Costa Rica might not be the first country that springs to mind for world-class cuisine, but it’s time to rethink!
Over 250,000 visitors travel up to the wildlife reserves in the heights of the Tilaran Mountain Range to explore the wildlife reserves set up to conserve the many species that call this delicate micro-climate home. However, now Monteverde is becoming known for more than its incredible bio-diversity.
photo © Chloe Cann/Independent.co.uk
The Quaker settlement in the cloud forests is the second largest producer of cheese in the country with an ever-growing range of flavors and types from cheddar with peppers to a traditional Costa Rican white cheese for frying. Whether served alongside the typical Gallo Pinto breakfast or in a deli-style sandwich, the cheeses are gaining international attention.
Visitors are welcome to tour the factory where the cheeses have been prepared since 1953 when the community of Quakers, escaping army subscription, established themselves as dairy farmers in the misty mountain tops of the north of Costa Rica.
This region also has the ideal climate for coffee production, and tours are available to see the bean to the cup process of the world’s favorite beverage. Take a night tour to see the coffee plantation in the late afternoon, and continue after dusk to see the nocturnal world of Monteverde…if you dare!
Getting there: Allow at least 3 hours journey time coming from Liberia (LIR), and almost 4 hours from San Jose (SJO). Plan on at least an overnight visit to have enough time to enjoy this special corner of Costa Rica. A mid-sized to full-sized SUV is recommended for this location as the last part of the road is unpaved.
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