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| CLOUD FOREST One of Costa Rica's highlights includes a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - the richest, and most complex tropical cloud forest in the New World. It is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but protects hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species as well as reptiles, amphibians and insects. Your trip to Monteverde includes a 2-3 hour guided walk in the Monteverde Reserve and a visit to the nearby Butterfly Farm. Additional tours could include a visit to Santa Elena Reserve, located next to Monteverde Reserve though somewhat smaller with newer trails, or a visit to the New Finca Ecologica - a private reserve with excellent birdlife and wildlife viewing opportunities. The diversity of flora and fauna throughout the eight distinct ecological communities at Monteverde makes this a paradise for the nature lover. The reserve encompasses approximately 10,200 hectares and one can enjoy an extremely rich variety of species with relatively little walking. There are at least 400 other bird species, including the three-wattled bellbird, not easily seen, but frequently heard, over 100 species of mammals and an estimated 2500 species of plants. What you will see most is a misty forest with dense vegetation and majestic trees. There are over 300 species of orchids, with many of them thriving among the lush vegetation of the canopy 125 feet above the forest floor. You'll have an opportunity to visit the nearby communities and the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory, the women's cooperative where local women hand paint and embroider clothing with ecological themes, the Hummingbird Gallery where outside, hummingbirds feed within inches of visitors, and inside beautiful photographs of nature are displayed and sold. GUANACASTE REGION Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s northwestern province, is best known for its miles of beautiful beaches and huge cattle ranches surrounded by a rich diversity of natural habitats – estuaries, pasture land, dry tropical forests, marshes and rivers. There are many excellent beach hotels in the area as well as inland lodges featuring dry tropical forests and cattle ranches. Visit Palo Verde National Park, with extensive swamps and forests where migrating birds congregate in huge numbers, and the white sand beaches of Tamarindo for wonderful surfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Tamarindo is one of the major turtle nesting beaches on the Pacific, and during the season – mid-November to mid-March - evening tours are available to see the turtles nesting and eggs hatching. NORTHERN LOWLANDS Located in the Chilamante de Sarapiqui region, the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica, on a large private tract of virgin tropical rain forest and rich second-growth habitat. This is one of the richest areas in the world for birds, butterflies, orchids, tree ferns and wild animals. It is located on the banks of the Sarapiqui River, a clear-water river which is home to fish, monkeys, sloths and iguana. Nearby is La Selva Research Station and a butterfly farm. CENTRAL HIGHLANDS Cartago Valley & Highlands: The old capital of Costa Rica until 1823, Cartago is the base for many local attractions. The valley is situated at the base of Irazu, the tallest Costa Rican volcano. Cartago has the most famous church in Costa Rica, La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, and there is a pilgrimage every year where thousands of Romeros (pilgrims) come to say thanks to La Negrita, the Costa Rican miraculous virgin. Two other major attractions in the valley are the renowned Lankaster Botanical Gardens and the famous Tapanti Cloud Forest National Park. Turrialba Valley: The Turrialba Valley has pristine whitewater rafting rivers, impressive mountains for hiking and biking, and coffee, sugarcane, and macadamia fields to explore. The Pacuare River and Reventazon River, both class III-IV, cross the beautiful Turrialba Valley and are located 3 hours away from San Jose. Cerro de la Muerte: Just 1 hour south of San Jose, this cloud forest mountain range is part of the Cordillera de Talamanca and it is 6,000-9,000 ft. above sea level. The Cerro de la Muerte offers spectacular views of tall oak forests and bamboo-dominated páramo, or sub-alpine vegetation. Secondary roads and trails offer an easy way to explore the area, which is home to the sacred Resplendent Quetzal. A rich epiphyte life including orchids, mosses, and bromeliads, covers the trees and provides food and shelter for many other birds. CENTRAL PACIFIC Miles of sandy white beaches and forest trails have made this one of the most popular parks in the National Park system. It is one of the best areas of any in the country to view migrating marine birds. The waters are crystal clear, making these beaches popular for snorkeling. The surf is gentle, great for swimming, body surfing, playing with a boogie board, or just relaxing. The jungle of the National Park reaches down to the beach, so you can stroll through the park on your own or take a guided tour. A local sea kayak company has kayaking and rafting day trips available. Horses are available to rent. There are many restaurants to choose from in this area. ATLANTIC RAINFOREST Tortuguero National Park Located to the north of the town of Limon, Tortuguero is an excellent area for wildlife viewing along the brackish and freshwater canals. No road access is available so transportation is by boat along the inland canals or by plane. Green Sea Turtles nest in the area from July through September. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo The beaches and towns south of Limon are where you’ll find indigenous and Caribbean cultures blending together. This area is a popular destination for beach lovers and surfers as well as those interested in the natural history of Costa Rica. SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAINFOREST Drake Bay (North of Corcovado) The northern part of Corcovado National Park, has extensive rainforest trails, beautiful beaches and the easiest access to visit Caño Island, excellent for snorkeling, dolphing and sometimes whale watching. There are several lodges available along this stretch of coast to choose from. Puerto Jiménez (South of Corcovado) Several fine lodges cover the south side of the famous Park. This area offer optional visits to mangrove estuaries and many more hiking trails. Visits into Corcovado National Park are a little more difficult from this area, but the lodges are surrounded by their own forest reserves with the same vegetation and wildlife in abundance. Tiskita Rain Forest Preserve: Tiskita Jungle Lodge is a nature lover's paradise located south of the Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific Coast. The lodge is situated in a large rainforest reserve fronting the ocean and miles of secluded beach. Tiskita offers excellent wildlife viewing and is famous for the incredible bird life. Staying here will give you the opportunity to visit the local village down the road as well as explore the local trails through the jungle. Your visit is guaranteed to be memorable. |
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