The Underrated chill of Monteverde

Now, I acknowledge, if you’re going to Costa Rica, most are going for the outdoors and nature – white water rafting, wild animals, nature…etc. At this point in the very group, very shared room trip, I just wanted to relax. I wanted some quiet time, coffee shop time, get my life together time. I definitely got that – on New Years Day nonetheless.

Having the group to go out and dance with to celebrate 2026 was a really great experience! I haven’t had that in a long time. Had a lovely dinner with my new travel bestie and tall-girl twin! Tried to get the 12 grapes down, but they were quite large grapes and way too many people watching to not choke on one HA

I spent the next day hanging around coffee shops all day. It is one of my favorite life activities. Which – according to the tik tokers just means I’m approaching middle age. I keep seeing those “have you hit the age where you just want to buy a coffee shop yet” – that’s fine, I embrace the notion (and my back after sleeping on those beds)!

Monteverde seems like one of those towns that serves as a great base camp. It’s far enough away from San Jose that there’s real hiking, climbing, rafting, wildlife close by. It actually reminded me a lot of Ushuaia, Argentina. One of those ‘jumping off points’ that people only go to to get to the next spot, but it’s actually quite lovely and I’m glad I just hung out there. Lots of local shops (I bought a blanket and a llama sweater), coffee roasters and cafes, and really amazing restaurants. It feels like the place you come back to after a long day, but I really loved it for that under-rated, under the radar charm. I wouldn’t stay a week here, but I’d definitely stay at least a day longer than you planned just to hang out.

At the cafe during the day I ran into artists, musicians, and other locals who were in town working different events for the tourists. You know you’ve found a good place when you’re surrounded more by locals than tourists. That’s where I bought the coffee from.

Recommendations:
Cafe: Zuccaro Coffee and Bakery, Hanging Garden Coffee
Restaurants: The Tree House! It was so cool, live music, and food was amazing. Tico y Rico had the worst service but they had this shared plate that was so much food and it was amazing, it was worth the bad wait!!!