~ by Susana García

They do know how to make people happy here!

The hearts of local farmers are waiting for you in the mountains to sweeten your life and bring health back to you. We left San Isidro de El General driving south on the Pan-American Highway, and turned left at the first traffic light which is at the foot of the hill that starts next to the Maxi Palí (Brasilia), heading towards Rivas and Chirripó National Park. 

We wanted to get to the end of the car-friendly road, so we could see hummingbirds at the Mirador de Rolando (Rolando’s Viewpoint) - advance reservation required.

Also, we visited Cloudbridge Reserve, which is less than 20 km (12,5 miles) from downtown San Isidro, some 40 minutes by car. It’s a private, 630- acre reserve next to Chirripó National Park, with sections of secondary forests and beautiful waterfalls, and its focus is the conservation and reforestation of the cloud forest. Jaguars roam this area; can you imagine following their footprints? Next day, we went to Aguas Termales Gevi (Gevi Hot Springs), where health and youth constantly flow from the foot of Costa Rica’s highest mountain.

You just need to meet doña (Mrs.) Vitalia, its owner.

To live up to her name, doña Vitalia is a lady with great vitality who looks 20 years younger than she actually is! Could it be that the water that comes from underground holds the secret to eternal youth? This water emerges at 99° F, the perfect temperature to lie down in the lake and enjoy the surroundings of wonderful forests and gardens. Heat is not around; the average annual temperature is about 72° F. 

We could not say leave this region without taking an entertaining chocolate workshop with Tao at Samaritan Xocolata. Its fine organic cocoa is a sweet and happy finale for an energizing weekend at the foot of the Endless Waters hill.

INFO: Biologist Susana García Blanco - info@costaricabirdingbeds.com