The staff of the Hotel Fonda Vela will be happy to help you identify and book the attractions and tours which most closely match your interests.  Please
inquire at the Reception Desk.

             Examples of tours and attractions include:

• The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A private biological reserve dedicated to the conservation of the rare flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. It attracts birdwatchers from around the world.  All entrance fees go to maintenance of this rare cloud forest reserve. Hotel Fonda Vela is one of the closest hotels to the Reserve
• The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve: The flora and fauna are similar to the more famous Monteverde Reserve.  This reserve is located 12 km away from Hotel Fonda Vela. On clear days, there are beautiful views of Volcano Arenal.  All entrance fees collected go to the improvement of regional education. 
• Canopy Thrills: Ziplines, attached from one mountain top platform to another, allow you to glide through the forest canopy with the use of special equipment.  
• Suspension Bridges: These bridges, spanning from mountain top to mountain top, allow you to walk through the “tree top” canopy of the cloud forest.
• The Monteverde Cheese Factory: Where the tastiest cheeses in Costa Rica are made.  Started by the early Quakers, the cheese-production process can be seen on tour or through an observation window.
• CASEM: At the Women's Artist Co-op in Monteverde, one can find hand-crafted souvenirs such as stationery, jewelry and clothing decorated with the famous quetzal.
• The Butterfly Garden: This is a study center and garden which have many stunning butterflies, including the Blue Morpho.
• Slide Show At The Hummingbird Gallery: Learn more about the natural history of the region through a slide show and an exhibition of photographs of Michael and Patricia Fogden (professional photographers).
• Hotel Fonda Vela Private Trails: Hotel Fonda Vela maintains over a kilometer of private nature trails on the hotel’s property.  A wonderful way to see exotic birds and mammals.
• Orchid Garden: More than 430 native Monteverde species are on display with guided tours.
• Bajo de Tigre Trail: Also known as the Childrens’ Eternal Forest, this transitional forest has more than 3 km. of trails, an arboretum and Children's Nature Center. All entrance fees go to the maintenance of this non-profit reserve.
• Aerial Adventure: Consists of metal rails, which extend for approximately 1.5 km. The rails carry electrically propelled cars, each with capacity for two people.
• Frog Pond of Monteverde: A herpentarium with more than 20 species of frogs and other amphibians of Costa Rica.
• Serpentarium: Tropical snakes of Costa Rica on exhibit, including the deadly Fer-de-Lance and Bushmaster!