Situated in the Tilarán mountain range, Santa Elena is a very distinctive community: a mix of rural area and developing city, of paved streets and gravel roads. At an altitude of 1,330 meters, the town enjoys cool temperatures; its irregular topography makes for pleasant scenery.
Offering a variety of commercial and tourism services, Santa Elena is accessible from Tilarán, Juntas de Abangares, the Sardinal-Guacimal road and the old Río Lagarto road, and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya.
THE QUAKERS
The Quakers came to the Monteverde area in the fifties in the hopes of following their traditional way of life. They undertook agricultural and livestock activities, and eventually formed a dairy cooperative that has also benefited the area's Costa Rican residents. The Quaker community built a school and shared education with Santa Elena's Costa Ricans, thus enabling a bilingual culture that today is a strength in serving the nature-loving tourists who visit the area.
Though it is true that few of the original colonists remain, a number of their customs and practices have been maintained, including Quaker Meetings, which involve varied commentaries and readings on world peace.
With great vision, the Quakers protected the high zone of the Tilarán mountain range; today, it is one of the country's most visited protected areas, where the beauty of the region's flora and fauna may be enjoyed by all.
MONTEVERDE MUSIC FESTIVAL
This event takes place during the first months of the year to take advantage of the dry season and high season for tourists. Different musical groups advocating music in harmony with nature are invited from around the country.
MONTEVERDE COFFEE TOUR
This is a visit to the Cooperative's coffee plantations in the community of San Luis, where visitors are shown the process and taken to the roasting company to taste the final product.
SAN LUIS WATERFALL
Located in San Luis, this is an impressive 300-meter waterfall. Getting to it requires a short hike on which visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
MONTEVERDE CHEESE FACTORY
The main attraction here is observing how cheese is made and buying dairy products such as ice cream and other sweets. The factory's hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
CASEM HANDICRAFTS
The Artisans Committee of Santa Elena and Monteverde (CASEM) makes various handicrafts and souvenirs out of wood and other materials, as well as clothing, for tourists to purchase.
ART GALLERIES
A variety of galleries may be visited where pottery, sculpture and painting courses may be taken, and art pieces acquired. Plant, wildlife and general landscape photographs may also be purchased.
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