The El Mirador in Monteverde (N of Santa Elena) looks beautiful on their Web site, but they say it's a 40 minute ride to the Monteverde park entrance. Is it worth being this remote? I also plan to do sky trek/walk. Is it really cose to El Mirador? Thanks!

Our family stayed at El Mirador Lodge for one night at the end of March. We enjoyed our stay, but it's not for everyone. They're located about 25 minutes from Santa Elena, the road is bad, you will need a 4x4. The cabins are very rustic and you are right in the cloud forest,damp and misty, very remote location. You can also see Lake Arenal and the volcano from your cabin if it is clear in the morning. The family that owns this are very friendly, but speak little english,the property is well kept. We ate our meals there, prepared by the family, good prices. We brought two small maglight flashlights as the power there ran on a generator. No need to go to Monteverde Cloud Forest as they have two private hiking trails here for guests, through their private reserve cloud forest. We hiked for 3 hrs. and never saw anyone. It was a beautiful trail, nice waterfalls and you can even swing on the vines which are hanging everywhere.

We went on the canopy tour and hummingbird gardens at Selvetura, they also have the skywalk. Selvetura is located very close to El Mirador. The road up from Santa Elena forks at the end, to the left is El Mirador Lodge, to the right Selvatura. This is newer facility, lovely, right in the cloud forest, great staff. We had no problem getting a guide to go with our daughter on the zip lines, as she was nervous after the first try. This was a great experience and the view from up there was remarkable. Very safe, try and relax and take in the scenery, don't forget your camera, carry it in a fanny pack.

On our way down we stopped in Santa Elena enjoyed the Serpentarium, our lunch at Stella's Bakery and the ice cream at the cheese factory is not to be missed!