EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: MONTEVERDE

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN MONTEVERDE

There is absolutely no way to avoid eating casado in Costa Rica. This traditional comida tipica (typical dish) is on every restaurant and home cook's menu because it features well-loved Costa Rican staples: white rice, black beans, salad, plantains, and either chicken, meat, or fish. Casado means “married” but don’t let the term fool you – casado ingredients aren’t combined. They’re simply served together on one plate. Brace yourself - it’s not uncommon to eat casado more than once a day in Costa Rica!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Monteverde

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Monteverde:

• Casdo: In Costa Rica, casado is an absolute must-try. This delicious meal literally translates to "married man," since it is a complete and all-in-one plate that typically includes a protein like chicken or fish, rice, beans, a salad, and sweet plantains. It's an authentic way to refuel after a morning of exploring and is a staple at any local eatery in Monteverde.
• Gallo Pinto: This is a breakfast classic that you will be eating almost every morning, and for good reason! Gallo Pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica, a simple but flavorful mix of rice and black beans stir-fried together with herbs and spices. It's often served with eggs, fried plantains, and a side of fresh cheese. This dish is a true symbol of Costa Rican identity and hospitality!
• Arroz con Leche: Looking for a sweet treat to cap off a meal? Arroz con Leche is a delicious and comforting dessert. This is the local version of rice pudding, a creamy and sweet dish made with rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It is a beloved homemade dessert that you will find in local restaurants. 

BEST DRINK IN MONTEVERDE

Sure, coconut water has become all the rage in fitness circles around the world, but Costa Ricans have been sipping it straight from the shell for decades. Green coconuts, or pipas, look more like oversized mangos than they do coconuts and they lack the thick layer of meat inside the shell. But they’re filled with extremely delicious, thirst-quenching coconut water. As for rumors touting coconut water a pure enough substitution for a blood transfusion? Sorry. It does contain electrolytes that can help you rehydrate after a hot day in the sun.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Monteverde

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Monteverde:

• Fresh Fruit Juices: Get ready to be obsessed with the fresh fruit juices here! Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, and in Monteverde, you will find a huge variety of fruits you may have never tried before. These juices are a tasty, healthy and incredibly important part of the local diet. Plus, they’re perfect for cooling down after a day of hiking or exploring the surrounding forests and jungles!
• Agua Dulce: For a true taste of tradition, you must try Agua Dulce. This drink is a simple but comforting staple, made from unrefined sugar cane dissolved in hot water. It's a warm and slightly sweet beverage that locals often have in the morning or to warm up on a chilly day. 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN MONTEVERDE

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk through a cloud? Then head straight to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This 25,000-acre reserve rises high above the continental divide and is enshrouded in clouds. Its misty, mystical aura is enhanced by the lush green surroundings that are filled with more than 100 mammals, 400 kinds of birds, and 2,500 plant species. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the perfect place to take in Costa Rica’s rich wildlife diversity.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Monteverde

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Monteverde:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: In Monteverde, you are certain to experience the incredible biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer. This reserve is the reason the area is famous, and it's a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the country's unparalleled beauty. It's filled with unique plant and animal species, including hummingbirds and the rare quetzal.
• The Bat Jungle: Looking for something more unique? The Bat Jungle is an amazing indoor exhibit where you can safely observe hundreds of live bats up close. It's a fantastic educational experience that shows just how important these misunderstood creatures are to the ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants in the local forest.
• Hanging Bridges & Zipline Tours: If you love an adrenaline rush, the hanging bridges and zipline tours of Monteverde are meant for you. The hanging bridges offer a breathtaking perspective from the top of the cloud forest canopy, letting you see plants and animals from a whole new angle, and the zipline tours are exhilarating. Both experiences are a huge part of Monteverde's adventurous and eco-conscious culture, blending fun with a deep appreciation for nature!

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