Heard of Tortuguero National Park? You Should See its Wildlife.

Brilliant looked at caiman associate out from the water's surface and lurk into the shadows to rest away the day underneath the tree roots close to the waterway's edge. A stalking green heron scratches at the lily cushions searching for a bug to use as snare while angling for a breakfast of minnows. 

The snorts of the howler monkey flag the day break as the sun gets through the rainforest foliage spilling into the channels. 

It's simply the start of an alternate day inside the sprawl of rainforest, bogs, channels, and sea that makes Tortuguero National Park – one of the most sought after Costa Rica attractions. 

Little open-confronted, single prop speedboats and kayaks go through the channels and waterways toting guests from everywhere throughout the world. With cams under control, guests catch single-casing trophies to add to their travel: a bug monkey swinging through the trees, a capuchin gnawing into a bit of tree grown foods, an anhinga with spread wings drying in the wind and a green iguana relaxing in the daylight on a log. 

The tracks of something more noteworthy untruth engraved on the stream banks and the sandy shorelines. Tracks like the profound, sloppy foot shaped impressions left from Costa Rica's biggest well evolved creature, the tapirs, crossing the stream in the night, or, the void shell of green ocean turtle assaulted by one of the about 20 pumas that live in and around Tortuguero National Park. 

Among other jeopardized and hard to-spot species staying in Tortuguero, guests may see incredible green macaws, the waterway otter sluggishly gliding down stream, and the manatee whose populace has dwindled to an insignificant 50 creatures. 

So in case you're arranging an outing to Tortuguero, keep in mind to bring your cam.

Planning Tips for a Costa Rica Vacation

Arranging a getaway or Costa Rica excursions and need a bit of assistance from those aware of what to do? Maintain a strategic distance from basic traveler mishap with these pointers so you can appreciate a smooth and anxiety free occasion without any shocks.

Do bring your ATM card, don't rely on upon traveller’s checks 

Your most solid option for getting an aggressive conversion scale is by utilizing your ATM card as a part of one of Costa Rica's numerous private and open banks. You can withdraw either Costa Rican colones (CRC) or U.S. dollars at whatever time night or day, simply make certain to alarm your bank that you 'll be voyaging abroad before your excursion. Most offices charge a commission for getting the money for explorer's checks, which are once in a while acknowledged other than broad resorts. As of November 2014, the dollar believers to 530 CRC.

Guided visits are by and large worth the additional cash 

Unless you need to unwind at your shoreline get-away rental or resort for the length of time of your outing, arranging a couple of enterprise and Eco visits is exceptionally suggested. For those going back and forth about shelling out additional cash, the estimation of a guided visit ought not be thought little of, as nearby aides will help you comprehend and acknowledge considerably more. This is particularly valid for untamed life or winged animal viewing visits, where their aptitude truly pays off!

Look over your essential Spanish aptitudes before arriving 

Costa Rica's travel experts do talk English extremely well, particularly in famous vacationer ends like Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Jaco and Tortuguero. Notwithstanding, some essential Spanish vocabulary can go far on the off chance that you want to investigate a portion of the nation's lesser known zones. You'll be better arranged to peruse street signs and make inquiries when the need emerges.

Walk Down Manuel Antonio National Park of Costa Rica

Nothing beats walking around an unfamiliar place with the chance of learning new about the destination and chancing upon the locals who will willingly tell you stories and histories of the destination.

On trying this activity, Costa Rica trekking gives you not just the enjoyment of seeing the surroundings but also getting tales from the local peers along the trek. 

When on Costa Rica, you must add to your trekking destination one of the nation's famous park, the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Provided for its ubiquity, the Manuel Antonio National Park is a vacationer shelter. Explorers herd to the site to take in its excellence and spot its natural life for a reason, and in spite of the fact that its notoriety may dismiss the individuals who intend to maintain a strategic distance from "visitor traps" all through their ventures, the individuals who pick not to arrange a visit to the site pass up a major opportunity for one of Costa Rica's most valuable jems. To these non mainstream explorers we say: take a tour to this famous park. Don't avoid a visit to this national park. Your eyes and memory will much obliged. 

Like you will discover at most other well known attractions all through the nation, naturalist aides anticipate your arrival. But better have your tour booked ahead of time to plan systematically your travel and to maximize your time in budgeting your travel funds.

The Manuel Antonio National Park is open week after week from Tuesday to Sunday (shut each Monday) from 7:00am to 4:00pm (composed visits commonly run twice every day – at/around 8:30am and 1:00pm). Visits take approximately 3 hours to finish including an estimated 1/2 hour used unwinding at the dazzling Manuel Antonio shoreline found inside the recreation center. This being said, the visit does not oblige guests to stroll for 2.5 hours non-stop as the aggregate visit term incorporates time along the best approach to stop, see, and look into an assortment of untamed life and plant species.

As an issue trail, guests ought to wear running shoes or secure/strap-on to walk the recreation center's unpaved, yet movement leveled, timberland way. Swimsuits can be worn under explorers' garments if swimming at the shoreline is wanted and pressing a container of water inside your backpack is an unquestionable requirement.

Costa Rica Zip Line: Adventure on High

One remarkable land activity in Costa Rica is adventure parks. The best of them place huge activities on a well taken care of environment. The goal that guests can encounter and research tropical environments in their full wonderfulness. Wrapped in nature's rich grasp, a wide mixture of exercises go ahead in a few parks, for example, stream rafting, horseback riding, climbing, mountain biking, rappelling/abseiling, birdwatching and even waterfall climbing. There may even be butterfly or snake presentations, and particular enclosures showcasing intriguing endemic plant species.. At the same time a standout amongst the most well known new preoccupations is zip lines, normally as a part of canopy tour. 

Costa Rica zip line is a suspended link, set at a grade, along which saddled individuals or supplies can slide utilizing the energy of gravity alone. While zip lines have been utilized for quite a while as transport for to and from remote areas and over troublesome territory, they now likewise have discovered reason in dashing adrenaline movement. 

An arrangement of interconnected recreational zip lines going through a backwoods structure what is currently called a "canopy tour," moving individuals starting with one raised position then onto the next and taking into consideration exciting close contact with treetop nature, where 70% of tropical woods life happens, actually when the whoops and hollers of excited members startle away generally animals. 

Costa Rica is especially well known for its shelter visits. There are many administrators, including one organization that claims to have concocted the game, and courses that vault crosswise over shorelines, streams and gulleys, and easily get through the statures of downpour woods. The longest visits can take up to three hours to finish, permitting a lot of time for a prologue to some of Costa Rica's most omnipresent shout safe verdure, in the same way as butterflies, goliath iguanas, tree frogs and a wide determination of orchids.

Payments for a Costa Rica Trip: What Should be and Could be

Obviously, tourism operations in Costa Rica are everywhere. Travellers can trek to well of lava holes in the Central Valley, rappel down waterfalls in the Northern In-grounds, surf the Pacific Coast, channel their inward rasta (rastafarian) while on the Caribbean Coast, and visit some of Costa Rica's most valuable ensured land on the Osa Peninsula. 

Tourism operations additionally vary in their work on (contingent upon the administrator). Pretty much as the rich coast offers explorers a considerable measure to see and do, it does so through great, legit, and humble business hone more often than not, absolute illicit business rehearse a small amount of the time, and shady business rehearse the rest of the time wherein questionable acts, offerings, and strategies push the limits of business morals. 

This scope of great to-awful business practice is no more interesting to the normal travellers. Luckily, most have ended up better travel organizers in view of it, as they have figured out how to research their trip early, acquaint themselves with basic regions or chances to maintain a strategic distance from wherein travel tricks can and do happen, and depend intensely on word of mouth suggestions and/or composed testimonials of different travellers to back the excursion things they have settled on.

In realizing that they are difference over tourism organizations in Costa Rica, how does a voyager take this information and apply it to their outing so they can both depend on the 'great fellows' and get rid of the 'awful gentlemen'?

To help put the psyches of most voyagers quiet, the accompanying is a rundown of business practices that we generally see all through tourism organizations' installment operations.

What are the payment operation overview for different tour organizers who fix Costa Rica Excursions?

1. Tourism companies can require repayment

2. Tourism companies can require guarantee but no repayment

3. There are some who requires no repayment and guarantee

Question at hand: Which factor would affect your decision in choosing your tour operator – is it the quality of experience or payment method?

Bird Watching Destinations in Costa Rica

Are you a lover of outdoors? You will love being in Cost Rica. Not only that this destination has the best rafting waves in the Caribbean, but it is also a haven for bird enthusiasts or for people who only just want to hang out with nature and experience how bird creatures dwell in the land and over. 

So, where to go bird watching in Costa Rica? There are a number of national parks in Costa Rica that will give you a good view of the diverse bird creatures in the place. There are also guided tours that can assist you if you are novice in this hobby.

Watch over 300 bird species in La Selva Biological Station

With a superb trail framework through a mixed bag of territories, from thick essential rainforest to open pasture lands and cacao estates, this is one of the finest spots for bird viewing in Costa Rica. With such an assortment of natural surroundings, the quantity of species spotted rushes to well in excess of 300. La Selva is located simply a couple of miles south of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge

Caño Negro Lake and the Río Frío are staggeringly rich in natural life and a real settling and social event site for aquatic bird animal species. These huge winged creatures are getting less regular in Costa Rica, however this is still one of the best places to recognize one. Caño Negro Natural Lodge sits right on the edge of the shelter and makes an incredible base for exploring this area to the north of La Fortuna.

Sighting the Scarlet Macaw Flying over Carara National Park

Home to Costa Rica's biggest population of red macaws, Carara Biological Reserve is an extraordinary spot for dedicated fledgling watchers and novice alike. Macaws are uproarious and vivid birds that use their days in the recreation center yet decide to perch in the night times close to the coast. They touch base as predictable as the rising sun each morning and afterward set out toward the beachfront mangroves around sunset. These day by day movements give birders an extraordinary opportunity to see these great flying creatures in flight. The national park is at around 2 hours from San José along the focal Pacific coast.

5 Tips on Whitewater Rafting Safety

When you think about Pacuare River in Costa Rica, most likely you will first think about whitewater rafting in its waves. Costa Rica rafting has been one of the most if not the top famous activity done in the well know river of Pacuare. But before you set your row and battle the waves of medium to rough course, here are the safety precautions and preparations you must first keep in mind. This will not only make your whitewater rafting an enjoyable experience but will also ensure you finish your adventure fulfilled and safe.

1. Select an authorized and expert rafting agent. 

At the point when looking for a travel company that will guide you on your rafting experience, make inquiries. Ask to what extent they have been doing business. Request them about the expertise of their guides and about their necessary permit and licences in operating such tour. This will tell you that you are handled by professional and trusted outfitters. 

2. Always and correctly wear your life jacket and floating devices.

Your life jacket will save you in case you accidentally fell off the boat and will let you float on the water. However, it must be properly worn and secured to your body with the buckles so you don’t lose them.

3. Don’t forget your protective gear.

You helmet must be also worn to protect your head of injuries. We know that water rafting can be a rough activity and wearing your protective helmet will ensure the safety of your hear when cruising down the river. 

4. You must wear the proper clothes.

During spring, the water may be a bit crisp. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and fitting shoes can make the excursion significantly more open to, permitting you to delight in the rush without the chill. A few outfitters lease this stuff or your guide will have a gear for you. Figure out before you book if they will provide them for you. On summer, be prepared for sunny crisp mornings. In this case, wear quick drying clothes and partner it with a sun block for sun protection.

5. Hold your paddle securely.

On holding your paddle, one hand ought to be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand ought to ALWAYS be on the end of the pole over the "T" grasp. The "T" hold is made of hard plastic that can hurt you when you accidental hit yourself with it. Keeping your hand over the "T" grasp will keep control of the paddle and prevent you from hurting.

Run your Adrenaline at the Sarapiqui River

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui was one of the biggest ports in Costa Rica for more than a large portion of a century now. Significant products like coffee and bananas were transported from the Central Valley and Caribbean slants to the coast through the Sarapiqui River. The grand stream starts on the Deception Depression in the middle of Barva and Poas Volcanoes and streams 53 miles into the San Juan River, which proceeds into Nicaragua. Now, the waterway is handled by whitewater rafters and kayakers looking for the rushes of Class III-IV rapids. The Sarapiqui and its sister waterways, the Sardinal and Puerto Viejo, additionally have Class I-II areas perfect for peaceful safari buoys, permitting travelers to see animals like those crocodiles, monkeys and sloths along the waterway banks.

What to do at the Sarapiqui River

Are you looking for the best adventure of your life concerning water? How about doing white water rafting in the river of Sarapiqui?

Among many other things to do in Costa Rica, white water rafting can be part of your list if you want that adrenaline pumping through your veins. White Water Rafting activities will take your adrenaline to highest level. The Sarapiquí River offers some of Costa Rica's most lively and rich tropical landscape. The free-streaming river has its sources in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rain timberlands to at last join the precious stone waters of the delightful Sarapiquí. Verdant woods extend up to the river's sunny banks. 

This is perfect for white-water beginners and families because of thin, low-volume waterway, all of who will appreciate its respectably streaming rapids blended with quiet extends.

The excursion additionally is fabulous for bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts. The river extends its route through lavish vegetation offering sanctuary to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers and scores of other local fledgling species. This excellent tropical stream experience ought not be missed when traveling at Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui river.

New Species of Biodiversity in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's rich biodiversity is getting wealthier. As per a late article distributed by national news every day La Nacion, analysts and natural authorities in Costa Rica found and grouped 5,000 new species somewhere around 2011 and 2013. The new discoveries will add to the many Costa Rica attractions aside from the landscapes and the beaches. This revelation is some piece of the nation's National Biodiversity Strategy (ENB in Spanish) for 2014-2020, which is a piece of the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

The ENB tries to order, explore and shield Costa Rica's species, which represent very nearly four percent of the world's biodiversity. One of the first steps of the ENB is to give an analytic of Costa Rica's biodiversity, which is always presented to dangers, for example, human populace development, waste, loss of living spaces, poaching and misuse of characteristic assets, environmental change, intrusive species, and buyer society. 

The ENB symptomatic will be trailed by the making of strategies and an arrangement of activity to execute the technique. After the policymaking and arranging stage, a couple of systems will be produced with the end goal of trading data and to study the monetary effect of the ecological administrations conveyed crosswise over Costa Rica's environments. 

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity approaches organically assorted nations, for example, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and others to ensure their species as well as use them as assets in a manageable and impartial way. The Ministry of the Environment is the supervisory substance with respect to the ENB; the operational substances are the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC in Spanish) and the Biodiversity Management System (Conagebio in Spanish). 

Costa Rica has more than 500,000 species, and around 300,000 are bugs. Of course, most of the new 5,000 species found are creepy crawlies, in spite of the fact that a couple of orchids, mollusks and mushrooms were discovered –as well as a couple of vertebrates, including: fish, reptiles and flying creatures. 

The expand in species demonstrates that Costa Rica's protection deliberations, including the progressing reforestation, are getting the best results. 

Top 3 Recommended Hotels to Stay In Costa Rica

It is a must that very traveler when going to a vacation must need to secure their accommodation. Before doing your Costa Rica excursions, secure first your place to stay while visiting the place. Among the many accommodations you can have during your stay, which among these will be more likely the ideal? Here, we sum up the top recommended hotels in Costa Rica. These hotels are recommended by Travel and Leisure, a trusted name when it comes to travel tips and hotel recommendation online.

1. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste

The nation's top extravagance station is not without eco-twists, including outside guest rooms and a green course for golfers praised by Audubon International for its touchy ecological outline. The ambience here falls into the straightforward however lavish class: bamboo and rattan, indigenous stone and wood, geometric-design mats, and Costa Rican symbolization. Activities surpass the normal menu of choices: visitors can go horseback riding in adjacent national parks; support their relaxation with a body wrap utilizing volcanic mud from the Osa Peninsula; use the day at both of the resort's two brilliant sand shorelines or three pools; sign up for an outing to Diria espresso ranch; take after a naturalist on a fowl viewing campaign; and much, substantially more.

2. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Since February 2009, this 3010 room hotel has been a favorite home for tourists. he pioneer style building gimmicks blustery rooms with dim wood stresses and spacious overhangs with water perspectives (pool and sea). Despite the fact that it’s not exhaustive, the Marriott has completely acknowledged facilities. You can select to do nothing – just relax by the unending chain of pools, walk around the volcanic shoreline, detoxify in the dry sauna—or go dynamic and zip line through the rainforest covering, spy monkeys on strenuous mountain treks, plunge into close-by hot springs, or even choose to go fishing in the Pacific.

3. Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Playa Herradura

Golfers, those fond of fishing, and families searching for American-style type of service will draw stay at this place. It is a Spanish colonial–style of resort roosted halfway between the sea and the rainforest. Los Sueños Marriott has made a pool that everyone has just been fantasizing about, a pool system of canals,  bridges, islands, and swim-up bars, encompassed by a sunning garden, copious chaises, and a good service of their waiters and room attendants.

Tips on Hiking Safety

Planning Costa Rica trekking on one of your vacation? Here, we will give you tips to fully utilize your safety while hiking the best destination in this Caribbean country. It is true that hiking is fun and fulfilling but you should not sacrifice your safety in this trip. Everyone must keep in mind their safety while ding any outdoor activity like this one. 

Prioritize your safety. Keep in mind these tips.

Have a travel buddy. Like any principle, there are exemptions. In case you're simply striving for a walk around a close-by, decently voyaged territory you're as sheltered there as anyplace. At the same time on the off chance that you go through vigorously forested ranges, with soak ravines and slowing down, you can undoubtedly get lost. Also, obviously, there are bunches of degrees in the middle. Utilize your judgment. 

Going with a hiking buddy will help you from numerous points of view, particularly on the off chance that he or she is an accomplished explorer. Individuals in sets are a great deal less inclined to frenzy. They can aid each other up soak reviews and apply emergency treatment when required. 

He or she can head out once more to the trail head in case you're harmed. Furthermore, if necessary, body hotness could be much better moderated when there are two voyaging together. Hypothermia has executed more than one lost climber before they could be recovered.

Bring the essentials. Take a lighter or matches. Matches can get wet; however a lighter can use up fuel. No arrangement is great. A blade, particularly with loads of really helpful contraptions might be a strict lifeline. 

A medical aid pack can likewise be a lifeline. Cloth and gauzes, hostile to bacterial cream and other standard things are crucial. Hostile to tingle and sunburn torment reliever might be enormously acknowledged once in a while. Headache medicine is one of pharmacology's most undervalued medications. All these things are little and lightweight. No compelling reason to take big amounts, simply the essentials.

Drinking water. The water at the jump off is consumable, yet in the event that you are concerned, bring some kind of water purifier. It is advisable to convey one to 1.5 liters of water for your trek, however take into consideration your water intake so if you need even more. Know yourself and your water needs, heat-fatigue are regular diseases while trekking.

White Water Rafting at Pacuare River

Pacuare is world acclaimed for its sheer magnificence. A genuine waterway gorge, it is flanked by soak, green dividers. Here you appreciate the inclination of aggregate disconnection from urban life and the realness of being joined with nature. You see waterfalls course into the waterway from both sides as vivid, tropical fledglings fly directly over your head. Astounding perspectives of this virgin tropical rainforest area, show up before your eyes as you slide this genuine exploratory area. Untamed life is copious, with sloth, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and beautiful frogs being normal sights. 

Costa Rica rafting is best experienced in this river. The white water that is similarly energizing. It is not an excessively difficult waterway, however it has a considerable measure rapids, in this manner providing for you an undertaking loaded with bunches of fun. The 18 mile one day run incorporates an aggregate of 52 rapids. Few waterways on the planet can offer you such a large number of.

The Pacuare, Costa Rica's most picturesque and most open waterway, compasses a portion of the nation's most assorted landscape, passing through thickly vegetated essential downpour backwoods, swamp tropical timberland and towering waterfalls. Pumas, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and many types of flying creatures make this tropical environment their home. 

With rapids running the distance up to class V, the Pacuare is easilly Costa Rica's chief white water rafting stream. National Geographic called it one of the world's main 10 waterway excursions on the planet because of its testing rapids, as well as in view of the dazzling landscape that lines its shores. This waterway is proposed for accomplished and dauntless rafters. Various day treks are accessible to join the invigorating rafting exploits with investigation of waterfalls, climbing trails and common springs along the way.

The Pacuare River is one of the best decisions for your experience treks in Costa Rica. No other excursion in the nation exists that offers you an impeccable mix of wild adventure in Costa Rica than this famous river.

Choose your Adventure at the Land of Costa Rica

Do you know that Costa Rica houses 4 percent of the world’s species of wildlife? Well then, now that you know, you may add Costa Rica to the bucket list of your travel destinations. Having the most number of wildlife species in the Caribbean and in the world, we can say that Costa Rica may have the most luscious and most conducive land that the wildlife finds it to be the best habitat amongst other cities or land.

In Costa Rica, it is not only the animals that are favoring their land, tourist as well find the land of Costa Rica worth visiting. With different adventure that is waiting for the travelers especially those that are looking for adventure, this country will not ran out of adventures for you to try.

Go up the mountain ranges at San Jose. Why do you need to visit San Jose? It is because of its two volcanoes; Poas and Arenal. See the steaming volcanoes and marvel at the wonders of the land around and on it. Discovering a volcano up close and personal is a one of a kind experience and in Costa Rica, Poas and Arenal is a must visit.

Inland from the white sands of the Pacific is one of the last in place dry tropical timberlands of Central America, Alajuela. These perfect extends, rotating with obvious ranges stamped by solitary umbrella-formed conacaste trees shading humpbacked Brahman bovines, ascend a volcanic mountain extent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Puntarenas, a key stop on any nature-darling's agenda. Getting there obliges a four-hour drive from San José or Liberia. But the travel is all worth it once you set foot o the land.

Take heights to a new level by taking a Costa Rica zip line tour. Glide on cables while seeing the magnificent nature together with the wildlife that the nation is boasting about. Truly, Costa Rica is one marvelous place to divulge yourself into.  

Costa Rica: The Best of Latin American Surfing

It is no doubt that Hawaii remains as the world's topmost surfing destination, but wait and see as we discover another surfing haven that attracts more and more surfers around the world. Given that Costa Rica is an island country, there are thousands of beachbreaks and waterfronts where one can put his surfboard down and conquer the waves. There are numerous surf spots to choose from depending on one's ability and preference. Simply put, things to do in Costa Rica doesn't just boast of trekking, rafting and bird watching adventures, but this country also excels when it comes to world-class surfing. 

Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts that line Costa Rica serve as playgrounds for experienced and even beginning surfers. Here are just some of the plenty of reasons why most surfers love Costa Rica: the waters are relatively warm, that's why surfers can pursue the waves even without wearing a wetsuit. There is also easy access to beachbreaks and coastlines that measure up to 700 miles, surfing throughout the year is consistent, the prices are very reasonable, the people are accomodating, and the place itself holds international surfing tournaments. These reasons are merely enough to convince you that Costa Rica is a surfing haven in itself; beaches are not that crowded and the country's culture fully supports the mentioned sport. And if you're looking for places at Costa Rica where you can try or even discover your surfing skills, here are some suggestions for you.

1. Tamarindo

This remains as the most popular surfing destination at Costa Rica found on the northern pacific coast. There are three distiguished major surf spots in the country: the Pacific North, the Pacific South, and the Caribbean. Tamarindo offers the most surfing experiences in a shorter time since it holds a very easy access to a variety of surf breaks for variety of preferences. Moreover, there are considerably great accomodations, nightlife, and restaurants for a complete-packaged adventure.

2. Playa Avellanes & Negra

This surfing destination is perfect for those who are seeking a more tranquil and less crowded trip. Playa Avellanes offers reefs and beach breaks while Playa Negra provides a rock-reef break and is found south of Tamarindo.

3. Nosara

Nosara is a small community and has Tamarindo as its neighbor to the north. Compared to the latter, Nosara isi a more relaxed type of surfing spot where the only sound that you can hear is that coming from the waves and the monkeys that inhabits the area. This area also offers other unique opportunities for adventure like fishing and horseback riding aside from surfing which is its primary boast. World-class surfing is available throughout the year and ther's also a local group of surf photographers waiting to capture your best shot.

Popular Walks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is endeed sculpted to contain the most beautiful and optimum trail hikes that are all worth walking for. The country's setting itself between the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean provides for an exciting and worthwhile travel destination. Adding to the spice is the mountainous form of landscapes that are scattered all over the island; Costa Rica is certainly a travellers' delight who are looking for land-based activities that can be treasured for a lifetime. 

Throughout the years, this island country has obtained a reputation of being one of the best hikers' destination. The climate, the topography, the breath-taking views, and the flora and fauna all make up a an ideal nature hike that everyone dreams about. Whether you are looking for a leisurely type of hike or a quite challenging one for the experienced trekker, Costa Rica has it all for you. Come and treat yourself for a first-hand Costa Rica trekking and take hold of an adventure experience that is worth sharing.

Here is a list of the popular hike destinations in Costa Rica accompanied by their descriptions to aid you in choosing which region suits your ability and style:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

This is probably the most popular and most visited trek destinations in the country. Monteverde is a protected reserve situated at the top of Costa Rica's continental divide with an altitude of 4,600 feet. What makes it popular among tourists is its atmosphere, in which cloudy mist sorrounds the whole area that adds to the mystery of the area's beauty. Looking just a few distances below are beaches and cities that provides a picture-perfect backdrop for hikers. Monteverde Biological Reserve offers a challenging type of hike for tourists mainly because of its high altitude. Overnight hikes are also exhausting that's why only those with experience and strong stamina are encouraged to engage in it. However, one can assure that the guides here are the most proficient and experienced in Costa Rica.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado serves as a home for large population of scaret macaws and also well-constructed trails and facilities. There are network of trails that offers strenous type of hikes for adventuresome tourists that are seeking a challenging trip. Also, the location of this national park which is a lowland rainforest offers a unique venture accompanied with jungle sightseeings. You can choose whether you want to pursue an easier day hike or a more challenging night hike coupled with an overnight stay at the park's campgrounds. 

Arenal National Park

If someone is looking for extreme variety while hiking, then Arenal National Park is a perfect destination for you. The trails that you will trek on pass through various settings: savanna, rainforest, and even old lava flows courtesy of the Arenal Volcano. Have an actual grasp of hiking through the side of an active volcano while enjoying spectacular views. One famous trail is one that leads you down to the very base of a fall which is the La Fortuna Waterfall.

Cahuita National Park

Situated south of Limon, Cahuita National Park differs to the aforementioned trek destinations in such a way that it has flat, maintained trails that call for an easier hike. If you arer a neophyte when it comes to hiking, then this park is suggested for you. The trails pass through white-sand beaches where you can soak yourself as long as you wish to. But remember to get back on trackl again for you to see howler and white-faced monkeys that inhabits the lowland forest. 

Delve into Costa Rica's Rainforests

If you want to learn more about anything, turn your look where everything's simple, basic, no pretensions. If you want to learn more about a certain place, head on to its natural setting--its rainforests where every life gets its being.

A big part of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to forests and natural reserves which makes it one of the countries to consider if we're talking of high biodiversity. It is no doubt that a wide array of flora and fauna peacefully accentuate every area reserved for them to live and multiply. In fact, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most bio-diversed regions in the world that houses around 10,000 species of plants. What's good is that most of Costa Rica's forests remain fluorishing at whatever point of the year which makes it a perfect refuge for nature lovers as well as first time visitors. 

There are three kinds or forests around Costa Rica that you can move on to depending on your preference. First are rainforests that as the name connotes, receive most amount of rainfall and that boasts the largest quantity of plants and animals. Rainforests are found mostly on the Southwestern part of Costa Rica. Second are the cloud forests characterized by splendid views decorated by amazing fogs that are commonly mistaken as clouds. Last are the tropical dry forests that receive the least amount of rain but still boasts of wide-ranging plants and animals.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde is considered as the most wanted forest reserve in Costa Rica. Situated at the northern part of Puntarenas Province at the Continental Divide, hordes and hordes of tourists all over the world are heading on to Monteverde to experience the hazy atmosphere thousands feet above sea level. Not only do the atmosphere will attract you from coming back to Monteverde, but also the richness of wildlife that represents 2.5 percent of the world's biological variety. One point of interest here at Monteverde is that it offers probably the best Costa Rica bird watching experience for every bird enthusiasts. Turn your eyes at the forest canopy and spot some of the 500 bird species found in the country including the subtle queztal. Adding up to delight your eyes are the 200 fern species and 420 species of orchids that heightens the beauty of the area. 

Manuel Antonio National Park

Holding the title as being the most popular and the most visited park in the country, Manuel Antonio National Park might be the smallest in terms of land area but it boasts of not just biodiversity but also stunning beaches. There are four beaches to choose from that offers different water activities suited for your sporty spot. Be prepared also to spot the park's most popular residents--the monkey species that are roving around the area. If you want to experience Costa Rica trekking, this national park also offers the best trails, one of those is the Perezoso Trail in which amazing views of offshore islands are viewed. 

Tortuguero National Park

Located at Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Tortoguero National Park serves a significant role in the country's biodiversity. 'Tortoguero', which when translated to English means 'Rregion of Turtles', is a nesting ground for various species of sea turtles including hawksbill sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles. Not only do the turtles are being preserved here, but Tortoguero also serves as nature reserve for mammal, reptile, amphibian, and bird species. In fact, the park is a great site for bird watching also. Don't miss checking out Tortoguero, for the most varied plant and animal wildlife in the country are contained here. 

CERRO CHIRRIPO: Take a Peek at its Peak

Dare to climb Costa Rica's highest peak.

Conquer the height reaching up to 3,820 meters upon mountaineering Cerro Chirripo that is situated at Chirripó National Park in Costa Rica. Create lasting memories and take the chance of hiking

up to cloud level and be in one with the sky after trekking the series of trails that led you that high. Treat yourself for a renewing experience at Chirripo National Park and add it to your personal favorites among Costa Rica attractions.

Conquer First the Chirripo National Park

Before getting up close with our featured mountain, first be ready to meet this national park which is described as one of Costa Rica's roughest parks. The trails and terrains are rough and craggy,

which imposes a challenge on climbers that they have to conquer first before heading off to the mountain. Of course Cerro Chirripo is the main attraction of the park, next are the different ecological 

zones introduced by the trails. 

Upon entering the park, you'll see the meadows covered with lower forests and as you move upward, there is this upper montane rainforests composed of huge oak trees. The trail leading to the mountain is long, extending up to 18 kilometers and has a steepness of about 10,000 feet. But upon witnessing the beauty of epiphytic show of giant oak trees supported by smaller trees tied up by ferns, the fatigue and exhaustion will pay off. Some say that this is a lot better than other canopy tours in Costa Rica, like zip lining because one is in control of his time witnessing this scene, without time pressure and any sort of fear. Meanwhile, as you decide to move on with the trail, expect a more harsher condition of the terrain alongside a more awesome view of the downside vegetation, landscapes, and waterscapes.

What is it like on top?

Of course be prepared to feel the chill of being thousands of feet above the sea level and witness for yourself, up close and personal, the rising of the sun courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean about

50 miles away. Add to it the soothing sight, feel, and the sound of waters of the Pacific and Caribbean Seas below you. Lastly, behold and treasure the moment as you view the island of Costa Rica

in its full view, from one end of the coast to another accesorized by plants and trees that freshens the area.

For those who are moved by what Cerro Chirripo looks and feels like and are challenged to take the climb of their lives, be guided by the following instructions:

1. Make sure that you are physically prepared for this climb. The harshness of the trails are no joke and the weather is subject to extreme changes, and these might greatly affect your health.

2. Have with you all the trekking 'must-haves'. Carry a lot of water, food, sleeping bag, and a cooking stove that will sustain you for long hours of action.

3. Make reservations beforehand in the park system. Remember that everyone who are interested to climb Cerro Chirripo must first have a permit from the National Park Office.

Challenge the Rapids at Arenal

For the past moments in Costa Rica's history, nature has played its part in shaping the country to what it is now. Throughout the years, the unique weather pattern was the one responsible in creating twists and bumps, thus resulting to challenging, edgy landscapes that are perfect for white water rafting. 

Why conquer the rapids?

Rafting in Costa Rica will definitely give you a fresh experience. The rapids are challenges, and in order to move forward, one must conquer them. First and foremost, water rafting teaches significant values to those who tries it--the value of trust, determination, and focus. Second, this experience can offer a sense of satisfaction and achievement to individuals who are fond of engaging in it and to those who are afraid with rafting as well. If you are one of those who are natural thrill-seekers, then it is another challenge for you, and if you're this person who haven't tried it yet, then, consider it worth trying. 

Consider white water rafting near Arenal as you hop from one place to another venturing Costa Rica attractions. The rapids remain awesome all throughout the year and will never fail to give you the adrenaline rush or probably, relaxation that you're seeking. Both the weather and the landscape go well together for a perfect rafting adventure. Adding to this given beauty is the waters' route as it pass through valleys, fields, and rainforests that allows rafters to enjoy even the scenic view of the sorroundings alongside an extreme ride. Here you'll get to have three options, or probably you'll dare to try everything. Each one has its own style that will definitely suit people's varying preferences regarding adventure. What's good is that this variation of the three river options gives individuals of any age an opportunity to battle the rapids near the Arenal Volcano.

1. Peñas Blancas River. This first option is suited for first-time or young rafters who wants a ride over steady and mellow river. This water passes through the Tilaran Mountain Range then fuses to the San Carlos River which is situated beside the Arenal Volcano. Since it was a steady float over moving water, the journey is perfect for wildlife watching, including birds of different species, reptiles, and mammals that lives in the nearby landscape. What's great about this trip is that your guide will not just assure your safety along the ride but will also teach you about Costa Rica rainforest's 'must knows'.

2. Balsa River. If someone is looking for a more challenging style of rapids but not the too intense ones, then, he must try riding through Balsa River. There are mellow points accompanied with some stirring routes that will sometimes tickle your nerves. Just like the first river, you'll also have the chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the picturesque view of the rainforests, but expect to get wet upon approaching the end of this river with Class II and III rapids. The trip will then unload you at San Carlos bridge where you can relax while swimming and enjoying your snacks.

3. El Rio Toro-The Bull River. As the name connotes, this last but definitely not the least option is the most exhilarating between the three. Classified as having Class II  to Class IV rapids, most rafters described it as having one of Costa Rica's best rafting experience. The waters start at Poas Volcano then through the rainforests with big waves and technical rapids as waters from streams continuously runs into the river. This trip will definitely impose an extreme challenge even to those experienced rafters, but there's nothing to fear about for rafting guides are stiff in explaining and reminding every tourist of all the safety rules and reminders before jumping into the boat. 

Plunge at the St. Lucia Sulphur Springs

A sovereign island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea bordering with the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is sought after Caribbean destination. Found to be a worthy travel spot for those looking for adventures and a day full of eye-candies; mainly those St. Lucia attractions.

If you want a relaxing day in St. Lucia, better check out the sulphur springs. One of the top things to do in St Lucia is taking a time in these natural springs. These sulphur spring parks are teeming with vacationists; both local and international. 

Sulphur springs originating from the volcano in the region is said to be the only drive-in volcano in the world. It’s last recorded eruption dated 1700 is just a steam eruption. The waters from this spring are believed to have therapeutic values. Some people went to take a dip into the spring to remove blemishes from their skin. From these therapeutic springs come the two popular pools: Black Water Pool and the Pool of Love.

Strolling in the crater of the volcano is presently restricted after one of the aides fell in a pool of bubbling water when he was bouncing here and there on it. Luckily, it was just waist stature, so he was safeguarded. However he did experience the ill effects of some extreme torches from the waist.

There is an extremely solid emanation of sulfur in the volcano that can irritate a person's sense of smell or their skin. It is very strong throughout the day yet exceptionally solid at nights. You can smell it for miles away at nights yet that is a great thing. On the off chance that the odor goes away, then that might imply that there is going to be a volcanic ejection. 

The spring from the St. Lucia volcano is located at Soufriere. The natives of Soufriere are proud of having the only world's drive in volcano.

Tour the springs in your next St. Lucia vacation. Spas are widely available in the area having sulphur as their main ingredient to create bath and face mud masks. For quite some time now, St. Lucians have been enjoying their regular sulfur spa – it’s time to experience it for you too!

Birds in the Costa Rica Rainforest

Included in the Costa Rica attractions a tourist must see is not only the rainforest of Costa Rica but as well as the creatures living inside of these luscious greens and the teeming surrounding. Bird enthusiasts as well as local and foreign tourists will love to go Costa Rica bird watching once they learn about the hundreds of bird species flying over and under the rainforests.

Many species are only found in Costa Rica, some of which we will be listing below. If you are interested in finding out about the birds in the Costa Rica rainforest, check out the list and equip yourself of the possible birds you’ll encounter in your upcoming rainforest adventure in the Caribbean.

Trogon.
Commonly seen living on the rainforest of Costa Rica, Trogon habitat are the lowlands and chilly cloud forests. These bird species have distinct, bright, colorful feathers which may include a mix of blue, yellow and red. However, inspite of their bright colors, Trogon can only be seen by the keen observant tourists.

The most renowned of the trogons, and maybe of all Costa Rica, is the brilliant quetzal. Indeed with its blustering plumage, the most capturing of all neotropical winged animals, a quetzal can without much of a stretch be ignored as it remains still in its dim cloud woods home. The best time to look for quetzals are March through May when they home and feast upon the fruiting Aguacatillo tree, a wild avocado and their most loved food.

Motmot. Costa Rica's tropical rainforest is home to the bird known as Motmot. The six types of motmots in Costa Rica mix the shades blue, green, and rufous in their plumages. Their most prominent characteristic is their tail. In every species aside from one, there is an exposed area of the quill shaft close to the end of the tail, a special characteristic around all bird species.

The most normally seen species in the greater part of Costa Rica is the blue-crownedmotmot, with its striking blue eyebrow.

Toucan. Around the most notable birds of Costa Rica rainforetsts are the toucans, all effectively distinguished by their immense bills. The toucan utilizes the serrated edge of its tremendous bill for consuming a mixture of apples and oranges. U
nfortunately, toucans additionally utilize their delightful bills to attack the homes of different winged creatures and consume their chicks or eggs. Case in point, emerald toucanettes, a rich and often seen occupant of the cloud backwoods, are a predictable predator of baby quetzals. The chestnut-mandibled toucan, the biggest species in Costa Rica, now and then even consumes infant monkeys.

Experiencing Costa Rica Canopy Tours

What is a canopy tour?

A canopy tour is one among the many Costa Rica attractions you need to immerse in when in the Central American country. Costa Rica canopy tour is a built course through a lush and frequently rugged mountainous Costa Rica land making essential use of zip-lines and flying extensions between stages built on trees. Sightseers are saddled to a steel link without interference all around the whole tour for security. Canopy tours were before use as mode of transportation and transferring of goods in the old years, but now used as a recreational activity around the globe and mainly on rainforests.

There are a number of ways to which you can do your canopy tours in Costa Rica.  Each ensuring your safety hence the use of all harnesses and safety equipment as well as introducing you to do precautionary measures you need to know beforehand.

Some Types of Canopy Tour includes:

Commercial

By far the most prominent sort of canopy tour is an arrangement of crosses and slides that has little to do with exploration and everything to do with thrill. Steel link cables, some measured in kilometers descend to the whole mountainsides and riders fly along at exciting paces and statures where the trees look like small dabs.  The possibilities of recognizing any canopy inhabitants are nil.

Some of these canopy courses are undoubtedly adrenaline rides, however others blend in a few scaffolds, trails, stages and quieter navigates as well as aides to assist and check you so you can assure a good observation of the treetop ecosystem.

Generally these tours are exceptionally safe, however you be mindful that the supplies needed to assemble this sort obviously just expenses a couple of hundred dollars and many offer this kind of canopy tours.

Bridges

Bridges are a way for bird enthusiasts to explore the rainforest and see the wonderful lush greens and the birds. Most scaffold based tours incorporate nature trails along the ground to provide for you an alternate viewpoint while you stroll from extension to scaffold.  Some oblige steps, ropes and stages to move from extension to scaffold, yet others might be explored by basically just walking.

When is the best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica attractions are excellent in terms of tourism, which will appeal you at whatever time of year. In any case, numerous travellers may like to be in Costa Rica during the dry season, while others prefer the off-season arrangements and less-swarms throughout the stormy season.

Costa Rica's temperature is enduring all around the year, averaging between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher rises are cooler than more level parts of Costa Rica. Mid-level rises are generally 5 or 10 degrees cooler, while high heights, for example, Volcanos Poas, Irazu and Chirripo (the second most elevated mountain in Central America) can plunge into 50 degrees. 

Costa Rica during the Dry Season

Costa Rica's tropical atmosphere is driest between December and April. In some northwestern parts of Costa Rica, for example, Guanacaste and Nicoya, the air dries out totally and the atmosphere gets hot and dry, to the focus that supporting agribusiness obliges watering system.

Vacation spots in those regions are exceptionally well known throughout the dry season, and can get gathered all around December and prominent school occasions like spring break. 

On the side of the Caribbean mountains, you have to watch the temporales del Atlantico during January and early February. The point when polar air pushes south over the Gulf of Mexico, it gets a great deal of water. This can bring about a few nonstop days of substantial rain in the northeast.

Costa Rica during the Green Season

Rainy season in Costa Rica falls between May and November, wherein October receives the heaviest downpour. All around that month, the drizzle is unwavering. Luckily, actually throughout the stormy season, it doesn't rain constantly. Up until late June, its normally generally sunny. Whatever is left of the time, most days will be sunny and exceptionally sticky, with several hours of evening downpour. 

The heaviest rain typically tumbles to the northeast and southwest of Costa Rica. On the Pacific drift, so much rain falls on the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay throughout September and October that a few hotels incidentally close.

Local conditions

Getting away from the drizzle could be as basic as getting out of the country. In September and October, while the west shoreline of Costa Rica is soaked with downpour, the east Caribbean side is regularly sunny and dry. The point when the wind goes the inverse route in January and February and cuts the polar air down along the Caribbean coast, the inverse is accurate. 

All that wet climate is normally restricted to one side of Costa Rica by the spine of mountains running down the center. The Tilaran and Cordillera mountain reaches are some piece of the Continental Divide. The point when the storms begin coming in off the Pacific, the mountain reaches keep the greater part of the precipitation right to the west. The point when substantial hurricanes roll in from the Caribbean Sea, the mountains keep the drizzle from intersection the nation.

On the other hand, when you want to experience things to do in Costa Rica well-acclaimed rainforest, you are set to get wet, regardless of what time of year you go. Downpour backwoods flourish on drizzle. The higher you go in the mountains, the wetter it will be. It may be somewhat drier when you visit between December and April, yet it won't be dry. 

In the Tilaran Range, it is wet to the point that the Monteverde nature safeguard gets all its water straightforwardly from the mists. In this cloud forest, the dampness from the mists continually consolidates onto the leaves above you, so your decisions run between dribbling and doused. In the wet season, cloud backwoods get something like 10% more precipitation than easier elevation drizzle woods. In the dry season, the measure of precipitation could be multiplied.

The White-faced Capuchin Monkey of Costa Rica

When you go to a Costa Rica excursions for a rainforest walk, you will be delighted to see the Capuchin monkeys playing, hanging or just relaxing on trees. These creatures that are only native in the forests of Costa Rica are the few species of the so-called “New World Monkeys”.

Appearance

Capuchin monkeys are called white-faced monkeys because of their white-haired face. Aside from this distinct physical feature, they also have white upper chest and shoulders, black torso and a black cap of hair on their head. They are mainly seen on the lowland forests of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. 

The body of an adult capuchin monkey can grow from 335 mm to 453 mm and can weight from about 3.9 kilograms.  Its tail grows longer than their body from up to 551 mm, male capuchin are larger than the females for around 27%. Capuchin monkey’s brain is much larger than other monkey species. 

Diet

They have the most flexible diet among other New World Monkey species. Aside from resting on trees, they spend the whole day swinging and traveling from tree to tree from the morning and rests at night. As they swing from tree to tree, finding and carrying food, they disperse seeds from the food they have making it a reason for the vast vegetative population in their habitat. They also eat insects from trees and the land which stimulates life balance in the rainforest ecosystem.

Behavior

Capuchin monkeys are diurnal and arboreal animals. Diurnal means that they do most of their activities; preying, eating and playing during the day then they sleep at night. Arboreal, is when they move from trees to trees in their habitat. However, capuchin monkeys also move and get down to the ground often compared to other New World Monkeys. Male capuchin migrates to different new social groups from the course of their lifetime and they are dominant to female capuchin monkeys.

Habitat

They are mainly found in Costa Rica, in many different kinds of forests; evergreen forests, dry or moist, deciduous forests, but more often in the secondary and mature forests. During the dry season, you’ll see them on the forests where there is a near and abundant water availability. 

Image credits: discovermagazine.com