I first visited Monteverde during my university years while getting my degree in international environment and development. The experience left such a lasting impression on me, that for the past 20 years, it has always been a dream of mine to share this unique place with my family. Here is what happened.” – Janelle Schroy, Founder of Bravely
Monteverde is about a three hour drive from the capital city of San Jose. As we wound our way up the mountainous roads toward Monteverde, a sense of excitement filled the car. As I glanced at Jedd and our four daughters, I could see each were radiating enthusiasm. I’d talked this up for years. Monteverde – one of my favorite places on earth.
They knew we were about to enter a new experience in nature—a unique cloud forest that would enrich our understanding of the planet’s diverse biomes. Our journey here was about fostering our continued love for the natural world. It’s a journey we’ve been on for the last few years, one we call our Journey Into Wild.
Our home base for the weekend was Hotel Heliconia, nestled in the lush surroundings of Monteverde. From our large family room, we could hear the sounds of nature, a gentle reminder that we were surrounded by the cloud forest’s wonders. The hotel provided a cozy retreat after our daily explorations, making it easy for us to immerse ourselves fully in the experience. Monteverde’s altitude made it feel much different than the coastal areas of Costa Rica, where we’d been before. It’s cooler, misty air greeted us like a gentle embrace.
There are many adventure parks in the area, but we chose Selvatura Park, which became the highlight of our time in Costa Rica. There, we engaged in a variety of activities that showcased the beauty of the cloud forest.
Ziplining through the treetops was an exhilarating experience – a memory our daughters will hold on to forever. The rush of wind as we soared above the canopy was unforgettable, and the views of the sprawling forest below were breathtaking. It was thrilling to feel so alive, surrounded by nature while sharing this with our family.
When we walked along the hanging bridges at Selvatura Park, we were offered a different kind of connection to the forest. Suspended high above the ground, we wandered through a world that felt both magical and humbling. At Selvatura, we observed sloths, monkeys, so many butterflies, even snakes.
In the panoramic views, we could see the intricate layers of the cloud forest, with its vibrant colors and diverse flora. And as we crossed each hanging bridge, the girls eagerly pointed out monkeys playing in the branches and birds flitting between the trees. This was an opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, alongside Steven, our natural history guide. I’ve found that nothing ignites our daughters’ curiosity about the ecosystems more than immersive experiences in richly biodiverse places like this.
The landscape around us enchanted our senses—towering trees wrapped in a lush blanket of moss, vibrant ferns, and the soft trickle of water filled the air with a soothing rhythm. There are few places on earth where I feel as happy as I do in a cloud forest. It feels so – ALIVE! In a cloud forest, even the smallest details are fascinating. For our daughters, it was an invitation to explore, question, and discover more about the wonders of nature.
No textbooks, no tests, no projects to complete, just the experiencing nature in its natural state
The air was fresh and fragrant, rich with the scent of damp earth and vibrant foliage. My daughters eagerly pointed out the unique plants and curious creatures peeking from behind leaves. The biodiversity captivated their imaginations! Each observation sparked a new conversation about ecosystems, life cycles, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
In Monteverde, the cloud forest’s humidity and cool temperatures creat a thriving environment for diverse flora and fauna. We could see it as w we wandered along the trails. We encountered a delightful mix of plant life, from striking orchids to giant trees that seemed to touch the sky. Jedd and I exchanged smiles as we watched our daughters marvel at the richness surrounding them.
The more we explored, the more I appreciated how Monteverde serves as a perfect setting for families like ours who want to connect with nature. The forest encourages you to slow down, take a breath, and soak in the sights and sounds. The cloud forest invites children to engage with the environment in ways that spark learning and wonder.
Surrounded by this lush landscape, it was hard not to reflect on our role in protecting these ecosystems. The forest embodies the beauty of nature and serves as a reminder of the fragility of our planet. Sharing these insights with our daughters feels crucial. We want them to understand that their actions—big or small—can impact the world around them. As we hiked, ziplined, listened, and asked questions in Monteverde, we embraced the joys of learning together as a family.
Monteverde provides an incredible opportunity for families to witness the splendor of nature while cultivating a deeper appreciation for it. Nature has much to teach us.
