on location: central america ❖
lance harrell
Costa The essenTial
Scenic beauty and exotic wildlife await tour groups in this eco-tourism hotspot
n
The lush rainforest sweeps down to idyllic beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park, a slice of paradise bordering the Pacific Ocean.
estled in the cradle of the Central American subcontinent and
can also explore the lowland rain forest, swamp forest,
caressed by the waters of both the Pacific Ocean and
beaches and lagoons that cover the park.
Caribbean Sea lies one of the world’s last great ecological treasure troves, Costa Rica.
Due to the remoteness of the region, which is only accessible by boat or air, and the limited number of available
Touted as one of the greenest places on Earth, this former
accommodations, it is recommended that your group use a
banana republic now prides itself on being a thriving eco-
tour operator to handle the trip and that you set aside at least
tourism destination with over 25 percent of its landmass pro-
two nights to avoid being rushed.
tected in national parks and preserves, more than any other country.
Let’s look at some of the highlights:
Tortuguero National Park Sprawling along the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero
Manuel Antonio National Park Arriving in Manuel Antonio is like stepping into a postcard of paradise. The verdant forests, bleach-white beaches and abundant fauna of Costa’s smallest park seduce you into a state of tranquil bliss.
National Park is one of Costa Rica’s true natural wonders. With
This national park is one of only two places where you can
an endless network of canals, the park is sometimes referred
see all four species of Costa Rican monkey (howler, spider,
to as the “Venice of Costa Rica.” Its name actually means
squirrel and white-faced capuchin). Even outside the park
“Turtle Region,” and turtles are exactly what you will find.
proper, it’s not uncommon to see them frolicking along the high
The park encompasses the nesting grounds of four species of giant sea turtle, which evidence suggests have been using
ropes that have been strung across the roads to provide them safe passage.
the area for this purpose since as early as the 1500s. Green,
In addition to our primate cousins, inside the park you
hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles use the
are likely to see sloths, crabs, red-eyed green tree frogs,
more than 21 miles of beach to lay their eggs, and guided tours
bats, countless butterflies and numerous bird species. When
can be arranged to watch both the depositing of eggs and
you’ve had your fill of terrestrial wildlife watching, enjoy the
emergence of baby turtles from their sandy womb.
sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, surfing and canopy tours
Although the turtles are the star of the show here, groups 18 April 2012
that abound in the area. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Rican
n aTuRe expeRienC e
The jungles of Costa Rica’s national parks abound with toucans, sloths, red-eyed green tree frogs and other intriguing creatures.
Chirripo National Park
Corcovado National Park
Those who desire to take their travels to new heights flock
Occupying nearly half of the Osa Peninsula along the south-
to the Talamanca Mountain Range in southern Costa Rica,
ern Pacific Coast, Corcovado National Park is considered one
where Chirripo National Park boasts the tallest peak in the
of the most isolated places on the planet and contains the
country. Both the Caribbean and Pacific are visible on a clear
largest continuous expanse of virgin lowland rainforest in
day from the summit.
Central America. If you can stand up to the nearly 250 inches
Near the trailhead outside the park are lodges where you will sleep before starting the 5 a.m. hike. The number of
of annual rainfall and oppressive heat and humidity, you will be able to count the experience among the greatest of your life.
people allowed in the park at one time is limited, so be sure to
Home to an unbelievable abundance of fauna, including
secure your passes several months in advance, especially if
more than 150 species of mammals, 120 species of amphib-
your group is large.
ians and reptiles, and 380 species of birds, the park is within
The hike itself can be grueling, but it is far from impossible
day-trip reach of Cano Island Biological Reserve.
even for the amateur hiker. You’ll ascend approximately 7,000 feet along the nine miles of trail, reaching the lodge where you will spend the night before climbing the final 1,500 feet to the 12,532-foot summit. While an experienced hiker can reach the peak and return in a day, I recommend taking a slower pace and spending at
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Long before you reach the end of the steep and winding dirt road that approaches the town of Monteverde, you will understand the origins of its name, which translates into “Green Mountain.”
least one night at the lodge so as not to miss the other sites,
The area was originally settled by Quakers from the United
including secondary trails and one-of-a-kind sunsets. You are
States in 1951. Recognizing the need to preserve the rare
also likely to encounter tapir, white-lipped peccary, puma,
cloud forest that blankets the mountaintop, they set aside a
jaguar, ocelot, jaguarondi, rabbit, coyote and a variety of frogs
large tract of adjacent land that eventually became Monteverde
and other small amphibians. Among the birds in the region
Biological Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.
are the dazzling quetzal, black-faced solitaire, hummingbirds, flycatchers, wood creepers and warblers. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Shrouded in the misty air of the reserve’s 25,688 acres is hidden an unbelievable diversity of life, with more than 2,500 April 2012 19
on location: central america â?– plant species, of which 400 are orchid species, plus 400 different bird species and over 100 species of mammals.
Obtain International visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Monteverde Cloud Forest has six hanging bridges.
Cahuita National Park If you are looking for a true Caribbean experience, Cahuita’s reggae rhythms, blue-green waters and tranquil pace will not leave you wanting. This small, charming town has been a mecca for the hippie and backpacker crowd for years, due in no small part to Cahuita National Park, which abuts its southern end. The park encompasses a 55,000-acre marine park that includes a magnificent coral reef, one of the largest in the Caribbean. Snorkeling and diving in the park are tightly controlled, but you will have no trouble finding a licensed guide that can take you to a few of the more hard-to-find areas. However, if swimming with the resplendent blue parrotfish
Costa Rica offers groups a variety ecological travel options,
or angelfish is not your cup of seawater, then take a stroll along
but the experiences in the country are by no means limited to
the four-mile trail that skirts the coastline and stake out an
that arena. Costa Rica also has many language learning, cul-
isolated spot on the endless white sand beach. While soaking
tural exchange, volunteerism, adventure tourism and luxury
up the sun and listening to the waves gently lapping against the
experiences available as well. For more information on all of
sand, do not be surprised to encounter the occasional sloth,
these options, keep an eye out at LeisureGroupTravel.com for
monkey or iguana that has come to share the experience.
our upcoming series of Site InSpections on Costa Rica. LGT