I just came back from a week long 21st birthday party. I spent it in Costa Rica and it was all I could have hoped for and a whole lot more. While my buds were busy bar crawling here locally, I figured I could do the same thing in another country and a whole lot more while I was at it.

I discovered, among other things the thrill of what is called here a Canopy Tour and I am here to tell you it rocks! The company is called Selvatura and they offer an unforgettable adventure in the form of a canopy tour via “ziplines.” You slide from one platform to the next along a steel cables hanging way up in the forest canopy. What a ride!

I’ve decided that Canopy tours are the way to go if you’ve ever wanted to know what it is might be like to fly. You fly right past an amazing array of plants and animals. I was told this is something that a person can do at almost any age. I can testify that it is a great activity for someone recently turning 21.

The road to Monteverde offers adventure in and of itself as anyone who lives or has visited there will tell you. Like the ziplines though, the experience is worth the wild ride. The community of Monteverde offers a little of everything. After the ziplining I spent time hiking, horseback riding, and checking out some local waterfalls.

Monteverde is basically in the middle of Costa Rica. It boasts spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya from almost any angle, protected forests at every turn and an abundance of wildlife. It is a must NOT miss on any visitor’s itinerary to Costa Rica.

For anyone who has had their head in the sand for the last 30 years, Costa Rica is a gem of a Central American country with unlimited potential for most visitors. It is ranked as one of those most visited international destinations for good reason. It is democratic and peaceful and hasn’t had an army since 1949 when it was abolished. It has chosen instead, to divert those funds towards its socialized medical system and education. What a concept!

I could have stayed a lot longer in Monteverde but hey, at some point I had to get back to reality. My friends have had to listen to my stories now so much that I think they are about ready to jump on a plane and check it out for themselves. I can’t think of anything that beats the canopy tours for pure fun but I will suggest to all that visiting the local “wildlife” in the many bars and restaurants is worth your time as well.