Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAS FIESTAS DE GUANACASTE
Guanacastecoslove their horses almost as much as they love their fiestas. And what bet-
ter way to get the best of both worlds than with atope(horse parade), a mix of Western
rodeo and country fair, complete with cattle auction, food stalls, music, dancing, drinking
and, of course, bull riding. In Costa Rica the bulls are never killed, so watching the insane,
helmetless, bareback bucking-bronco action is usually gore-free. Even better than watch-
ing the bull riding is the aftermath, when the local drunks and young machos jump into
the ring to act as volunteer rodeo clowns.
Though the bull riding usually draws the biggest crowds, the main event is thetopeit-
self, where you can see the high-stepping gait of the horse of thesabanero(cowboy),
which demands endurance and skill from both horse and rider.
Topesare also a great place to catch the region's traditional dance, known as thepunto
guanacasteco. The women wear long, flowing skirts meant to resemble an oxcart wheel,
which is a traditional Costa Rican craft. The old-fashioned courtship dance is frequently
interrupted by young men, who shout rhyming verses to try to win over a love interest.
The dance and accompanying music are fast paced, full of passion, and fun to watch.
Topesusually occur on Costa Rican civic holidays, though you can bet on finding big
parties during Semana Santa (the week before Easter), the week between Christmas and
New Year, and on July 25, the anniversary of Guanacaste's annexation.
Reserva Biólogica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
Here is a virginal forest dripping with mist, dangling with mossy vines, sprouting with
ferns and bromeliads, gushing with creeks, blooming with life and nurturing rivulets of
evolution. It is so moving that when Quaker settlers first arrived in the area, they agreed to
preserve about a third of their property in order to protect this watershed. By 1972,
however, encroaching squatters threatened its sustainability. The community joined forces
with environmental organizations to purchase 328 hectares adjacent to the already pre-
served area. This was called the
Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
www.reservamonteverde.com
; adult/concession US$18/9; 7am-4pm)
, which the Centro Cien-
tífico Tropical (Tropical Science Center) began administering in 1975. Nowadays the re-
serve totals 105 sq km.
