Plants of the Tropical Rainforest

Costa Rica is considered as one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. No wonder, its greatest treasure is the diversity among flora and fauna. A wide range of plants, for example can be found here which accent its tropical rainforests. As for other rainforests, it is divided into five different layers (starting from the lowest level):  the forest floor composed of fallen branches and leaves; the shrub layer which serves as a home for small trees; the understory layer consists of vines and shrubs; the canopy layer primarily comprises of leaves and branches that cover the other layers; and the emergent layer where you can see the tallest trees. 

EPIPHYTES

Also known as air plants, is distinct because of their rooting behavior, by rooting from some other plants. Take note: They are not dependent on their attachment for nutrition; rather, they photosynthesize and produce their own food. All out Costa Rica rainforest is covered by these kind of plants. Families of Epiphytes include orchids, ferns, lichens, and mosses. 

FLOWERS

You might be amazed on how flowering plants and trees ornament Costa Rica. In fact, people all over the world are drawn here just for its flowers. One species of great attraction is the angel’s trumpet tree. This is a pendulous white flower which has bat-like characteristics. It remains dormant during daylight and opens only at night time, exposing its pollen-releasing stamen. 

TREES

There are several species of trees that make up the canopy and emergent layer of Costa Rica’s rainforest. Some are coconut trees, Strangler Figs, and Milk or Cow tree. 

STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS

As most people notice, most of the leaves of plants in Costa Rica have pointed tips, and as they call it, the drip tip. This structural adaptation among plants collects moisture and raindrops at the tip and eventually, dripping it to the ground. This mechanism establishes the drainage capability of the leaves which helps avoid accumulation of excess water that can disrupt the process of photosynthesis. Another characteristic is its smooth, wax-like surface which acts as a water repelling surface. This also helps in drying the leaves easily significant for food processing.

The plants also possess adaptations which benefits animals living in the rainforest. For instance, the bromeliads serve as temporary home for insects and frogs in their metamorphic stage.  Its water container inside the leaves caused the body parts modification in frogs that have undergone the tadpole stage. 

Costa Rica Endangered Animals

Wildlife is one of the key assets of Costa Rica’s tourism. However, despite of its unique habitat, many species of plants and animals are decreasing in number. To be exact, there are a total of 155 endangered species in this country including rare plants, exotic birds, mammals and other aquatic animals. The primary threat to Costa Rica’s wildlife is destruction of habitat, followed by illegal hunting and trapping for exportation. 

Here we have listed some of Costa Rica’s endangered animals and the reasons of its declining number. 

BIRDS

894 species of birds flock over the skies of Costa Rica more than that of America and Canada. The country provides habitat to critically-threatened birds which could have been extinct to other places primarily because of deforestation. Exotic members of this class like the Quetzal and Scarlet Macaws are conserved in protected areas of Costa Rica. Other endangered birds include the Great Curassow and Toucans or “flying bananas”. Several conservation parks in the country offers an excellent view of these threatened birds. 

MAMMALS

Everyday offers new chances for deterioration in number of certain mammals in Costa Rica. First on the list is the Black Panther which is totally extinct by this time. Jaguars and ocelots are also becoming lesser and lesser each day. Maybe it’s the sharing or competition in territories between wildlife and men that brought these animals to being endangered. Significantly, one should be superior in power over the other. 

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

The Monte Verde golden toad is considered to be extinct since 1989. Endangered others would include five-keeled spiny-tailed iguana, lemur leaf frog, Starrett's treefrog, and El Empalme worm salamander. On a brighter note, turtles have now recovered because of the campaign against illegal collection of its eggs. It has been believed that foods from turtle eggs have aphrodisiac properties. 

INVERTEBRATES

There are two species of freshwater crabs that are on the endangered list. Several species of shadowdamsels are also threatened. This includes chiriquita, black-backed, cacao and many others. 

So what’s the bottom line?

Perhaps with this, humans are just proving that we are born to destruct. That wherever man will go, there’s always that sort of disturbance maybe among other men or even the environment and the creatures living in it. We should always remember that in everything we do, take both sides. There is always the means on how to move forward without sacrificing other aspects around us.  

Planning When to Go: Understanding the Weather in Costa Rica

In terms of the country’s location which is near the equator, Costa Rica enjoys tropical climate throughout the year. Temperature depends on the elevation of certain areas. It is important to remember that Costa Rica has no real summer or winter and the usual temperature ranges from 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. 

Best Time to Go

Preferably, the best time for tourists to go over Costa Rica is during the summer season from December through April which the locals commonly call verano. Dry season means lesser rain than other times of the year. Everyone can take advantage of the low season rates during this time. 

The winter season or green season, locally known as invierno, runs from May to mid-November. The starting months are really good for travelers where they can enjoy lesser number of other tourists and hotel rates are usually lower. However, travelling either by land or water can be a lot more challenging due to muddy roads. Two of the rainiest months are November and December.

Best Seasons for Animal Sight-seers

For turtle enthusiasts, the best time for you to go is from February to October.  April and May are the months for leatherbacks while on the Caribbean coast, October to March are the peak months.

Fishing can be done anytime of the month but of course, it is important for fishers to know the season’s best each time. September to November is the time for snook while the best time for catching sailfish is from November through May. 

Bird watching can also be done almost every month of the year but resplendent quetzal is seen most during November and April. Migratory flocks cruise over Costa Rica during March through May or September to November.

The Central Valley has the most beautiful weather in the country due to cool coastal breeze. On the other hand, the Caribbean is said to have its own climate. It has no distinct wet and dry season which the other parts of Costa Rica have. Generally, it has a humid climate but not always sunny.

December and January are great times of the tear for weather when it is generally sunny and the countryside remained green from the rainy season. The vast differences among Costa Rica’s climate give it the most varied and awesome ecosystems.

At the end of the day, each person’s preference is still the main basis in choosing what time to visit Costa Rica. Just be wise enough in making your choices and always remember anytime you plan to go, Costa Rica has always something to offer. 

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica may seem to be a small country but it houses lots of beautiful places than when discovered by your own eyes can make you mesmerize. It gives its visitors; local and foreign alike its quiet beaches, forests and wildlife. 

In a previous article we mention about the sights you also need to see when traveling Costa Rica, this is a part of some sort in that list. You will never ran out of places to visit when you explore this country that is why I am giving you another set of places you might want to check out. 

Whether you travel in Costa Rica for food, adventure, serene place or relaxation, they got a place for you to go.

Best Place to go for Food: 

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Costa Rica’s cuisine is a mix of Central American with added local island spice. A must try and a popular dish in the country is the steamy soup rondon,  a mix of coconut milk with green bananas, cassava, shrimp and fish with Scott bonnet chili peppers added on the dish. If you want a taste of the freshest seafoods, then better head on to Puerto Viejo. Eat while enjoying the seaside view from the place. 

Best Place for Adventure:

La Fortuna

La Fortuna has a volcano resting in the town that is a haven for those seeking adventure.  If there are no clouds covering the summit, you’ll be able to see lava flowing from its tip. The volcano in La Fortuna is referred to as Cerro Arenal – Arenal Hill. If you are unlucky to see the lava, there are a lot more adventures you can try. Try hiking on Arsenal with trails suited for an outdoor adventure and see the crater lake of the Volcan Chato, Arsenal’s dormant volcanic neighbor. 

Best for Forest Walks:

Monteverde

Monteverde is a conservation area for wildlife forms, it is a taken care of place in Costa Rica to preserve and grow cloud forests, evergreens, lichens and an array of birds. Around the area, you’ll see different kinds of trees and plants and those flower bearing plants that cling on rock formations and tree trunks.

Best for Beaches:

Nosara

Wanting to have the time to just relax and just feast your eyes on the beauty of the sunrise or sunset? Nosara is the right place for you to be in. Even getting to Nosara is an enjoyable experience for along the way you will see herd of Brahman cows and rice plantations. When you see Nosara, you will notice few if not none industrial buildings.  This is because Nosara’s government prohibits construction in the shoreline to preserve the waters and the white sand of the beach.

Best for Wildlife:

Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula has the last remaining coastal pacific rainforest found in Central America. Osa has become the habitat for jungle animals like those jaguars and puma and some other mammals that can be seen rarely in some parts of the country. You can tour the Corcovado National Park that is found in Osa Peninsula and see the creatures freely walking, flying or crawling around. 

Rainforest Animals of Costa Rica

Diverse numbers of tropical animals inhabit the rich land and waters of Costa Rica. From the mountaintops, hills, swamps, dry lands and wetlands, these are all dominated by animal abundance. Primarily because of the country’s adaptation abilities to different species and the balance in the ecosystem make it really a frontier for animal life. No one could ever imagine that such a small place would be a home for 615 species of animals; no wonder it is a favorite destination for nature and wildlife seekers.

Typical animals that you can encounter once you visit Costa Rica are listed. But do not limit yourself on these because most animals evolve to be hidden, not commonly seen to people.

MAMMALS. Wildlife tour would be more interesting if you start with the most complex and highest form, the class Mammalia. Over 200 species are present, half of it are bats. Though extinction are becoming notorious in Central America, wildlife in Costa Rica are starting to recover. Mammals in Costa Rica have ecological roles that are unparalleled in temperate zones. Rare ones include Agouti, Armadillo, Baird’s Tapir, Coati, Jaguarundi, Sloth, Puma, and many others. As a tip, night hikes offer batter opportunities in spotting these forests animals.

REPTILES. Costa Rica is full of reptiles, nearly 220 species. It is best to keep watch on them, though some might be shy and hiding, others would be aggressive and venomous especially half of this huge number are snakes. Species that you must spot are as follows: Boa Constrictor, Black Ctenosaur, Fer-de-Lance, Green Turtle, Zopilota and House Gecko. Also, be amazed of the Jesus Christ Lizard that is known to walk on water. Reptiles in Costa Rica are full of surprises but once spotted; they offer appreciation for the agility that makes them legendary.

AMPHIBIANS. Costa Rica is a home for 160 species of amphibians. It is exciting to know that most of the colors in the rainforest are provided by these amphibians, especially frogs. Species to look out for are Strawberry-poison dart Frog, Glass Frog, Milk Frog, and Brilliant Forest Frog. Though these creatures seem interesting to touch, do not dare to because their colors might be a sign of poison in them. In fact, poisons from frogs are used by hunters with their hunting arrows.

BIRDS. Costa Rica has long been a top destination for bird-watching. Mainland Costa Rica and its waters house more than 840 species plus 10 more if Coco Island and its waters are included. Variation of avifauna will not make anyone disappointed. Bird species that you would probably see are Bananaquit, Brown Pelican, Green Heron, Resplendent Quetzal, Long-tailed Hermit and many others.

FISHES. Costa Rica is home to 180 species of freshwater fish. Different forms and sizes interest fishermen all over the world. Pacific Blue Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Yellow fin Tuna and Snapper are just some of their fish abundance.

INSECTS. Pay attention to these tiny creatures as these show-stoppers caught your eye. There are about 35,000 species present in Costa Rica to think that they are larger in number than mammals. Insects to look out for are Glass Butterfly, Helicopter Damselfly, Walking Stick, and Rhinoceros Beetle.

Must See Destinations in Costa Rica

So what about this?

This article provides you with Costa Rica’s must visit places that will definitely make your South American tour a worthwhile experience of a lifetime. 

Here are some most suggested sites that you must see:

ARENAL VOLCANO AND HOT SPRINGS.  Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica. It is indeed a great sight for you to behold. This landscape is really different from what you’ve seen before because it’s diameter is enough to create its own weather. What’s more exciting is that, when you watch it on a rainy evening, you can observe it generate its own lightning. Fascinating right? Beside from that, if you want to witness actual lava flow, Arenal Volcano is the perfect place for that. 

La Fortuna, a town near the base of the volcano homes the country’s best hot springs. Try these to relax both your mind and body. 

MANUEL ANTONIO AND MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK.  This park is one of the most popular attractions in the country. It is composed of stunning tropical beaches, rich dense forestation, amazing array of wildlife and a lot of things to do not to mention canopy tours and white water rafting. 

TAMARINDO BEACH. An amazing fact about this place is that you need not to ride anything in exploring the whole place; anywhere you want to go can be reach by foot. It encompasses all the amenities of a Costa Rican beach town. It it’s the perfect place for family bonding, weddings, honeymoons, and eco-tours. Accommodations are available on any budget, from luxurious hotels to hostels. This beach is also surrounded with national parks and breathtaking views of mountains at its east.

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE. Try not to miss the opportunity of unfolding the mystery of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. A mountain rainforest having a humidity of at least 100%, its characteristic of being shrouded with clouds will make your adventure real exciting. A ride on a zip line, walking and riding tours and suspension bridge walkways will bring you to observe 3000 species of plants and animals. 

DRAKE BAY AND CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK. Corcovado National Park is best described as one of our planets most remarkable expressions of life. Its lands are rich, with 367 species of birds, 139 species of mammals, and 116 different kinds of amphibians and reptiles. In fact, it is acknowledged by National Geographic Society as “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth.”

Drake Bay got its name from Sir Francis Drake and is believed to be a port of British pirate in the 17th century. There are miles of beautiful coastline with sandy coves; no doubt, it is known as the last land frontier in Costa Rica. 

Travel Saving Tips When Visiting Costa Rica

They say Costa Rica isn’t one that you’ll visit if you have minimal budget for your vacation trip. But you don’t want to miss visiting this country because of its best beaches, the food is great and the locals are accommodating. So how will you enjoy Costa Rica without having to spend so much beyond your budget?

Travel Off Season

April to November are the off season months in Costa Rica. You can expect fewer travelers in these months. In that way you can enjoy a less crowded tourist destination. Tickets in these times are also cheaper than the peak season so you will save a bigger amount on your trip.

Discover Cheaper Restaurants

Eat at the family owned restaurants that serve good food. Inexpensive foods that are good on taste are the best you can have while travelling to this beautiful country. Choose those restaurants found in the inner city; mostly less people are dining in for it is not that noticeable to the public but this doesn’t mean you will be served with not good foods. Only be on the lookout and ask the locals of the affordable diners out there.

Drink the Water

Don’t get used to buying bottled water which can cost $1-2 dollars per bottle. Monitor your small purchases which when accumulated can be costly. Water in Costa Rica is safe to drink. But that doesn’t mean you drink whatever water there is, examine first before you drink it.

Dine at Musmanni

Musmanni is a local bakery found all throughout the country. They are like various branches of this bakery that is known to serve delicious breads with sodas. Take a stopover when you see one of its branches as you are travelling. It will save you compared to those fancy restaurants in the city.

Travel on their Local Buses

Local buses are slower than the tourist buses but travelling on these will save you from a costly pay you will make on tourist buses. Added good thing about travelling on local buses is that you will learn how to talk and mingle with the locals. It is a pretty fun adventure to have, a learning experience for you and a nice way to be one with the people of their country.

Travelling as others say is expensive but if only you know how to look for the best and inexpensive way to enjoy, dine or travel, you will definitely save a big amount on your money. All it takes is to study the place and be resourceful.