After many hot, sunny mornings in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, we finally made the long journey up into the mountains to Monteverde. Monteverde is around 4,600 feet above sea level. The first thing I noticed was the drop in temperature, a refreshing change from the heat we had grown used to in the Central Valley. The air felt cooler, crisper, and the landscape transformed into a lush, vibrant green forest.

As we settled in, I began noticing the smaller details that made Monteverde feel noticeably different from the Central Valley. One difference was the decrease in population and development. Unlike the busier, more densely settled region, Monteverde feels quieter, more remote, and deeply connected to nature. This sense of preservation is intentional, Monteverde is known for its strong conservation efforts, and it shows. The limited urban sprawl, protected forests, and focus on sustainable living all reflect within the community.

This deep commitment to conservation made even more sense after we spoke with Ricardo Guindon, a Quaker from Alabama who’s father helped settle the Monteverde region. In the aftermath of the 1948 military draft in the United States, a group of Quakers, including Guindon’s family, made the decision to leave Alabama in search of a more peaceful way of life. They eventually found their home in the highlands of Monteverde. Originally, the Quakers were cheese producers, taking advantage of the region’s land and climate. However, their focus gradually shifted toward conservation efforts, following a major ecological discovery. A rare orange frog was found one day and is only located in Monteverde. This discovery highlighted the region’s unique biodiversity and led to a movement to protect the ecosystem.