MY COSTA RICA

Your Link to Paradise

Costa Rica
Nature Guide
 Costa Rica Nature Southern Caribbean Rhythm and Beaches
The Afro Caribbean atmosphere in this part of Costa Rica is alluring, but so is the abundance of nature.
Noticeable Costa Rican Southern Caribbean beaches like Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo retain a
large percentage of tall jungles where sloths, toucans, mon- keys and other tropical flora and fauna can
easily be spotted over head along the main road connecting these wonderful beaches.
Cahuita National Park also belongs to this region. The park’s nature trails along the beach are teaming up
with all sorts of wildlife on land and under the water.

Where Will you Go for Nature? Transitional Jungles of Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
Nature will most likely be embedded in every activity you partake in while visiting Costa Rica, but there
The trails in Cabo Blanco are a real treat for nature hikers. They take tourists through humid forests,
are certain areas of the country ideal for nature lovers seeking intense biodiversity and close wildlife sight-
which in just a few steps turn into dry forests. A beautiful beach is at the end of the trail, which in total
ings that will last in memories for ever.
can take five hours to walk. The small hills lowered by creeks of water allow echoes from Cabo Blanco’s
To answer the question, “Where to go in Costa Rica for Nature?“, these are the best places:
inhabitants to travel far. If you pay close attention to the low branch rustles, you’ll know the white faced
1. Corcovado National Park / 2. Manuel Antonio National Park / 3. Tortuguero National Park / 4. South-
capuchins are nearby. Faint branches breaking high over head can be effortlessly heard from moving
ern Caribbean Beaches / 5. Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
howlers in the tree tops. Deer, wild turkeys, turkeys, long nosed coatis and many other animals.


Corcovado National Park is Numero Uno
Should there only be one place where to go in Costa Rica for nature, that would definitely be Corcova-
do National Park. This remote corner on the Southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica might be the most
biological diverse place on Earth. Many naturalists from all four corners of the world come to Costa Rica
just to be in Corcovado and see a herd of pecca- ries, fresh jaguar prints, Baird’s tapirs, infinite number of
scarlet macaws, all four species of Costa Rican monkeys in one tree, and many other true natural won-

Manuel Antonio is Wildlife in your Face

Manuel Antonio might be Costa Rica’s smallest National Park, but it boasts an impressive ecosystem up to
the rim with wildlife and natural- ists seeking encounters with sloths, monkeys, toucans, snakes, iguanas,
basilisk, crab eating raccoons and other incredible jungle creatures.
Acquiring the knowledge and services of a licensed park guide to point out all the hidden wonders in
Manuel Antonio National Park comes highly recommended. They will take you through easy access trails

Natural Serenity in Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero protects vast tropical rainforests and a network of rivers and canals parallel to the ocean that
once, many years ago, served the logging industry in this remote region of Costa Rica.
Tortuguero’s display of wildlife involves four species of marine turtle nesting on it’s black sand beaches
and bustling riparian creatures like crocodiles, caymans, river turtles, monkeys, snakes and lots and lots of
other river animals.
When the slow happy pace of Tortuguero’s citizens meet their First World visitors, the encounter seems
to mimic the massive slug water current on one side of the town in contrast with the rushing waves of the
Caribbean sea just a few steps away.
Costa Rica Water Falls
So Much Diversity
Costa Rica is one of the most divers countries on the planet. One thing that makes this
country so awesome is the Water falls. We lostr count of how many thier acually is but
that doesn’t stop us from giving you the best.
La Paz
La Paz is Located in the central part of Costa Rica very near to the Poas
Volcano and thirty kilometers north of Alajuela. It is known to locals as
Catarata de La Paz meaning (The Peace). La Paz is 121 feet tall or 37 meters
and is fed from the La Paz River to keep the steady flow of water over the
falls. This waterfall is unique in how well it is taken care of, and many trails
surround the area for hiking to see this work of natural art.
Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste well known for it bluish water, the blue water comes from a mix
of volcanic rock within the water. Seeing it first hand is the only way to find
out how attractive this fall is. The falls drops down 20 meters or (18 feet)
before meeting with a vibrant sky blue pool. Too there are trails all through-
out Tenorio Volcano National Park that are highly maintained. Located not
far from the small town of Katira this area is gorgeous.
La Fortuna
Another gorgeous waterfall La Fortuna is located just outside of La Fortuna
City very near Arenal Volcano. The falls itself branches from the Arenal
river and then has a sudden drop of 75 meters (250 feet). Hiking down La
Fortuna is a task in itself but well worth the walk to swimming in the river
below.
Nauyaca
Nauyaca is astonishing having a 2 level drop, first being 45 meters and
then coming to another fall of 20 meters totaling 65 meters or (200 feet).
This is by far the best waterfall for swimming with 1000 square feet of a
pool at the bottom, 6 meters deep.
Llanos de Cortez
This may be one of the smaller Costa Rica Waterfalls on the list but cer-
tainly, makes up for in beauty. The Falls is 20m or (60 Feet) tall but has
these long divided wisps of water coming down the cliff. Llanos de Cortez
has located in the Guanacaste province a short drive from Liberia Interna-
tional Airport.
Diamante
Located in the small town of Las Tumbas 35 minutes drive from Domini-
cal, the Diamante Falls is a little harder to find. You can Look at the falls
on the family owned property, but getting to it is recommended with a
guided tour, the hike can be very arduous. In Fact, the biggest part of
Diamante is its height. Coming in at 200 meters (600 feet) certainly, it is
the tallest of all Costa Rica waterfalls.
Bajo del Toro
Bajos del Toro yet another amazing site is located in the province of Ala-
juela. The amazing part of this site is the water source, coming right from
Poas Volcano. As the water drives over the rock edge, a mist is created that
even stings the eyes; you will see plants that are torched because of the vol-
canic water. Bajos del Toro sits at 90 meters tall (300 feet) one of the taller
waterfalls of Costa Rica.
San Luis
This Fall is just extraordinary, and perfect for those that like to trek
through the rainforest. The walk is roughly three hours long but totally
worth it, in the end, if the hike doesn’t leave you breathless the falls will.
San Luis is shrouded with rainforest and endless amounts of animals not
far from Santa Elena. Being 100 meter tall (300 Feet) it leaves you looking
up in awe.
 Animals of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is world renowned for its abundant and diverse exotic wildlife. With over 500,000 species
of animals, many rare, endangered and endemic, Costa Rica animals are amazing! From the adorable
sloths to playful monkeys, tiny colorful tree frogs to mammoth 16 foot crocodiles, from endangered
jaguars to tiny wild jungle cats, from prehistoric iguanas to the rainbow of more than 918 species of
tropical birds, from gentle giants like the whale shark and giant sea turtle to tiny but deadly snakes and
frogs, and the more than 300,000 species of insects, Costa Rica Animals will thrill, delight and inspire
you!
Mammals
With So many different species of animals you wil have no trouble spotting a few. See beautiful creatures
like the elusive jaguar, The jaguar is one of the most endagered animals in the world and covers large
territories. That is why it is usually the first to be protected. Within the large area there are many other
animals that also become protected all because of our spotted friend. Also, apart of our mammals list
are playful dolphins, you will find them along the pacific coast, especially in the Osa Peninsula Region.
Snakes
There are a vast collection of Snakes in Costa Rica. With over 130 or more species found here. Look out
for some of them though as Costa Rica does hold many snakes that are poisonous. Snakes love the wet
season or green season and they seem to be everywhere during that time of the year. Alot of snakes love
wrapping themselves up in the trees. One of the most danerous if not the most dangerous snake is here,
is called the Fer De Lance. They populated quikly, tend to be aggresive, and carry a nasty venom. All
these factors give them a bad reputation in Costa Rica.
Birds
The Birds of Costa Rica are astonishing, amazing and colourful, they come in sizes from a small as your
finger to standing taller than some children. And of course a wide range of bird calls. For the birders
among us, Costa Rica is possibly the best country in the world to visit.
There are over 900 different species of bird in Costa Rica. Including the Scarlet Macaw, 6 different type
of Toucan, 50 different types of Hummingbird, and an enless array of others. Don’t forget to bring your
camera and a good pair of binoculars.
Reptiles
Crocodiles, Iguanas, Geckos, Sea Turtles, we have them all. Sea turtles have to be among the favorites
list for reptiles. They can also be classified as mammals because they breath air just like us. Sea Turtles
that come to Costa Rica include the Olive Ridley, the leatherback, green, and hawksbill. Look out for the
Crocs. A famous spot to see them is at the Tarcoles bridge. They can reach up to 4 meters or 16 feet long
and have a hefty appetite for meat. Iguanas are a cool lizard to see they can grow up to 2 meters long or 6
feet and love to hang out in the trees. Another favorite is the little Gecko., found literally everywhere in
Costa Rica. Under your bed in your closet on the ceiling and then running out your door.
Insects
By far insect have to be the most hated on our list. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night to
a big cockroach at your bedside. Although they can be equally as beautiful as any other animal. Just take
a look at the butterflies of Costa Rica. In particular the Morpho butterfly. The brilliant blue is amazing
to see. They can also reach up to 15 centimeter across. Costa Rica also has spiders, scorpians, beatles,
mosquitos, and things that will carry you away, but it wouldn’t be Costa Rica if they didn’t.
Rainforests of Costa Rica Rainforest Diversity
Rainforests of every type, form an excellent base for life to thrive. Six percent of the world’s bio-
diversity (Plants and Animals) call these rainforests home. Costa Rica is home to 500,000 species,
about 300,000 of them being insects. Canopies of the forest can grow to 200ft in height or 60 me-
ters giving lots of shelter for animals to roam.

Also, worth mentioning is the difference between a Rainforest and a Jungle. A rainforest has a
large canopy protecting the forest floor from sunlight, and not allowing excessive growth of vines
shrubs or small plants. On the other hand, a jungle has less of a tree canopy and lets lots of light to
Costa Rica Rainforests make up the biggest part of the country. They are the reason we have national the forest floor allowing these little plants to grow all over creating a chaos of life.
parks and such a diversity of flora and fauna. They are the reason why animals are in such abundance
here. It’s a blessing to have these gorgeous natural wonders in our backyard. The wild things roam free
here, and it is only a plane ride away to enjoy the scenery. We are going to examine the diversity and
what type of rainforests there are within Costa Rica.

Where are they?

Costa Rica Rainforests are all over the country not
just secluded in a few parts. You will find these
diverse wonders In Manuel Antonio, the Osa Pen-
insula, Monteverde, and Tortuguero, etc. In fact, in
each region the forest types are different. You will
find the normal rainforest we hear about all the time
in the Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero. Whereas on
the northern Pacific side, or Guanacaste to be exact
we see the Dry forests. Lastly, not far from San Jose
there are the Cloud forests of Monteverde. Each type
is beautiful in its way and gives a broad diversity to
Costa Rica.
 COSTA RICA

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