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Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Destinations includes Veragua Rainforest in the mountains of the Caribbean region. The world needs a paradigm shift, that Veragua Rainforest exemplifies at the heart of the progressive travel industry, offering Ecotourism. Their foundation, established in 2013, promotes the research of flora and fauna in the 77-hectare (190 acre) tropical rainforest of Veragua.

They offer public tours, while maintaining partnerships with renowned academic institutions such as the University of Costa Rica. This facilitates publication of findings and sharing them with the world community. Furthermore, they uncovered eleven new animal species at Veragua Rainforest.

Overall, I enjoyed my day tour here with a good conscience, knowing we contributed to their funds. Along with a Naturalist Guide, we explored a variety of habitats, such as, day & night frogs, butterfly garden, Insectarium, Serpentarium and research center. Lastly, it culminated in a tram ride through the tree canopy and a small hike to Puma Falls.

    Monteverde Costa Rica
    Costa Rica

    Monteverde, Costa Rica’s Fun Eco Adventures – Zip-lining, Hanging Bridges & Naturalist Hikes

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    The pristine Monteverde cloud forests are a wonderland for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.  It is one of the most popular regions in Costa Rica for a reason.  In this lush environment, you can go zip-lining and walk in the jungle canopy on hanging bridges all in one day.  Or if you just want to go on a leisurely naturalist walk and learn about the rich flora and fauna that’s great too.  I spent 2 days enjoying my Monteverde Costa Rica adventures and love sharing.  So, read on to learn more about Monteverde and why it’s one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica.     

    About Monteverde

    Monteverde is a region meaning the ‘green forest” in northwest Costa Rica.  It’s lush landscapes of cloud forests on mountaintops is one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica for ecotourism.  The biodiversity and wildlife is a nature lovers paradise.  It offers many ways to interact with the environment through hanging bridges in the jungle canopy, zip-lining and naturalist hikes. 

    The weather at Monteverde is very unpredictable and quick to change from being sunny, windy or rainy.  But this also means its amazing for rainbows.  As visitors it’s important to dress smart and in layers for any weather types.  Ponchos are a wise choice because umbrellas do not fare well in the wind.  The dry season is February to May. 

    My 2-Day Experience in Monteverde

    I was with Intrepid Travel and organized my time to see as much as possible.  The first day I did a combination tour at 100% Aventura Adventure Park for Zip lining and Hanging Bridges Canopy Walk.  Then, the next day I did the naturalist guided walk at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.  Overall, I enjoyed it but we did catch some rainy days.  It is a rainforest after all, so glad I was prepared.  I am from Seattle, so this felt like home to me.

    Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures
    Top Things to Do

    IMG_7303

    Zip-Lining and Hanging Bridges
    Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures

    IMG_7053

    Zip Lining – 100% Aventura Adventure Park offers 9 zip lines, including the longest line in Costa Rica stretching 1590 meters.  They also offer a rappel jump and the biggest Tarzan Swing in Costa Rica, plunging 45 meters (148 feet). I enjoyed my morning here and appreciated that you experience a couple short lines first to practice, before taking the long stretch across the valley.  For the first time, I tried the superman line and flew through the air face down like superman.  

    I did the combined tour with 100% Aventura Adventure Park for both the Zip Lining and Hanging Bridges.  Their roundtrip shuttle picked us up at the hotel and took us to the sites then returned us. 

    Hanging Bridges – 100% Aventura Adventure Park offers a guided tour on 8 hanging bridges up in the jungle canopy along a 1.9-mile (3 km) hiking trail.  This is one of the best ways to experience the cloud forest high in the trees and get that amazing bird’s eye view.  Plus, a naturalist guide points out flora and fauna along the way.    

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the smallest reserve in the area, however, the most popular because of its virgin forests and biodiversity.  Scientists recognize this reserve as having the highest number of orchids on Earth.

    Quetzal Bird by Alecsandar Popovski – Unsplash.com

    We enjoyed our walking tour here with a naturalist guide. I found it amazing for birding and the guide was helpful with the high-powered lens to get a better view.  We saw the colorful (through the lens) and elusive Quetzal bird, hummingbirds, white capuchin monkeys, tarantulas and frogs.  Plus, all the incredible, lush plant life is omnipresent.

    However, at this reserve I experienced overtourism.  This beautiful country is popular for a reason.  But, in my opinion, there was too many people at this reserve.  There were groups of about 8-10 people every 20 feet.  We had to move on for the next group quickly and felt rushed.   Overall, in my opinion, Costa Rica is getting to the tipping point in some regions of overtourism which negates its whole point of sustainability and ecotourism.  

    Unique Opportunities for Night Tours or Bungee Jumping

    Red eyed Tree Frog Costa Rica
    Red eyed Tree Frog by Zdenk Machacek – Unsplash.com

    Night Tour – With about 80% of the wildlife in the cloud forests being nocturnal, doing a night tour is a unique opportunity.  For nature lovers this is a must to possibly see frogs, sloths, snakes, tarantulas or lizards.  Once the sun dips it gets chilly in the cloud forest, so come prepared.  

    Bungee Jumping – For the adrenaline junkies, there is The Extreme Bungee Jumping in Monteverde Tour.  As the highest jump in Central America, this plunges over 460 feet (140 m).  I didn’t do this, but it comes highly recommended for outdoor extremists.

     Where to Stay
    Monteverde Costa Rica Adventures

    The main hub for tourism in Monteverde is Santa Elena along with the nearby neighborhood of Cerro Plano.  We stayed at the charming Hotel de Jardines de Monteverde in Cerro Plano.  It was about a 20-minute walk up and down a very steep hill to the town center. It has a nice restaurant and bar along with rustic, quaint rooms. There was also nice restaurants and stores nearby.  Just a couple blocks away, we enjoyed a group dinner at the popular Thomas & Thiago. 

    20240313_083937
    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Enjoy Monteverde!

    Monteverde is a green paradise in so many ways.  It provides people an opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the rainforest with even a bird’s eye view.  And the adventure is also there for the thrill-seekers.   If your travels bring you to Monteverde, please share any tips below in the comments. 


    Read More!

    Amazing La Fortuna – The Heart of Costa Rican Wellness Travel
    Veragua Rainforest Ecotourism and Best Place to See Frogs in Costa Rica

    One or Two Day Itinerary in San Jose, Costa Rica

    April 13, 2025 0 comments
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  • Costa Rica

    Costa Rica Adventures in 6 Days- Monteverde, La Fortuna & San Jose

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Pura Vida from Costa Rica! This country is a paradise filled with sustainable and eco-friendly destinations. In March 2024, I ended a monthlong trip in Central America here. I enjoyed six days …

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    White Water Rafting & Capsizing in Costa Rica’s Pacuare River

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
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    The Costa Rica Pacuare rafting experience offers adventure like no other. National Geographic has recognized Costa Rica’s Pacuare River as one of the top 10 rivers for rafting in the world. Its …

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    Veragua Rainforest Ecotourism & the Best Place to See Frogs in Costa Rica

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Veragua Rainforest offers ecotourism at its best, with a sustainable biodiversity of flora and fauna. Plus, the lush park is home to 52 frog species, the highest number of species in Costa …

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  • Costa RicaTravel Wellness Trips

    Amazing La Fortuna – The Heart of Costa Rican Wellness Travel

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    Surrounded by tropical forests and volcanoes with geothermal hot springs is a wonderful blend for a healing destination.  La Fortuna offers a plethora of mineral-rich hot springs, resorts, spas, gardens and wildlife …

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  • Costa Rica

    San Jose, Costa Rica One or Two Day Itinerary

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    San Jose is the gateway to Costa Rica for many visitors with its international airport.  There is so much to do in the capital city and day trips nearby.  There are incredible …

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  • Costa Rica

    Costa Rica’s Amazing Jaguar Rescue Center Tours with Sloths, Monkeys, Birds & Other Wildlife

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025

    Costa Rica’s Wildlife Rescue missions give tourists opportunities to get up close and personal with rescued animals. In the Costa Rican-Caribbean region, there is a haven for animal lovers called the Jaguar …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading trave Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading travel destinations. The city offers a crossroads of cultures in a unique blend of architecture, food and art. It boasts among the top number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and being the birthplace of delicious cannoli. I planned and enjoyed this Palermo Sicily Walking Tour highlights in one day. 

Check out my blog on Palermo:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/palermo-sicily-walking-tour-highlights/

#palermo #sicily #italytravel #europetravels #sicilytravel
The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the G The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the Greeks in 3rd Century BC. Later the Romans transformed it for use of games and gladiator battles. This archeological site is one of the main attractions in Taormina and still a venue for entertainments today, such as, symphonies, theatre and ballets. 

Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #taormina #thewhitelotus #mtetna #greektheatre #europetravels
Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to vis Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to visit Europe’s most active volcano, Mt Etna, absolutely do it. I loved my visit here and consider it one of the best days of my life. It’s so incredible to get so close to this magnificent force of nature. You can catch a Mt Etna Sicily excursion with Cable Car and 4 WD from Catania, Messina and Taormina. Read on and discover how you can gaze eerily close at this active volcano. 

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #mtetna #mtetna🌋 #volcano #europetravels #adventuretravel
Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea cliffs and colorful buildings along turquoise waters, what’s not to love about Portofino. Even more, this gem of the Italian Riviera is small and easy to experience afoot. I enjoyed my time in this charming, yet luxurious sea port and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover this one-day itinerary with Portofino Italy walking tour highlights. 

Blog Post:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/portofino-italy-walking-tour-highlights/

#italytravel #italianriviera #portofino #portofinoitaly #mediterranean #cruise #mediterraneancruise #europetravelling #italygram
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Trudy Wendelin

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
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Travel/Wellness Content:

Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading trave Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading travel destinations. The city offers a crossroads of cultures in a unique blend of architecture, food and art. It boasts among the top number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and being the birthplace of delicious cannoli. I planned and enjoyed this Palermo Sicily Walking Tour highlights in one day. 

Check out my blog on Palermo:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/palermo-sicily-walking-tour-highlights/

#palermo #sicily #italytravel #europetravels #sicilytravel
The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the G The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the Greeks in 3rd Century BC. Later the Romans transformed it for use of games and gladiator battles. This archeological site is one of the main attractions in Taormina and still a venue for entertainments today, such as, symphonies, theatre and ballets. 

Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #taormina #thewhitelotus #mtetna #greektheatre #europetravels
Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to vis Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to visit Europe’s most active volcano, Mt Etna, absolutely do it. I loved my visit here and consider it one of the best days of my life. It’s so incredible to get so close to this magnificent force of nature. You can catch a Mt Etna Sicily excursion with Cable Car and 4 WD from Catania, Messina and Taormina. Read on and discover how you can gaze eerily close at this active volcano. 

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #mtetna #mtetna🌋 #volcano #europetravels #adventuretravel
Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea cliffs and colorful buildings along turquoise waters, what’s not to love about Portofino. Even more, this gem of the Italian Riviera is small and easy to experience afoot. I enjoyed my time in this charming, yet luxurious sea port and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover this one-day itinerary with Portofino Italy walking tour highlights. 

Blog Post:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/portofino-italy-walking-tour-highlights/

#italytravel #italianriviera #portofino #portofinoitaly #mediterranean #cruise #mediterraneancruise #europetravelling #italygram
Doing a Northern Ireland Causeway Coastal tour sho Doing a Northern Ireland Causeway Coastal tour should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s well-known for being one of the most beautiful drives in the world with many scenic stops along the way. Its breathtaking castles, geological wonders and magical coastlines offer the ultimate road trip. Because my day here was so incredible, I love sharing my tips about the Ireland Causeway Coastal Tour to Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges. For Game of Thrones fans, this is a special trip going to 2 film locations for the popular series.

Causeway Coastal Route goes along the northern coast of Northern Ireland 193 km (120 m) between Belfast & Londonderry. My one-day tour from Belfast included the iconic sites, such as, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges. Other incredible stops on the route are Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, Gobbins Cliff Path, Ballintoy Harbour, Glenarm Castle and Torr Head.

To learn more, check out my blogpost:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/ireland-causeway-coastal-tour-giants-causeway-dunluce-castle/

#northernireland #northernirelandtourism #irelandtravel #unitedkingdomtravel #causewaycoastalroute #giantscauseway #giantscausewayireland #dunlucecastle #darkhedgesnorthernireland #gameofthrones #gameofthronesfilminglocation #europetravel #wanderlust #travelblog #travelblogger #sheisnotlost #travelgirl #travel #travelvlog #travelvlogger #travelnorthernireland #bucketlist
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