Table of Contents
“These are your birds!” exclaims the guide. Astonished, I realise that the species around me are indeed the same as those in Canada: tree swallows, ruby-throated hummingbirds and red-winged blackbirds. I approve of their choice – I could easily spend an entire season in Costa Rica myself! For the past ten days, I’ve been exploring the country with my eight-year-old daughter. A leader in ecotourism, Costa Rica generates almost 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Costa Rica’s exceptional biodiversity makes it a prime destination for a nature-focused holiday. There are more than 160 species of mammals, 12,000 species of plants and around 850 species of birds. The country’s mountains, volcanoes, forests, lakes and rivers also provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. Costa Rica has no zoos and 30% of its territory is protected.
Below are some of the most unforgettable nature-based experiences I had during my journey.
Sleeping in the jungle of Drake Bay
We head to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. A small motorboat takes us through the mangroves before we arrive at Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp, where we settle in for three nights. The tents are equipped with comfortable beds, a fan and a small lamp. Even the Wi-Fi works perfectly!
“Don’t leave any food in the tent, the capuchin monkeys know how to open the doors,” warns the camp manager. In addition to the sloths, howler monkeys and toucans spotted during our trip, will we have an impromptu visitor in the middle of the night? The suspense is building!
While the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast had delighted us a few days earlier, the almost deserted San Josecito beach is the perfect ending to an unforgettable stay. To complete this picture-perfect paradise, two vibrant scarlet macaws fly across the sky as we head for a swim. It’s impossible not to feel compelled to do our part to preserve such a beautiful world.
Back at camp, we find that the primates have no qualms about wandering from tent to tent. Fortunately, none had the temerity to pay us a midnight visit!
Spotting the legendary quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota
One of the highlights of our trip was an encounter with the Quetzal, the majestic bird with iridescent feathers that symbolises the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. In the mountains of Costa Rica, in the village of San Gerardo de Dota, we were lucky enough to see this mythical creature of pre-Columbian culture. The quetzal, with its emerald green feathers and long flowing tail, flew gracefully through the trees in a brilliant display of beauty. This rare and fleeting spectacle, set against the lush backdrop of the valley, was a true privilege and deepened our admiration for the country’s preserved natural environment.
Trekking around the Rincón de la Vieja volcano
The hike around Rincón de la Vieja, an active volcano in the province of Guanacaste, was a breathtaking adventure. With its lunar landscapes, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, this volcano offers a unique, almost otherworldly setting. As we trekked along the trails, we explored tropical forests, crossed suspension bridges and admired hidden waterfalls nestled in the mountains. After hours of trekking, a well-deserved break in the park’s hot springs was pure bliss. The sulphurous waters, known for their soothing properties, allowed us to relax and recharge while taking in the surrounding beauty – the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Visit to the Tirimbina Biological Reserve in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
A visit to the Tirimbina Biological Reserve, near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, is a true immersion into Costa Rica’s tropical ecosystem. Dedicated to the conservation of local flora and fauna, this natural reserve offers visitors the chance to discover the origins of one of the country’s most iconic products: chocolate. Following an enthusiastic guide through the cacao plantations, we learned all about the chocolate making process, from harvesting the cacao pods to creating the final bar. The artisanal chocolate tasting at the end of the tour was a delightful experience and a true sensory journey that strengthened our connection with this ancient tradition.
