4 Fun Facts About Monteverde, Cloud Forest of Costa Rica
Monteverde is Costa Rica’s most important cloud forest. But that’s not all it’s known for.
Fun facts about Monteverde, Costa Rica:
1. Cloud Forest – without a doubt the best cloud forest in all of Costa Rica is in Monteverde.
Being so high up in the Tilaran mountain region, most parts are usually covered in clouds and with a bit of a drizzle – year round. Also, bring warm clothes, because it can definitely get cold here!
2. Hummingbirds – who loves these ultra fast – speed-o like colorful, tiny birds? I think almost everyone does. And you don’t have to be a bird lover to simply enjoy them fluttering around you.
Monteverde, Costa Rica is the king of hummingbirds with one of the highest populations of the country!
3. Quaker influences – Back during the Korean war the US had a draft going on. But not everyone was going to let their sons be taken away from them. In the late 1940′s a dozen or so families arrived on horseback to Monteverde. There was no electricity, no water but great land for their farming.
With too many cows, one of the men decided to make cheese and Monteverde Cheese Factory was born and is now one of the best cheese companies in Costa Rica.
They also are completely integrated into to community and are owners for most of the business along with hotels, tours, restaurants and other ventures.
4. The Roads of Monteverde – Rumor has it that Costa Rica’s roads are more challenging then some of the harshest roads in the world. Not sure about the WHOLE world, but I can say that some roads will definitely make your heart stop a few times.
Monteverde’s roads are definitely the most challenging in the country. The roads are 90% dirt roads, and regardless of where you are coming from San Jose or Arenal, you will hit curves and steep slopes that you feel you can fall off.
But really, with a 4×4 and without the racing mode mentality, it’s really quite an adventure!
So get in your off road car and enjoy a part of Costa Rica that is truly unique!
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Submarine for Deep Sea Exploration on Roatan, Honduras – Photo Essay
Have you ever traveled underwater? In a real submarine? I bet you think they don’t exist. But they do! My son and I went down 1000 feet in one of the only real passenger submarines in the world. National Geographic Expedition – like adventure.
Roatan, Honduras is a perfect spot and Karl Stanley of Stanley submarines brought his submarine that he made with his bare hands here for everyone to enjoy.
Dock for Deep Sea Exploration Passenger Submarine
Deep Sea Exploration Submarine Kid Friendly
Hopping into the Submarine
Chamber Inside our Submarine
Jelly Fish at 1000 feet below
1500 Feet Under the Sea
Walking Fish 1500 Feet Below Sea Level
Underwater Sponges
Marine Life at Bottom of Sea
Marine Life – 1500 feet below – pure darkness
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Day of the Dead Celebration – Kite Festival – Guatemala – Video of the Week
November 1 is celebrated all over Central America and Mexico and is usually called – Day of the Dead. However, Guatemala has taken this holiday and day of remembrance to a new high. The Kite Festival of Guatemala is the only festival in the world where they set 36 foot in diameter kites flying high in the air.
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Travel Guide to Honduras
Honduras is a Central American country with amazing islands on the Caribbean Sea known as the Bay Islands that are surrounded by the second largest Barrier coral reef in the world. It is also home to some of the most important Mayan ruins because of its hieroglyphs.
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Copan
Copan in Honduras is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Here you will find an archaeological compound of an old Mayan city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Archeologists refer to Copan as the Paris of the Maya world.
What to Do in Copan
1. The first thing you have to do when in Copan is to visit the Copan Maya Ruins. Here you will see beautiful pyramids, mystic tunnels and a museum. This site is one of the most important for the Maya world; its intricate Stelae have helped archaeologists understand Mayans better.
2. Another great way to have some fun in Copan is to visit Macaw Mountain, one of the best bird refuge centers in Honduras. Here you can interact with macaws.
3. If on the other hand you prefer a relaxed walk or a horseback ride you might want to visit Los Sapos Mayan Ruins. You will find it on the property of Hacienda San Lucas. It’s basically a few boulders that were carved into huge Toads during the Maya era however no one knows what they mean.
Where to Stay in Copan
1. Hacienda San Lucas is perfect for those travelers that want to experience what Copan’s countryside has to offer. This is a Traditional Hacienda from over 100 years ago and the best family hotel of Copan.
2. If on the other side you prefer a luxury boutique hotel in the middle of all the action of the town Yat Balam is for you. It was voted as one of the top hotels in the world by Tripadvisor. The whole hotel has 4 adorable rooms.
Roatan
Roatan is a beautiful island of Honduras located 30 miles off of the coast in the Caribbean Sea. Here you get to enjoy the most perfect white sanded beaches and crystal clear waters. Even though it’s part of Honduras (a Spanish speaking country), the main language spoken on the Island is English from the days it was a colony of Britain.
What to Do in Roatan
1. For an underwater adventure you get the chance of exploring the underwater museum in a snorkeling tour.
2. If you are on an island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea you can’t miss going on a catamaran cruise.
3. For $400 per person you can go down to 1500 feet or more in a passenger submarine. This is a fun and safe way to explore the depths of the sea with kids.
4. A great way to see the island and go wherever you want is to rent a scooter. You can avoid the expensive taxi fees and explore the town your way. The roads are well paved and it’s hard to get lost.
Where to Stay in Roatan
1. For travelers that prefer a more luxurious option Mansion at Costa Tesoro offers 6 incredible suites. Staying at his boutique hotel will definitely be a highlight of your trip. The service, food, views and the pool are amazing.
2. Another great option on West End is Fosters. They offer cabins one bedroom to three bedrooms, they are perfect for families.
3. There is also Tranquilseas, an Eco Lodge that offers private cabins with a partial kitchenette and a great pool for kids.
Utila
This tiny island is also part of Honduras and is also located in the Caribbean Sea. Utila is the smallest of the three major Bay islands. It is known around the world as one of the best places for scuba diving & watching whale sharks. Due to its colorful history the culture of its people is a blend of British, American and Spanish legacy.
What to Do in Utila
1. Diving is one of the main reasons why travelers visit Utila. There are places where you and even your kids can learn how to do it. This provides a day of family fun!
2. Beach bumming and exploring the town is a great thing to do for those who prefer something a bit more relaxed. There are plenty of street vendors and small coffee shops or restaurants to hang out in and enjoy.
Where to stay in Utila
1. While exploring the island I found Jade’s Seahorse. It is a unique artsy hotel where the owner’s canvas is the entire property. It’s truly an amazing place worth checking out.
2. Laguna Beach Resort is by far the most luxurious hotel in Utila. It is located between a lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
3. Then there is Colobri Hill Hotel, an 8 room small, basic hotel with amazing views and a great pool for kids.
Fun Fact about Honduras: Christopher Columbus first words when he set foot on Honduras were: “Thank God we got out these great depths!” Honduras’ literal meaning is: Great Depths.
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Kayaking in Roatan, Honduras – Photo Essay
There are so many water activities on Roatan it’s hard to decide. Kayaking is one way to see the island on your own time and enjoy the incredible Caribbean sea.
Kids Love Kayaking
Perfect Activity for Families
Caribbean Sea Kayaking
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