OUR NATURE, COSTA RICA NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

IN COSTA RICA LIFE REACHES ITS GREATEST EXPRESSION

In Costa Rica, tropical nature has reached its greatest expression. Located in the tropical latitudes, between the giant biological influences of North and South America and bordered by two oceans, mountainous Costa Rica enjoys an immense diversity of climates and environmental regions. Twelve major life zones harbor an astounding amount of plant and animal life.

While Costa Rica covers a mere 0.03% of the planet's surface, the nation is endowed with over 5% of all life forms on earth. Costa Ricans nave preserved this invaluable biodiversity in protected areas covering fully one-quarter of the land and organized into major units called Conservation Areas. No other country in the world has so much actively protected area per capita. Costa Rica is often cited as a model for conservation in harmony with community development and economic growth. National parks and reserves are open to the public at government established fees. Private reserves set their own entrance rates.

An impressive 22,647 miles (36,447 km.) of roads plus well-developed nature trail systems give easy access to every habitat and all but the most remote areas. You can drive to the very edge of a volcanic crater, through the heart of a mountain jungle, take an aerial tram ride in the rain forest canopy and soak up sun on a deserted beach, all on the same day in all but the most remote areas.

VOLCANOES AND MOUNTAINS
Costa Rica's nine active volcanoes vividly remind visitors of the awesome power contained in the earth's thin mantle. At Irazú Volcano, it is easy to see why Neil Armstrong said that its desolate landscape looks like the surface of the moon. Anyone peering into Poás mammoth crater with its boiling, sulfurous lake, is reminded just how tenuous is man's supposed dominion over the world.

Arenal, the most active and no doubt the most studied of all of Costa Rica's volcanoes, booms and rumbles with an unnerving consistency and its nocturnal pyrotechnics have struck awe in the hearts of thousands of observers. On the lower slopes of Rincón de la Vieja, power is vented in boiling mud pots, hissing fumaroles and thermal streams.

The non-volcanic Talamancas are ruggedly beautiful and contain two of the nation's tallest peaks. The Inter-American highway, crossing the 11,453 ft. (3,491 m.) Cerro de la Muerte, reaches over 9,843 feet (3,000 m.), passing through highland forests of Costa Rican Oak and the only road-accessible "páramo" vegetation in the country. To see evidence of the glacier that topped 2,533 ft (3,820 m.), Chirripó, during the last ice age, requires a 9 hour hike and cold-weather camping. But its definitely worth the effort.

CLOUD FOREST

The forests on the upper slopes of Costa Rica's mountains and volcanoes are frequently draped in mist and clouds. Algae, mosses and lichens get a foothold on the constantly wet surfaces, providing a place for orchids, bromeliads, ferns and innumerable other plants to cling to.
So prolific is this "epiphytic" growth in the cloud forest that bare branches are virtually non-existent. Sometimes harsh conditions such as prevailing winds and supersaturated soils cause the forest to be stunted - like the elfin forest at Monteverde's continental divide or the gnarly, dwarf woods at the summit of Poás Volcano. The cloudforest captures the imagination of even the most cynical among us. It emanates a sense of ancient and enduring life. Of peace. Sitting quietly overhead, its long feathery tail swaying gently in the breeze, is a scarlet and emerald bird that seems to embody the spirit of the cloudforest. Aptly named, the Resplendent Quetzal is considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world.

RAIN FOREST
In the foothills and lowlands of both slopes, Costa Rica's rainforests harbor thousands of known life forms and thousands more yet to be described. They are among the last strongholds of biodiversity on earth. Resonating with the songs of birds, at dawn, the rainforest is quiet in the heat of the day, its stillness punctuated by the insect-like call of poison dart frogs,the rasping of cicadas or the whistled notes of wrens and antbirds.
The dark, cool interior of the primary rainforest is surprisingly free of entangling vegetation. Only where light manages to filter through the interlocking canopy to the forest floor does vegetation proliferate. Walking in the rainforest is like taking a step back in time. The modern world and all its stress fade into insignificance. 

WILDLIFE

For the most fulfilling experience in the forest, it is important to go with an experienced naturalist guide. These woods do not give up their secrets easily. Indeed, the uninitiated can be overwhelmed by such all-pervasive greenness. A naturalist will explain the complex inter-relationships of species in the forest, help you identify the birds, spot well-camouflaged creatures and, with luck, maybe even point out the tracks of those ever-elusive tapirs or jungle cats.

Of Costa Rica's 850 bird species, visitors usually spot the big or colorful birds such as hawks, ducks, toucans and tanagers, plus the noisy parrots and macaws. Monkeys, coatimundis, peccaries, agoutis, armadillos, sloths, deer, squirrels and bats are the most commonly seen mammals. Also frequently found are iguanas, crocodiles and various species of lizards.

During the sea turtle nesting season, lucky visitors can witness one of nature's ageless miracles, as these prehistoric looking creatures return to the same beach from which they were hatched to laboriously dig their nests and lay the eggs from which the next generation of turtles will emerge. Bizarre and colorful insects, vast numbers of flowering trees, shrubs and plants in every color of the rainbow are all part of an infinitely rewarding experience with tropical nature.

THE SEA

Those who venture beneath the seas, will find Costa Rica's oceans teeming with fish and countess other creatures of the deep. It is said that life in the sea rivals the biodiversity of the rainforest. No matter whether you are exploring the sea, the cloud-forests, rain-forests, mangroves or any other of Costa Rica's many ecosystems, the most important things to take with you are curiosity, patience and realistic expectations. The natural world is not a zoo with defined times for animal viewing. Every sighting, from the industrious parasol ants to frolicking dolphins, to drowsy howler monkeys, is a very special gift. Savor each one.

And if your taste is more action-oriented, Costa Rica offers plenty of exciting alternatives.

WHITEWATER RAFTING
Rafting on Costa Rica's wild and scenic rivers is perhaps the single most popular adventure sport in the country. Expert outfitters and river guides, using internationally approved equipment, take thousands of beginners down the thrilling Class III waters of the Reventazón River, every year. The more challenging Class IV Pacuare and the tricky Class V Pascua attract more experienced rafters. Swollen by Green Season rains, rafting rivers are even better from May to November. Overnight trips are available.

KAYAKING

Whitewater kayaking is a favorite sport and Costa Rica has hosted more than one international tournament. Ocean kayaking is also rapidly gaining devotees because just about anyone can handle it after a few lessons.

WINDSURFING

World champions have called Costa Rica's Lake Arenal, at 1,350-1,800 ft. (450-600 m.) above sea level, one of the globe's top five windsurfing spots. Winds from December to April blow steadily, carrying you along Arenal's 29 miles (42 km.) surface, without changing either masts or sails. Just a couple of hours away is Puerto Soley, on the northern Pacific coast, for ocean windsurfing.

SURFING

Surfers love Costa Rica! From anywhere in the country, the warm surf is only a few hours away. There are river mouth breaks, beach breaks, reef and, the experts say, one of the longest left hand curls in the world. Almost constant, manageable wave action means no long waits to hop on your board. There are lodges catering to surfers, 4-wheel-drive vehicles to access the most remote beaches - even charter airplanes to accommodate your board. No wonder the surf magazines are targeting Costa Rica as a world surfing hot spot.

DIVING

The northwest Pacific Coast offers scuba diving in a magnificent setting throughout the year, with more than 20 local dive sites, many in the Gulf of Papagayo. Huge schools of fish are the norm and Jacks, Moray Eels, White-tipped Sharks, Eagle Rays and Pufferfish are commonly observed.  There are rock formations to be explored and visibility in these warm waters ranges from 20 to 80 ft. (6 to 24 m.). Beginners can take lessons from local, licensed instructors and a full range of first class equipment is available for rent. Caño Island, off the southwest coast, is known for huge schools of fish, rocky corals and undersea canyons. Experts will also want to make the long ocean trip to Cocos Island, touted by Jacques Cousteau as one of the finest deep water dive sites in the world.

SPORT FISHING
Costa Rica's rich marine life also means excellent sport fishing. Along the Pacific Coast, from the Gulf of Papagayo all the way to Golfito, anglers find some of the best blue water and in shore fishing in the world. Annual catch & release billfish tournaments raise record numbers of sailfish and marlin. Rooster fish, Mahi-mahi, Yellow-fin Tuna, Grouper and Wahoo are among the other common game fish. The Tortuguero Canals and the area around Barra del Colorado, both on Costa Rica's northeast coast, have long been famous for fishing tarpon and snook. Lake Arenal is the place to take a boat out on quiet waters and hook the local "rainbow bass". There's also great trout fishing in Costa Rica's mountain streams.

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