Tracey and Beverly’s top 10 do’s and don’ts in Monteverde and Santa Elena, Costa Rica
1
Don’t tour the Monteverde Cheese Factory with the guide with all of the bling in his ear and a Wisconsin accent. Also, cheese lovers beware: you will curdle at seeing whey scooped out of vats and added to plastic, trash-like cans.
2
Do drink the TreeHouse mojito, the most delicious rum-slurpee ever!
Don’t drink too many Tequila shots before the jeep-boat-jeep ride to La Fortuna. You WILL barf.
3
Do use a flash when capturing that perfect photo of you and your friends riding the cement armadillo in front of the Bar Amigos in Santa Elena.
Don’t use a flash when capturing pics of wildlife. Use the macro setting.
4
Do wear repellente.
Don’t do the Apocalypse Now.
5
Do get your Mexican food fix and the taco shop next to the Pension Santa Elena.
Don’t get your fix at the pricey TreeHouse restaurant.
6
Do eat a hippy bagel at the café above the bookstore in front of the Pension Santa Elena.
Don’t forget to order a Cappuccino Dani (That’s con whisky!) at the Hummingbird Gallery Café across the street from the entrance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
7
Do go on a night hike. You’ll see the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth step into action.
Don’t think you won’t see a sloth in the daytime. Keep your eyes peeled for furry balls nesting on tree branches.
8
Do take the butt-numbing, cliff-hanging, hairpin-turning circa 1950’s school bus ride up to Monteverde. Don’t forget to breathe!
Don’t rent a car. Save your colones for a couple of TreeHouse mojitos after the bus ride.
9
Do buy Frida Khalo inspired ivory nut jewelry, an environmentally friendly alternative to animal products.
Don’t carry away your souvenirs in plastic bolsas.
10
Do visit Monteverde in February to spot the Resplendent Quetzal. Read about my previous spottings.
Don’t expect to see the Quetzal or its favorite aguacatillo fruit in July. Hey, we got to see the sea turtles nesting. This isn’t the
Just for the record, I haven’t been to Bar Amigos nor have I ridden a concrete armadillo…and I haven’t seen a sloth at night. Boo! Hopefully I’ll be in good shape for the jeep boat jeep. –Tracey
Yeah, I had to add in a few previously learned lessons. Glad we were both in shape for a great jeep-boat-jeep ride!