Costa Rica is one of 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. It is home to more than 500,000 different animal species, making it a paradise for animal lovers like me. I was fortunate to encounter coatis, leopards, sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, frogs, snakes, tarantulas, beetles, butterflies and more bird species than I could count.
While crossing one of the incredible suspension bridges on a hike in the cloud forests of Monteverde, I came upon a family of howler monkeys gliding through the canopy overhead. My guide, Toby, expertly pointed out an extremely rare animal darting through the trees in pursuit of the monkeys, called a Tyra, which are almost never seen anymore. His expertise also allowed me to witness the elusive bird named the Resplendent Quetzal, of which there are only 500 remaining in the world.
Costa Rica boasts a dramatic collection of landscapes from coast to coast. With 12 climatic zones and a variety of eco-systems ranging from tropical rainforests, cloud forests, dry forests and mangrove forests to both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, Costa Rica is far removed from busy city life, which enables visitors an authentic experience of raw nature. Perhaps that is why it was chosen as the filming location for the original Jurassic Park movie.
Costa Rica has a plethora of activities to offer adventure seekers, my favorite being zip lining. I admit I was a bit nervous at first, but after two runs, I moved from the back of the group to the front of the line. It was a completely exhilarating experience! I can’t wait to do it again!
Fun fact:
Zip lining originated as a way for researchers to explore the canopies above the jungle floor.
Each day provided beauty in its completion by way of a sunset. The ones I witnessed in Costa Rica offered exceptional golden hues across a vanilla sky; add crashing waves on a coastal horizon and you have pure splendor and tranquility.
Authored by Aimee Langlas, International/Adventure/Wellness/Group travel specialist at Travel Leaders / Destinations Unlimited, following an exploratory trip to Costa Rica.
To learn more about Aimee’s journey or any Costa Rica vacation, please contact Travel Leaders / Destinations Unlimited. Visit here for more information on Aimee’s Spring Break 2020 trip to Costa Rica: Aim for Costa Rica – Spring Break.