Costa Rica Travel Review: Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Nature, Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 10-Day Tour

Costa Rica offers so much natural beauty and biodiversity. Much that we saw in the three areas we visited was expected and lived up to those expectations. However, we were particularly thrilled with visits to a charming and unique butterfly garden and, what proved to me most surprising, a one-and-only live bat sanctuary that was amazingly informative about a little understood or appreciated creature. Both were in Monteverde. Arenal Volcano was quite interesting as we compared local attitudes and impact after eruptions with our experience living near volcanos in the northwest, Hawaii and Japan.
We also enjoyed culinary experiences with food from everyday Costa Rican fare at all three hotels. And, a tip of the hat to superior cuisine providing a combining excellent taste, presentation and service at our hotel in Monteverde.