RURALTOURISM

Monte Alto

Monte Alto borders Samara beach, Barra Honda and the Island of Chira. In reaction to shortages of drinking water caused by deforestation Monte Alto was established to educate the community and to protect the region's water resources. They now run training courses for farmers, organize reforestation and land purchasing programs and have established an alternative tourism initiative. During your visit to the site you can walk along its 5km long trail network that winds through primary and secondary forest, with some of Costa Rica's most diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and orchid gardens featuring 50 different orchid species. Monte Alto's reserve also boasts of beautiful waterfalls and stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya, the coasts of Guanacaste and the South Pacific. You can also take a trip to XIX century agricultural settlements, plantations, coffee, vegetables and "tapa de dulce" processing sites, and visits to a sugarcane mill and a local history museum.