We did stay one more day in Mama Hilda and decided to visit the Cloud Forest.
The Cloud Forest is on the top of the mountain. In order to get to this place, we had
to rent horses. Two indigenous men were walking beside us to control the horses and
show the way.
My daughter and son on the horse
The Cloud Forest got it’s name because much of the time low level clouds
are covering the area. It is also called fog forest. Fog condenses on the leaves and
the constant moisture drops on the ground. An abundance of mosses grow on the
evergreen trees and shrubs.
After riding for almost two hours up the mountain, the fog got very thick. We
entered a place where it was easy to imagine that elf, dwarfs and gnomes were living.
It was a fairytale land. For more than half an hour we walked through the dense
forest. The path was too small and steep for the horses to go.
Every branch was covered by moss. Bromeliads loved this place.
Some places were quite treacherous to walk. Our guides were helping us.
In the afternoon, we came back to Mama Hilda. There, beautiful blooming shrubs
welcomed us.
– Text and pictures contributed by Garyo –