Monteverde Rambles 6 day moderate fastwater lodge based trip meeting at Monteverde Costa Rica and disbanding in San Jose: This trip is currently on hiatus, but is available as a FIT Custom Departure Trip Notes Day by Day Itinerary Mountain Alive Questions jim@battenkill.com		Monteverde Mountain Alive Discover the meaning of the Costa Rican phrase " pura vida"-the pure life- with us. Monteverde and Cano Negro, the essence of Costa Rica Costa Rica is an active travelers ideal destination. With vibrant mountain rivers and verdant forest trails the Monteverde and Arenal region combine to offer the perfect setting for our newest trip. We ramble through cloud forests rich with flora and fauna and paddle crystal sparkling rivers with an active volcano as a back drop. After meeting in San Jose we begin our journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Monteverde started as a Quaker community founded by peaceful people who wanted to live in a quiet and friendly environment. The village of Monteverde is nestled on the slopes below the cloud forest where families raise dairy cattle, famous for their delicious cheese. The mist shrouded privately owned Reserve is home to many varieties of brilliant colored birds, including numerous varieties of hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and the elusive and rare Resplendent Quetzal. Early Mayans believed the quetzal to be the "bird of life" and a symbol of freedom since it was believed that the bird would not live in captivity. We spend several days here, as there is much to see and do. Along with the Monteverde Reserve there are several smaller reserves that in themselves offer wonderful walking, hiking and exploring choices. Afternoons can be spent enjoying the local butterfly gardens where brightly colored mariposas dance among us, or visiting the small art galleries, artist co-ops and local coffee growers. We leave Monteverde and head overland to the village of Fortuna and the stunning Arenal Volcano. Looming over the village of Fortuna the volcano is a constant reminder of nature's power and grace. We have a variety of river choices including the Rio Fortuna, Rio Penas Blancas and the Rio Arenal. All are quick and lively with verdant vegetation blanketing their banks. These waterways are a haven for a collection of birds including Northern Jacana, Little Blue Heron and Fly Catchers. We paddled at a leisurely pace allowing us to soak in all that surrounds us. Ramble choices continue to abound here as well. Lava flows around the volcano provide wonderful areas to discover and take in the views of Lake Arenal. We may choose a walk to the Fortuna waterfalls, a pleasant walk through rich pasture land leads us to the edge of the forest and the cascading falls. At days end we enjoy a trip to the Tabacon Hot Springs. The Rio Tabacon is heated naturally by the near by volcano and is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and reflect on a great day. All to quickly our adventure ends. It is now time to leave the lowlands and return to San Jose and our final farewells.   Contact Us BattenKill Canoe, Ltd. 800.421.5268 or 802.362.2800 fax--802.362.0159 ©2002 BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.. All rights reserved