear views of the top Arenal Volcano

Great Water at the Moment! White Water Rafting Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

2009-08-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

White Water Rafting Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

If you can't decide whether to go white water rafting at the moment, think again! The water is great now and lots of fun! There are many options in Costa Rica and why not take advantage of the warm water in the rivers where there is no need for wet suits and falling in the water is just plain refreshing.

There are two recommend rivers if you are in the Arenal Volcano area. Rio Toro is excellent for those with experience or first timers with a good sense of adventure and for families or beginners the Rio Balsa is just perfect.

Check out http://www.arenalvolcanotours.com/whitewater/index.htm

Budget Tour Packages in Costa Rica

2009-08-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Budget Tour Packages in Costa Rica - with difficult financial times around the world, tourists are looking for shorter vacations that include the 'highlights' of the main areas of Costa Rica (such as Monteverde and Arenal Volcano) with reasonably priced hotels. The 5-day budget adventure package is proving a huge success as it includes hotels, transport and the best of adventure tours. Check it out on http://www.monteverdetours.com/tours/packages/5-day-budget-adventure.htm Because it is very clear what the tour includes it is easy to work out if you can fit a beach extension after the tour - after all the adventure what can beat basking in the sun on a white-sanded beach watching the waves with a cocktail in hand!

Monteverde Costa Rica Road Improvements

2009-08-16T17:31:00.001-07:00

Yes it is going to happen!

Jan 2010 - the long awaited final stretch of the road from Guacimal to Santa Elena is about to start.

It should now take just 1 hour from the PanAmerican highway to Monteverde. Cool.

Cheap Flights to Costa Rica!

2009-05-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Check out the airline prices to Costa Rica - now at an all time low! These prices were found over the last few days on flight price searches with popular airlines:

SFO to San Jose Airport (SJO) Costa Rica $348 June 2- 4 US Airways

DEN to San Jose Airport August 2-12 on Frontier $329

FLL to San Jose Airport June 2 – 10 on American Airlines

EWR to San Jose Costa Rica $288 June 3-9 Copa Airlines

LAX to San Jose Costa Rica June 8-16 on Lacsa $290

New York City to San Jose Costa Rica $250

BOS to San Jose Airport June 16-22 on Delta $277

MIA to San Jose Costa Rica $170 June 23-30

LAX to San Jose Costa Rica Aug 3 -8 on Lacsa $290

NYC to San Jose Costa Rica Aug 3 -8 on Lacsa $250

ALT to San Jose Costa Rica $309 Sept 18 – 25 US Airways

Need hotel or tour advice or transport from the airport check out http://www.monteverdetours.com/

ALSO TO LIBERIA AIRPORT:
Non-stop airfare on Delta from LAX to LIBERIA AIRPORT SAN JOSE at $258 from June 20 to June28.

CHI to Liberia Airport June 18-22 $343 Delta

SFO to Liberia Airport June 20 – June 28 $426 Multiple Airlines

SNA to Liberia Airport July 11- 19 on Continental $483

MIA to Liberia Airport July 15 – July 28 $482 Multiple Airlines

NYC to Liberia Airport July 25 – Aug 1 $423 US Airlines

ATL to Liberia Airport July 27 – Aug 3 $419 Multiple Airlines

EWR to Liberia Airport July 29 – Aug 5 $419 Multiple Airlines

DEN to Liberia Airport Aug 3 -12 on Continental $455

PHL to Liberia Airport Aug 12-22 on Continental $492

Need hotel or tour advice or transport from the airport check out http://www.monteverdetours.com/

Video Baby Horse in the House Monteverde Costa Rica

2009-05-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

Check out below to see Galactica and her mum. Also there is a very cute video of Galactica examining our house in Monteverde Costa Rica

http://www.monteverdetours.com/horseback/horse_trek_videos.htm#babyhorse

Be a Costa Rican Cowboy!

2009-05-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Be a Costa Rican Cowboy!

One of the Top 10 Things to Do On Vacation - Horseback Riding in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

By Janet Ellis, March 30 2009 http://www.monteverdetours.com/horseback/index.htm

Costa Rica is cowboy country! The culture is seeped in its riding traditions and horseback riding has been a way of life for Costa Ricans for centuries. Even with the increase of motorized transport there are still many farms and trails that are only accessible by horseback. The Costa Ricans take great pride in their horsemanship and horses are used for work, ‘Topes’ (the famous Costa Rican horse parades) and competition.

Horseback riding tours offer excellent opportunities for bird-watching and getting close to wildlife. The bio-diversity in Costa Rica is enormous - from lakes to cloud forest to volcanoes - and is home to small mammals, countless birds and butterflies, orchids and other plants, plus much more!

One of my favorite places to ride is in Monteverde which offers cooler weather, great mountain views and a variety of landscapes and trails, plus very few insects! Although the vision of galloping along the sands is always romantically fixed in people’s minds, riding solely at the beach and in the lowlands can be hot, humid and buggy. The quality of horse riding in Monteverde is higher than in most places; the weather being cooler makes it easier to keep the horses free of some of the diseases associated with hotter and humid climates.

Of course, not all riding experiences are the same and it depends on your horse and guide. Horse Trek Monteverde is well-known for their high standards and the owner, Marvin Anchia, claims to have started riding before he was born because his mom used to ride when she was pregnant! By age 8 he was training horses on his father’s farm and his love of horses led to a lifetime of breeding and working with these amazing animals. Anyone who has had the privilege of seeing Marvin with his horses will soon appreciate the special skills he has with his mounts. Marvin also has the advantage of eagle eyes for spotting wildlife!

Horse Trek Monteverde has been offering tours in the zone for many years and
provides a range of tours from 2.5 hours to 8 days. Horseback riding vacations worldwide are increasingly popular and the 8 day ‘Trails of the Campesino’s’ offers the best of the mountain rides, plus visits to waterfalls, cloud forest, river swims, coffee plantations and working ranches and much, much more. And if you can’t resist that gallop on the beach Horse Trek Monteverde offers a wonderful 3 day beach extension. The 8 day horseback ride also offers optional activities such as canopy tours, rafting and canyoneering.

If you have no time for an 8 day package, or just want to ride for a couple of hours there are many other options available. Try the beautiful ride to San Luis Valley with its stunning scenery and its famous 100 meter waterfall. Another alternative is the All Day Cowboy ride. This includes 6 hours riding, a swim in a river and the chance to learn about horses Costa Rican style.

Finally …..just want to experience horses for the first time or simply do not have the time for a longer ride? The 2.5 hour local horse ride (which can be done at sunset) is a perfect taste of riding the Costa Rican way. Horse Trek Monteverde can customize any ride and tailor-make any package tour for you!

Read more about horses and horseback riding tours:
http://www.monteverdetours.com/horseback/index.htm

Sloth in Trouble! Arenal Volcano Animal Rescue Center

2009-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Project Asis is a privately-run wildlife rehabilitation center that rescues and cares for up to 40 animals at any given time. The day before yesterday (April 29) we stopped by just in time to help with a new rescue arrival.

A sloth had badly burnt herself on some electrical cables and was in great pain. We helped to treat and bandage her and she'll be carefully monitored over the next few days. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, many animals are electrocuted every year in Costa Rica.

Named “Asis” for the patron saint of nature, the shelter was founded by a locally-famous veterinarian to house the many orphaned and injured animals brought to his practice. The shelter’s eight acres of primary and secondary forest included swampy areas that attracted local species like alligator snapping turtles, caiman, boat-billed herons and black-billed whistling ducks.

You can visit the center by contacting us on http://www.arenalvolcanotours.com/tours/community.html

Arenal Adrenaline Blast!

2009-04-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Arenal Adrenaline Blast! Only have a few days? Do you like excitement? Arenal Volcano Tours with Desafio are running a three day affordable tour which is EXTREME fun! Check out:

http://www.monteverdetours.com/tours/packages/more_packages.htm#threedayadrenaline

Monteverde Road Improvements Costa Rica

2009-04-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Good news for all those wanting to bring their own car or rental car to Monteverde in Costa Rica. The road until Guacimal has been totally paved. Guacimal to Santa Elena, Monteverde is just 40 minutes of unpaved (but improved) road. Rumour has it that the last section will begin in May 2009. Also talk of the Tilaran to Santa Elena road being paved in the not too distant future!

Monteverde Costa Rica Creativa School Run Success!

2009-03-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

OUR THIRD ANNUAL CARRERA CREATIVA WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

On February 17th, 2009, the CFS hosted the Second Carrera Creativa, a 5K Walk/10K Run for Scholarships. The race brought in approximately 40 runners and nearly 80 walkers! Our fastest time was 44:53, 1:52 minutes faster than last year’s record. Everyone enjoyed the music, yoga & massage booths, face-painting, delicious food and iced blended coffee during the festival afterwards. We are so grateful to all of the volunteers, staff, parents, students, community members and visitors who came to show their support! With their help, we raised close to $1,200 in one day! This combined with our Benefit Concert for Scholarships in January brings the total to nearly $1,700!

So far, we have received nearly $10,000 in donations; however we are still working hard to reach our goal of $20,000. Help us to reach our goal this year, and every dollar you donate will be used to provide scholarships to the school’s neediest children. Your donation will make a difference.All the proceeds from the Carrera Creativa/Caminata go to our scholarship fund. Although we make every effort to keep tuition as low as possible, 65% our students still receive scholarship assistance because of family need.

Donate on our website through Network for Good: www.cloudforestschool.org/donate.htm, or send your check to our U.S. Support Organization at the address below:Cloud Forest School Foundation P.O. Box 3223 Sewanee, TN 37375

Bike Tours Arenal to Monteverde to Costa Rica

2009-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

All you enthusiatic bikers out there may enjoy doing a new tour from Arenal to Monteverde.
Check out the taxi-boat-taxi to Monteverde tour with a three hour bike ride aroung Arenal Lake. The scenery is stunning! write to us on info@monteverdetours.com

Arenal Costa Rica - A New Breed of Weekend Warrior

2009-03-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

A New Breed of Weekend Warrior by Christine Larson March 2009

La Fortuna, Costa Rica – These trying financial times have created a new trend in vacation choices – many people now opt for short, compact junkets and compress as much activity into the limited time they have on their holidays.

Few places in the world are a short flight from the US and Canada where you can truly get away from it all to find yourself in the midst of lush rainforest, tropical rivers, active volcanoes and spectacular white sandy beaches.

Costa Rica’s proximity to major hubs and last-minute affordable airfare deals on most airlines and charter flights, has made it an appealing place for thrill seekers on tight schedules.

This is the new breed of weekend warrior – adventurers who can’t be away from the office for long, but need a quick fix of adrenaline.

Here’s an example of a recent e-mail from some friends in Colorado: “Found roundtrip tix on Frontier Airlines Denver to Costa Rica for $312 – got 3 days off for a long weekend next week. We’re coming to Costa Rica!”

And if you’re coming from such places as Atlanta, Miami and Houston or even Vancouver to Toronto, the Liberia International airport is now the entry point of choice for savvy wanderlusters.

Liberia is smack dab in the middle of the Guanacaste province on the Northern Pacific Coast. Until recently, Guanacaste was a remote hide-out for backpackers and surfing enthusiasts while few visitors braved the bumpy six-hour drive from Costa Rica’s main international airport in San José.

Liberia is under 1.5-hours from some of the most-amazing sunsets and about 3 hours from one of the most-active volcanoes in the world – the Arenal Volcano.

The hip traveler knows it’s easy to fly into Liberia and be within reach of the best of two worlds – golden shine of the Pacific Coast and the wet and wild side at the base of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.

And making it easier is that hotel options abound -- Costa Rica’s hot spots have been transformed by a collection of hotels and real estate developments – from no-frills cabins to ultra-luxury resorts and condos.

According to Suresh Krishnan, president and founder of one of Costa Rica’s leading adventure outfitters based out of the Arenal Volcano area, Costa Rica is considered among the top three destinations for adventure tourism the world over.

“We are truly at the Epicenter of Adventure,” Krishnan said, whose company Desafío Adventure Company specializes in helping that new breed of weekend warrior make the most of an adventurous long weekend.

His company’s motto is “Experience Water Like Never Before!” Krishnan boasts that there are more paddling options in the Arenal Area than anywhere else in Central America. “Even if you’re short on time, you can pack in a lot of action because we have everything close by.” The company offers rafting on the class-3-4 Río Toro and class 2-3 Río Balsa, safari floats, volcano hikes, mountain biking, spelunking and much more.

And stealing the show is canyoneering in the Lost Canyon – a new sport that will have you rappelling and down-climbing tropical waterfalls as you go river tracing inside a pristine jungle canyon.

La Fortuna is only 15 minutes from Lake Arenal – an angler’s dream, home to several popular gaming fish. Sea kayaking on the placid east side is a Kodak moment waiting to happen with the behemoth Arenal Volcano and a myriad of tropical birds and other wildlife setting the stage.

To finish off your stay near the volcano, your experience with water only gets better with a dip in one of the area’s natural hot springs.

For your trip back to the Guanacaste beach area, Desafío can arrange private transport. However, picking which beach to stay at will probably be the toughest part – there’s the booming town of Tamarindo, the exclusive Papagayo region with Four Seasons resort, the scuba capital at Ocotal and many more options – every Guanacaste beach has its own magic.

Once on the beach, there’s no shortage of activity, but you’ll probably be ready to just relax after all of your adventure. Your long weekend in Costa Rica may go fast, so you’ll have to keep checking on cheap airfare to come back and play weekend warrior again.

Costa Rican Weekend Warrior Tour

Day 1
Airport transfer (please indicate flight info). We travel by private shuttle through beautiful rolling hills to arrive at Costa Rica’s Adventure Zone – the Arenal Area.

Day 2
Experience the ultimate waterfall adventure on the Lost Canyon Adventure – strap on a harness and rappel yourself down 4 tropical waterfalls. After the thrill of the descent, we make our way along magical trails to reach the top of the brilliant, pristine canyon (lunch included.) Then in the afternoon you’ll hike near Central America’s most-active volcano – Arenal – later you’ll soak in natural hot springs to recover from your day’s adventures.

Day 3
Your chance to do world-class whitewater rafting on the intense Class 3-4 Río Toro – feel the exhilaration of over 45 crazy, continuous rapids in this secluded, picturesque jungle canyon and later in the afternoon continue your adrenaline rush with a bungee jump.

Day 4
The feeling of flying through the tops of the tree canopy amidst thick rainforest and a lush river canyon is something you must experience. The canopy tour is an adrenaline filled tour that begins with a short walk to the first platform where the guide will get you set up with your safety gear and give you a thorough safety talk on how to proceed on the 11 zip line cables and 12 platforms.

Or

The Safari Float is the ideal float trip for those looking for a peaceful encounter with the plentiful wildlife that abounds along the Peñas Blancas River only 25 minutes from the Arenal Volcano. Our bilingual naturalist guide will assist you as you paddle along a smooth, class-1 river and point out and explain about the area’s plants animals and birds.

In the afternoon we travel back to San Jose by private transfer for one last chance at shopping and dancing at the local disco before catching your flight home the following morning.

Your Costa Rican Weekend Warrior Tour includes:
Private transfer from San Jose to Arenal; Lost Canyon Adventure; Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs entrance; Rio Toro Rafting; Bungee jump; Your choice of either Canopy tour or Safari Float; Private transfer from Arenal to San Jose

Contact us about this tour at info@monteverdetours.com

Horse Trek Monteverde Costa Rica

2009-02-22T12:05:00.001-08:00

Desafio Monteverde and Horse Trek Monteverde welcomes the newest member of our team.

Meet Galactica! Shown here, born the early hours of 22 Feb 2009. Mother, Luminosa, cares for her tenderly.

Arenal Lake Costa Rica Bike Rally Feb 2009

2009-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Arenal Volcano Area - Bike Event

Support or enter this exciting bike race!

Saturday, Feb 21, 2009
Time: 7:00am
Venue: Tilaran, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Contact Info: Official Website: http://vueltaallago.net

Description 2 day ride, day 1 mountain bike ride from Parque Central de Tilaran in Guanacaste to El Castillo. Day 2 road ride from El Castillo back to Tilaran.

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Technical Details about Eruptions

2009-02-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

For all you volcano techos here is some detailed information about the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

The earliest known eruptions of Arenal took place about 7000 years ago, and it was active concurrently with Cerro Chato until the activity of Chato ended about 3500 years ago. Growth of Arenal has been characterised by periodic major explosive eruptions at several-hundred-year intervals and periods of lava effusion that armor the cone. Arenal's most recent eruptive period began with a major explosive eruption in 1968. Continuous explosive activity accompanied by slow lava effusion and the occasional emission of pyroclastic flows has occurred since then from vents at the summit and on the upper western flank.

February 11th, 2008
OVSICORI-UNA reported that during January, activity originating from Arenal's Crater C consisted of gas emissions, sporadic Strombolian eruptions, and occasional avalanches from lava-flow fronts that traveled down the SW flanks. Volcanic activity was at relatively low levels and few eruptions occurred. Acid rain and small amounts of ejected pyroclastic material affected the NE and SE flanks. Eruptions produced ash plumes that rose about 2.2 km (7,100 ft) a.s.l. Small avalanches of volcanic material traveled down several ravines. Crater D showed only fumarolic activity As of the 2nd of October, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica reported that changes in morphology and the health of vegetation at Arenal were documented during approximately 14-20 September. Fine ashfall produced at the summit by an active lava flow impacted and burned vegetation along the upper and lower E and NE flanks. The impact on the vegetation was more severe near the summit. By mid September, additional material moving down the SW flank had filled the 6 June collapse scar and built an 800-m-high levee. Occasional incandescent blocks roll down the top of the levee. Material accumulated on both sides of the levee and at the distal end, creating a 200-m-wide fan. A mass of material also accumulated at the SW edge of the summit, causing blocks to occasionally roll down the N flank. As of the 1st of August, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica reported that the growth of Arenal has been characterised by periodic major explosive eruptions at several-hundred-year intervals and periods of lava effusion that armor the cone. It continues to erupted, on and off, from time-to-time. As of Friday 6th of June 2008 at 9:15am (15:15GMT) OVSICORI reported that a hot avalanche rolled down the SW slopes of Arenal volcano, Costa Rica. An unestimated amount of blocky, andesitic lava was accumulating, on the summit, since March 2007 due to the extrusion of a lava flow. Even though fragments of such lava flow fell intermittently over these 14 months, it was until now that a mayor avalanche took place. Two minor ones were reported in recent months. The present collapse provoked a scar of some 800m long from the summit to the bottom. Lose, dry, incandescent material was canalized down the slope conforming a wide chaotic fan, at aprox 900m asl. Material rolling down pulverized and generated a tall plume of gases and dust that provoked panic in tourists and park rangers located some 2 kms. away, on the W side. Immediately the park was closed for the day and the tourists rapidly evacuated. No one was hurt. Dust and fine ashes deposited in a small area W and NW of the active flank. Rain rapidly diluted the fine film that was deposited on vegetation.Previously OVSICORI-UNA confirmed that a pyroclastic flow from Arenal traveled W on 18 september 2007. The event was recorded by a local seismic station. Based on field observations, a scientist from Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) reported that multiple pyroclastic flows traveled S an approximate distance of 1 km on 18 September. Explosions occurred that occasionally produced ash. Small avalanches were noted and one larger avalanche on the S flank was incandescent. Avalanche activity continued on 19 September. Conical Volcán Arenal is the youngest stratovolcano in Costa Rica and one of its most active. The 1657-m-high andesitic volcano towers above the eastern shores of Lake Arenal, which has been enlarged by a hydroelectric project. Arenal lies along a volcanic chain that has migrated to the NW from the late-Pleistocene Los Perdidos lava domes through the Pleistocene-to-Holocene Chato volcano, which contains a 500-m-wide, lake-filled summit crater.

Monteverde Education Scholarship Run

2009-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Monteverde Cloud Forest - CEC School run 14 Feb 2009

The Monteverde Cloud Forest School is in its 17th year of providing bilingual instruction which integrates environmental education into all facets of the curriculum. Students at our school learn the skills and develop the strengths and values needed to enable them to protect and nurture the unique tropical rainforests encircling Monteverde.

The Cloud Forest School prides itself on its ability to offer equal opportunity education to the children in our community. To do so takes time, dedication, hard work, and money. Last year's Carrera Creativa, a 10K Run accompanied by a 5K Walk, was a great success. It drew more than 50 runners and 100 walkers from five different countries.

Currently tuition payments cover 61% of our budget. Thus many of our students receive substantial scholarships. These are supported by donations from hundreds of individuals both here and internationally. Our average family earns less than $500/month. With tuition averaging $175/month some families are paying as much as 35% of their total income for education. We think this is a telling indication of the value our students' parents place on the education we provide. Nevertheless the global economic crisis has affected everyone and today more than ever our families are in need of your support.

This year we will provide $150,000 of scholarship assistance. We hope to raise $20,000 of this amount through the Carrera Creativa. To learn more contact Sarah Haughton [support@cloudforestschool.org]

Successful Costa Rican Trip - Client's View!

2009-02-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

Monteverde Road Improvements

2008-10-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Monteverde road (oh, the infamous road!) is gradually being improved. Paving is being carried out as we speak from Sardinal to Guacimal.

National Horse Rally Arenal Lake Costa Rica

2008-09-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

20 September 2008 was a great day for 'Sultan' a beautiful chesnut Arab horse, from Tilaran, near Nuevo Arenal. He impressively won the 135km endurance race around Arenal Lake. This famous event takes place every year in September and is of international standards. There are 3 categories: 'A', 'B' and 'C'. Cat 'A' being the full 135km, the other categories of lesser distances.

Costa Rica White Rafting Guiding School

2008-09-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

16 September is the inauguration day for Desafio Advenutre Company's 'White Ratfing Guiding School'.Present on the 16th will be the president of INA, journalists and members of ICT (tourist board).

Various members of the press and tourists board will try rafting and there will be music and a BBQ afterward.

If you are intereested please contact us at rivers@racsa.co.cr

Costa Rica Independence Day

2008-09-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica's Independence Day is celebrated on 15th September. Parades and other events throughout Costa Rica. Check out your local area for what's happening on this day!

Monteverde Skytrek Canopy Tours Special

2008-09-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Skytram/Skytrek in Monteverde are running special packages for the month of September with great discounts.

Package 1.
Includes Skytrek (cables, ziplines in the canopy) + Skytram (tram ride) + Skywalk (guided suspended bridges) + Snake Tour + Optional tour (Frog Pond, Butterflies, Orchid Garden OR Santa Elena Reserve) + souvenir picture + lunch ($89 without transport).

Package 2
Everything as above but without the bridges ($74 withour tranport).

Write to info@monteverdetours.com for details.

Children's Day- Raising money for shoes

2008-09-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Desafio Adventure Company is putting together a Children's Day in Arenal on Sept 11th 2008. Plant trees, picnic, piñata, presentation by the Animal Rescue Center and other attractions. This will be filmed by United State's 'Travel with Kids'. The event is to raise money for local children who are in the need of shoes.

Write for more details! Or if you would like to donate shoes.....

Monteverde New Musuem Opened!

2008-09-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Museum has the history of Monteverde. Large model showing location of
Monteverde and the main roads, rivers and cloud forest reserves. Biggest model of its kind in Costa Rica!

Hi

2008-07-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm online!
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http://www.monteverdetours.com/