WATErfAll: ASHlyN gEorgE; floWEr: ogpHoTo/iSToCK
Waterfall splashes down
into a basin that’s perfect
for a dip following a day of
hiking. Though the water
is a bit chilly, I dry off in no
time resting on the nearby
rocks. On the way back into
town I encounter a local vendor
armed with a machete and a bag of
coconuts. He expertly slices the top off
the green fruit and pops a straw inside,
selling me some much-welcomed
agua de pipa, the slightly sweet and
refreshing water of the young coconut.
North of Arenal, Caño Negro
Wildlife Refuge affords altogether
different wildlife views—from a
boat gliding through the wetland
fed by the Frio River. Touring the
forest, grassland and marshes,
I spot migratory birds and at least
three different primate species. The
guttural roars of howler monkeys
provide the soundtrack for the trip.
My exploration moves from
rainforest to cloud forest in the
Monteverde region. Fog often shrouds
this region due to its higher elevation
and humid but cooler conditions.
I venture onto a series of hanging
bridges that literally put nature at my
fingertips—90 percent of the forest’s
animals live in its canopy. Particularly
beautiful are its 500-plus varieties of
orchids, including the Guaria Morada,
Costa Rica’s national flower.
The country’s grano de oro (golden
grain) coffee is also farmed in this
elevated region, so I decide to sample
a cup of Joe before heading home.
Café Monteverde, a fair-trade coffee
cooperative and roastery, offers tours
exploring the history and
growing process of the
world’s most popular bean.
The best part? Buying
a couple of pounds of the
coffee as proceeds support
local farmers.
For my final night in Costa
Rica’s untamed landscape, I figure
it’s a propos to dine in the forest. I
head to the town of Santa Elena and
grab a table at Tree House Restaurant
and Café. A sizable ficus extends its
branches through the dining room,
and is especially magical at night when
it glows with green-hued lights.
Tree House’s menu overflows with
local and Latin American specialties.
I land on a classic: Ceviche, loaded
with seafood, lemon, onion, garlic and
cilantro. The burst of flavours is like
Costa Rica itself—a wonderful mix
of diverse elements that produces
an unforgettable experience.
Taking a break at
Montezuma Falls
costa Rica’s national flower
cAA SASKATCHEWAN
fAll 2016
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