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Wind and Rain in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Monteverde is the Costa Rica of travel brochures and its very name conjures images of cloud-shrouded forests, swinging skybridges and elusive quetzals. It is the Costa Rica that has drawn millions of tourists to its rainforest canopies for wildlife viewing and zip-lining. I’d heard nothing but rave reviews about zip-lining above the canopies of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and I, too, was hoping to partake in one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after activities. I couldn’t wait to observe life high above the treetops. But, as much as we can plan…
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Wildlife in Corcovado National Park
Deemed by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity, Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park is home to 2.5% of the species found on the planet. The park houses thirteen major ecosystems, including cloud forest, lowland rainforest, palm forest, mangrove swamps and coastal and underwater habitats. It is due to the park’s diversity of habitats, that tourists visiting Corcovado can view animals ranging from playful monkeys and elusive tapirs, to deadly fer-de-lance snakes, radiant macaws and elegant angelfish. COSTA RICA’S CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK…
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Manuel Antonio National Park
“Pura vida!” We heard it as we stepped off the plane. And again when we entered the cab. And again at the bus stop. And again at the hostel. And again when we ordered food. And again and again from strangers on the street. Costa Rica’s motto—pura vida—permeates every aspect of life in the countrys. The slogan is embedded into the very fabric of the small nation’s character. Translated into English as “pure life,” pura vida is the law of the land in Costa Rica. It is at once a…
