Let’s dive back into our central American adventure! (Or should I say fly back into…)

We’d arrived in Monteverde, I believe, when I’d last paused our story. Nestled in the heart of the Tilarán Mountain Range, Monteverde National Park is often rhapsodically referred to as the ultimate haven for nature enthusiasts. But this is not unwarranted hyperbole. Its cloud forest reserve boasts incredible biodiversity and it is stunningly beautiful.

Cloud forests are typically found at higher elevations, usually between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level. The combination of high altitude and the cooling effect of the clouds results in lower temperatures – to be honest, a welcome relief after the cloying heat of the previous week! I was hoping we’d also get fewer mossie bites (though this didn’t prove to be the case). Due to the constant cloud cover, these types of forest experience really high levels of precipitation, often in the form of fog or mist, even during the dry season. The clouds trap moisture, which contributes to the high humidity levels, and this moisture provides a continuous source of water for plants, animals, and numerous micro-organisms. As a result, Monteverde’s forest is home to an incredibly diverse range of plant species, adapted to the moist and cooler conditions. Epiphytes, such as mosses, ferns, and orchids, are particularly common. These grow on the branches and trunks of trees, thriving in the limited sunlight near the forest canopy. The presence of epiphytes adds to the ethereal beauty of the cloud forest, creating a magical atmosphere.

Wandering through the misty trails and treetop walkways provides a surreal perspective of the lush canopy and a chance to spot unique bird species and mammals such as the tapir and jaguar. I say ‘chance’ because we didn’t actually see any of these. Our time in the cloud forest was actually our most animal-lite part of the whole trip. No matter. Monteverde truly does have a mystical sense to it, where the union of clouds and forest created an otherworldly aura, leaving you feeling like you’ve stepped into a real-life fairy tale.

One of the highlights of our visit to the area was however – somewhat surprisingly – exploring Jardin de Mariposas, the local butterfly garden. This enchanting sanctuary showcases the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica’s butterflies across four different habitats. Stepping into the mini-reserve, you’re immediately surrounded by a flurry of colour, as over 30 species of butterflies flit gracefully around you.

Our very punky and incredibly knowledgeable guide, Emmy, steered us around the centre, pointing out rare specimens and even grabbing them effortlessly from the air to show us up close. Gently, I should add! She grabbed them very gently. The cattleheart, with its delicate pink spots, danced through the air alongside the ethereal glasswing, whose transparent wings make them almost invisible against the foliage. The striking malachite butterflies, adorned with vivid green and black patterns, add a burst of colour. And then, there are the famous blue morpho butterflies, shimmering like sapphires as they glide through the air. Their radiant blue wings reflect the sunlight, captivating everyone’s attention. I’d seen some of these species before, but never in such numbers!

There’s an array of other intriguing creatures in the sanctuary too. From scorpions to millipedes, stick insects to jewel beetles, and even a friendly cockroach named Tiny that I held in my hands, the garden offers a fascinating (and educational) experience about some of the smallest creatures of the rainforest.

After that gentle, calming experience, I craved another dose of adrenaline. [Disclaimer: I have never “craved a dose of adrenaline” in my life and should stop trying to make myself sound cool on this website!]. We did however fight our nerves to go zip-lining high in the forest. Given it’s the first time I’ve ever tried zip-lining, I’m not qualified to judge, but we were repeatedly told (by those with far more experience) that there’s no better place to experience this than in the cloud forest’s canopy. Zip-lining through the foliage, suspended thousands of feet above the forest floor, was certainly exhilarating. Gliding from platform to platform, I felt like a bird (in the words of Nelly Furtado), getting an up-close view of the vibrant flora below. The rush of the wind against my face, the sheer thrill of the heights, and the captivating vistas made this an unforgettable highlight of the whole trip.

We began our journey to the treetops in an open-air gondola that gradually ascended to the breath-taking height of 1,750 meters above sea level. As we ascended, the landscape unfolded before us, revealing panoramic views across to the majestic Arenal volcano on one side and the glistening waters of the Pacific coast on the other. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it set the stage for the adrenaline-pumping adventure that lay ahead. [Disclaimer: no, actually I stand by “adrenaline-pumping adventure”. It was. That’s justified. And I didn’t insinuate that’s a common occurrence for me.]

As we reached the first platform, I must admit I was a bit nervous. The idea of soaring through the forest on a thin cable seemed daunting at first. But with the expert guidance of the Sky Adventures team, my fears soon turned into excitement. With a leap of faith, I embarked on the first zip-line. A tiny scream, and then….freedom! And the unique sensation of gliding on top of the world.

One by one, we soared through a series of six zip-lines, each one offering a different perspective of the cloud forest. The rush and the breathtaking scenery combined to create an experience I will cherish forever.

As if the zip-lining wasn’t enough to get our hearts pounding, at the end of the course there was an unexpected twist – a 5-meter free-fall bungee rope. With my heart pounding, I mustered the courage to take the plunge, and the sensation of free-falling before the bungee rope caught me was an incredible thrill. I’d definitely recommend the experience to anyone – and would happily endorse Sky Adventures, who made us feel safe and secure the whole way round!

…Oh, and we saw a very cute white-nosed coati in the car park afterwards. So this part of the trip wasn’t totally bereft of mammals!