3-Day Talamanca Mountains Tour, San Gerardo de Rivas & Cloudbridge Reserve - Costa Rica

Travelling up into the Talamanca mountain region you’ll notice the air cool and the vegetation begin to change, and soon you’ll be surrounded by dense woodlands in the lower part of the cloud forest. You’ll arrive in the tiny village of San Gerardo de Rivas, dotted over a lush green valley, and consisting of not much more than a scattering of houses, lodges, a couple of shops and a football pitch. It has a gentle, friendly charm to it, and attracts a steady stream of nature lovers and trekkers.

Your comfy lodge is run by a local family, with views over the valley, a little pool, and a few cosy rooms and bungalows. Here you can relax, enjoy the local coffee and breathe in the mountain air.

This morning, after some breakfast, you’ll be driven to the nearby Cloudbridge Reserve – a beautiful private conservation park on the side of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Cerro Chirripó. The reserve has various trails which take you through the cloud forest, past waterfalls, wonderful views and abundant animal and birdlife, and a local guide will be there to make sure you make the most of your morning here and learn something about the nature of this part of the world.

In the afternoon you can take it easy at the lodge or maybe have a soak in the local hot springs. The village’s nightlife is best described as low-key, but there’s a handful of nice restaurants and bars if you fancy venturing out. Otherwise, you can just eat and relax in the comfort of the lodge.

The mountain air usually makes us sleep like a log, so hopefully you’ll wake up feeling totally refreshed. After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, it’ll be time to wave goodbye to the peaceful surroundings of San Gerardo de Rivas and continue your journey through Costa Rica.