Arenal Volcano Tours
RURAL COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM
- "Community-based rural tourism offers the opportunity to access without barriers the essence of rural life, and to explore natural landscapes and the least visited natural areas, hand in hand with excellent campesino hosts, while learning from the traditions and way of life of the local population." Actuar Costa Rica
- Monterrey (aka: Santa Domingo) is a haven for travelers interersted in visiting the Arenal Volcano area. Monterrey sits peacefully in the hills above the busy tourist hub of La Fortuna. This tiny, close-knit community perched in the mountains of San Carlos is home to the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat. The location of Leaves and Lizards makes it the perfect place to base out of to experience the people, views and nature of the Monterrey, Costa Rica area.
- We believe that tourism should be a support to the community, it should remain in the background and not take over the region’s resources. In an effort to contribute to our community, our tours promote rural tourism, encouraging farmers and other locals to show off their farms, waterfalls and forests to our guests. Residents of Monterrey have helped to plant native trees and plants that produce fruit to attract and sustain wildlife around our 26 acres.
- Since the opening of Leaves and Lizards, local leaders are taking proactive measures to ensure the preservation and continuation of the quality of life in our tranquil hamlet. The first meeting of the "city association" took place in February 2007. The association facilitates community improvements including road repair, handling of garbage, recycling and water usage. In November 2007 our community banded with several other small neighboring towns to form a larger, stronger voice.
- Proceeds from our community based tours go to the local Costa Rican providing the service.
VINCULO CON CABALLO
Vinculo con Caballo (The Horse's Bond) is our therapeutic horseback riding program. Members of our community who can benefit from this type of therapy are welcomed to join this donor sponsored program free of charge. Click HERE for more information! In April 2009 we had special guests visit us from Texas. Mr. Roy Dye of the Roy Dye Foundation at Texas AandM University, heard about our new project. His foundation gave Debbie a scholarship at Texas AandM for a course on Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Mr. Dye decided he wanted to pay us a visit. He and his best friend (87 y/o) and his daughter along with their doctor traveled to Leaves and Lizards...all the way to Costa Rica, up our rough road! Mr. Dye is 91 years old. He wanted to ride a horse again....so Chito and the gang helped Roy up on to Dorado...it was a special event for everyone! Muchas Gracias, Mr. Dye for supporting Vinculo con Caballo - hi ho Silver...or should we say Dorado!
PROYECTO ASIS
Proyecto Asis is a local wild animal rescue center in the pueblo of Javillos. They have over 12 years experience working in the community to promote awareness of rain forest and wild life conservation, Proyecto Asis is a must see in the La Fortuna Area for individuals who are concerned about the environment. You can spend a morning volunteering, learn Spanish at their Spanish Institute or let us arrange a tour for you with Alvaro the director of this visionary center. Please consider making a donation to this worthy organization - learn, serve and share in harmony with nature!
