Rural Community Based Tourism

"Community-based rural tourism offers the opportunity to access without barriers the essence of rural life, and to explore natural landscapes and the least visited natural areas, hand in hand with excellent campesino hosts, while learning from the traditions and way of life of the local population." Actuar Costa Rica

Vinculo Con Caballo (The Horse's Bond)

Therapeutic Horseback Riding 

 Vinculo con Caballo is our therapeutic horseback riding program.  Members of our community who can benefit from this type of therapy are welcomed to join this donor sponsored program free of charge. For more information click on the logo.

In April 2009 we had special guests visit us from Texas. Mr. Roy Dye of the Roy Dye Foundation at Texas A&M University, heard about our new project. His foundation gave Debbie a scholarship at Texas A&M for a course on Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Mr. Dye decided he wanted to pay us a visit. He and his best friend  (87 y/o) and his daughter along with their doctor traveled to Leaves and Lizards...all the way to Costa Rica, up our rough road! Mr. Dye is 91 years old. He wanted to ride a horse again....so Chito and the gang helped Roy up on to Dorado...it was a special event for everyone!

Muchas Gracias, Mr. Dye for supporting Vinculo con Caballo!

          Hi Ho Silver!...or should we say Dorado!

Monterrey (aka: Santa Domingo) is a haven for travelers interersted in visiting the Arenal Volcano area.  Monterrey sits peacefully in the hills above the busy tourist hub of La Fortuna.  This tiny, close-knit community perched in the mountains of San Carlos is home to the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat.

Chito-Waterfall Tour Guide

We believe that tourism should be a support to the community, it should remain in the background and not take over the region’s resources. In an effort to contribute to our community, our tours promote rural tourism, encouraging farmers and other locals to show off their farms, waterfalls and forests to our guests.  Residents of Monterrey have helped to plant native trees and plants that produce fruit to attract and sustain wildlife around our 26 acres.

Eric-Tico Farm/Cowboy for a Day Tour Guide

Since the opening of Leaves and Lizards, local leaders are taking proactive measures to ensure the preservation and continuation of the quality of life in our tranquil hamlet. The first meeting of the "city association" took place in February 2007. The association facilitates community improvements including road repair, handling of garbage, recycling and water usage. In November 2007 our community banded with several other small neighboring towns to form a larger, stronger voice.

Felix-River Fishing Guide

 Our Naturalist Guides

Enrique Molina                                                                 Chito and Enrique

          Geovani Bogarin                                                     Juan Jose  is our Horse Trainer

Carlos- Farm Manager                           Mireya-Chef and Housekeeper

Dallas Audubon Society

Bird Watching with Local Farmers

A farmer in the Cano Negro Area shows off the nesting Jabiru on his farm.

The Jabiru nests in the top branches of the Ceiba (Kapok) tree 100 feet above the ground.

The Jabiru is  endangered and difficult to find. It is 53 inches tall and builds a large nest of  twigs in  towering trees near rivers and lakes in Costa Rica.

This  mother Jabiru has returned to this nest to lay her eggs and raise her chicks for 8 years. This year she has 4 chicks.

Leaves and Lizards is a place for visitors to stay while they experience the people, views and nature in Monterrey, Costa Rica. 

Proyecto Asis is a local wild animal rescue center.  With 12 years experience working in the community to promote awareness of rain forest and wild life conservation,  Proyecto Asis is a must see in the La Fortuna Area for individuals who are concerned about the environment. Volunteer at Asis, learn Spanish at their Spanish Institute or let us arrange a tour for you with Alvaro the director of this visionary center. Please consider making a donation to Asis.

Meet Some of our Other Friends

Felix-Our River Fishing Guide                      RuthMary and Erica-Tico Farm Assistant Guides

Memo-Our Horse Whisperer                   Brothers Making Chicceronies                         Orlando our Local Primary Forest Guide