Discover the beauty of Costa Rica's Highlands

Dedicated to the idea of eco-tourism in harmony with the earth, the Latin root "Fonda" means a place of rest or nourishment after a long journey. "Vela" or candle, for us represents service and good faith. To this  add peaceful atmosphere that is sensitive to the local environment.

	Seven buildings are scattered about the landscaped property, and are designed with the natural lighting, privacy and warmth in mind. They all have huge windows with views of the forested reserve allowing the beauty outside to be a part of the cozy interior.

The Fonda Vela has 38 rooms in 7 separate buildings, which include 18 standard rooms, 20 junior suites. All rooms have private bath, hot water and 2 queen size beds. The suites have a small refrigerator, tables, balcony, queen-size bed on the main floor and a loft with a single bed. All of the rooms are wheelchair accessible.

On the 35-acre property, you will find the lush forests and verdant pastures excellent for birding and hiking. In this tranquil setting, you may see flocks of parrots come to feed in the fruit trees while riding horses graze peacefully below. A 15-minute walk away is the world famous 10,500-hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which incorporates eight tropical life zones. The Santa Elena Reserve is a short drive away, where on a clear day you may observe vistas of the Caribbean lowlands and Arenal Volcano.
Throughout the Fonda Vela you will find the paintings of Paul Smith, the owners' father and original settler of the property. These, and works by other Monteverde artists display many interpretations of the mysterious cloud forest with its veils of mist - encouraging the mind to mediate the meaning of peaceful living with the planet.

	Other services include an elegant restaurant, which seats 100 people, separate bar and TV room. The meeting rooms seat 50 people and have balconies overlooking the forest. Private hiking trails, guided horse-back riding, and laundry service is also available. Guided trips to the Monteverde and Santa Elena Reserves can also be arranged.

In the spirit of conservation and culture for the community and the travelers who visit this area, the hotel support the annual International Music Festival. This year five concerts are being given at the Hotel Fonda Vela between July 31 and August 13.

Come visit Fonda Vela and discover the beauty of Costa Rica's Tilarán Highlands.

Monteverde Attractions:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Monteverde Cheese Factory
• Monteverde Butterfly Garden
• Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
• CASEM-Artisans Shop
• Guided Horseback trips
• Hummingbird Gallery, featuring the work of world-renowned photographer Michael Fogen.
• Unequaled birding opportunities in the home of the Resplendent Quetzal.

How to Arrive from San José

Take the Inter-American Highway north to the 149 km. road marker. Turn right just before crossing the Río Lagarto, and continue for 39 km to the Fonda Vela.

RATES 2009

STUDENT RATES

NOTES:

• Rates do not include local taxes (16.39%)
• Students rates are per person per night and include taxes and breakfast
• All rooms with DirecTV
• Children from 0 to 3 yeras old sharing room with their parents free of charge - Children from 4 to 7 years old 50% and children from 8 to 12 years old complete additional.