[ITINERARY] 10 Day Kosher Exploration of Costa Rica

Day 8: Exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest 2

[THURSDAY] This day was all about exploring the local area and hiking. Just next to our Airbnb was a nice local artist’s workshop and art gallery: Arte Jaguar. We then headed to spend the morning and early afternoon at the Monteverde Cloud Forest national park. A shuttle from the parking lot brings you up to the entrance. There are a number of hikes throughout the area here, and most can be done within a few hours. We made it all the way to the easternmost hike’s end, which offered views of the forest canopy and the continental divide.

After a day of hiking, we headed into town to explore the local art shops, grab a drink, and pick out a souvenir. We loved checking out the local art, and particularly enjoyed the colorful art from Ferlander Arguedas.

Not too far from the center of town, there’s a grassy hill that doubles as a lookout point during sunset. We took fantastic pics here of the landscape and with the family as the sun set for the evening.

Day 9: Heading to the Coast

[FRIDAY] Before heading out of Monteverde, we visited the Orchid Garden in town which showcased the most diverse selection of orchids in the world (we think). We then quickly left town, as we needed extra time to descend back towards sea level for Shabbat. We had a long drive toward the beach town of Playa Flamingo, where we rented an Airbnb condo in a nice apartment building overlooking the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Midday on our drive, we made a pitstop at a waterfall, which was good because the cool temps of Monteverde did not follow us down, and it was now in the mid 90ºs.

We identified Catarata Llanos del Cortés y Poza Escondida as a waterfall frequented by locals, mostly. The area featured steps down into a shallow watering hole and a high waterfall with rocks below it. The swimming there was a necessary respite from the hot temps of the day. There was also a small hiking path along the side that allowed visitors to hike to the top of the waterfall within a few minutes, which was a cool experience.

Upon leaving the waterfall, we headed west to the coast, passing through Liberia. We now only had a couple hours until sundown and about just enough time to find our Airbnb, get settled in, and prepare our travel blech for Shabbat. [Note this foldable hot plate is fantastic, gets really hot, and travels really well.] Our Airbnb had a semi-private pool, a large balcony, multiple bedrooms & bathrooms, and in-suite laundry machines. It was the perfect relaxing spot to end our vacation.