Description
Monte Azul’s nature preserve is home to over 1,200 metres of riverfront along the Chirripo River, numerous creeks, waterfalls, primary rainforest and an extraordinary number of animals and exotic plants. It is also a superb base for bird watching with the famous Skutch Ranch nearby.
Monte Azul features elegant casitas are nestled within landscaped gardens and Casa Palo Alto, a stunning hilltop villa commanding sweeping views of the Chirripo Valley. All guest rooms are beautifully decorated in a contemporary style.
Whilst at Monte Azul there is a whole host of things to see and do. The preserve has seven well-maintained trails leading to waterfalls, swimming holes, coffee plantations and panoramic views. The trails are signed, so you can explore on your own at leisure or with a guide. Several tours can be arranged such as white-water rafting, horseback riding, a visit to the local thermal springs, or to the Boruca indigenous community, a day trip to the beaches of Uvita, among many others. You can also exercise your own creative talents with workshops on screen printing, etching, and cooking, including a popular cheese making class with a local family. Upon your return, you could indulge in an in-room spa treatment.
Within walking distance from the casitas is Cafe Blue, Monte Azul’s open-air fine dining restaurant.
Accommodation
There are two types of guest accommodation: four casitas tucked within landscaped gardens along the boulder-strewn Chirripo River, and the Casa Palo Alto which commands sweeping views of the Chirripo Valley. The 3,300-square-foot (310 m2) home is flanked by a two-bedroom South Suite and a North Suite. Each of Casa Palo Alto’s suites can be rented individually or exclusively.
Childcare
Children under the age of 15 are not permitted.
Facilities
Cafe Bleu restaurant, spa, private reserve, fine art collection and nature trails, artist studio and fine art collection showcasing local contemporary art and hilltop swimming pool
Activities
Nature walks, hiking, bird watching, horse riding, massage treatments, visit to a local family-run organic coffee farm, enjoy one of the many swimming holes in the two rivers that run adjacent, or take a dip in the pool and relax, cooking class, visit to thermal pools in the Talamanca Mountains, visit this private nature preserve of Cloudbridge that borders Chirripo National Park, a day trip to the beach and zip lining.
When to travel
Year round destination, although November to April are the best months for sunshine. The ‘Green’ season, from May to October, is a good time to visit: it’s sunny in the mornings with rain in the afternoons. The quietest period is April to early June. The rain can be particularly strong in September and October.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
San Isidro General
Monte Azul is located on a private mountain reserve near the country's highest point, Chirripó National Park. In Costa Rica's Southern Zone in the Talamanca River Valley and approximately a half an hour from the famous Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary.
How to get there
15 hour international flight (via Miami) to San Jose Juan Santamaria International, followed by a 3 hour road transfer to Monte Azul.
