Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological ReserveThe cloud forest is one of the most famous ecotourism
areas in Central America. It is called a cloud forest rather than a
rain forest because of the altitude. At an elevation of between
3,840ft and 5,120ft (1,200m to 1,600m) the clouds go through the
forest creating a misty and often dripping, mystical habitat
supporting a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It has been
acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the
New World Tropics. Because of the fragile environment there are
restrictions on the number of visitors allowed into the reserve at
any one time. The canopy is alive with over 400 species of birds,
including the resplendent quetzal most easily seen during the
March/April nesting season, as well as thousands of insect species
and plants. In the shadows below are over 100 species of mammals,
including five species of cats, although a glimpse of a jaguar is a
very rare thing. There are a number of good walking trails that
lead through the six distinct ecological zones varying from swamp
forests and deep gorges, past waterfalls and streams and onto
forested outcrops traversing the Continental Divide. Exploration
need not be restricted to the ground as various companies offer
visitors a unique and exhilarating way of viewing the cloud forest
- Sky Trek is a canopy adventure with a system of platforms
connected by zip lines and suspension bridges criss-crossing the
top of the forest, providing a vantage point from in and above the
canopy. There is also the more sedate option of a ski lift
traversing the treetops.Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalThe national park is situated within the Arenal
Conservation Area, also known as 'the Energetic Heart of Costa
Rica'. At its centre is the 5,356ft (1,633m) Volcán Arenal, a
typically cone-shaped image despite being highly active, with some
huge eruptions and larva flows that killed thousands of people in
1968. Although perpetually active the degree of activity is
unpredictable, ranging from rumbling and ground shaking to a
smouldering red glow best visible at night. Sometimes visitors are
treated to a fiery display of red-hot rocks being thrown into the
air. The park has some good trails that go through forests, passing
through the area that was flattened in the 1968 eruption, or across
lava fields, but fences are in place to stop people from venturing
too far up the dangerous slopes. There is also a good chance of
seeing some of the wildlife in the forest. The Visitor Centre has
video displays of the volcano's more exciting activity. It is not
possible to stay overnight in the park or visit it after dark
unless on one of the night tours from Fortuna.Parque Nacional TortugueroDespite its isolation on the northern part of the
Caribbean coast, this national park is an extremely popular
destination and one of the most important nesting sites of the
green sea turtle, which lays its eggs here between July and
October. Three other turtle species also use the beach as a nesting
ground, namely the giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead
turtles. The park covers an area of over 120 square miles (189 sq
km), protecting not only the turtle beach, but also wetlands and
swamps, forests and one of the most developed reefs in the country.
Nature trails in the park offer opportunities for wildlife viewing
and birding and a network of waterways serves as an alternative
method of transportation and exploration. Approximately 50 percent
of Costa Rica's bird and reptile species are found in the park
along with a diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the
endangered mammals like the jaguar, sloth, tapir and manatee. Most
visitors come to watch the spectacular sight of thousands of marine
turtles laying their eggs or to observe the hatching. Guided tours
are recommended to control the amount of disturbance caused by the
increasing numbers of tourists, and guides provide a wealth of
information about the area. Beaches are beautiful but not suitable
for swimming as the surf is rough and sharks are present. The area
also receives a large amount of rain and insect repellent is
necessary to keep the mosquitoes at bay.Parque Nacional CahuitaThe only coral reef on the Costa Rican Caribbean
coastline is found within this national park, and with 500 species
of fish it affords excellent opportunities for snorkelling. It has
stunning beaches and is good for both land and water activities
making it one of the most visited parks on the Caribbean coast. A
well-defined trail runs through the coastal rainforest and howler
monkeys and sloths are among the wildlife
attractions.Parque Nacional Manuel AntonioManuel Antonio is the smallest national park but also
one of the more popular ones. With beautiful white beaches and
rocky headlands, backed by tropical rainforest, mangroves and
estuaries, it is easy to see why. Among this varied landscape are
typical Costa Rican animals like sloths, agoutis, monkeys and
iguanas. It has a well-developed trail system to facilitate
independent exploration, but knowledgeable local guides are also
available at the park entrance. Picnic areas are situated along the
coastal trails, and from cliff top lookouts visitors can admire the
stunning coastal views. Quepos is the nearest town to the park, a
pleasant and friendly place, and it is also the sport-fishing
centre in the region. Sailfish and marlin are the sought after
deep-sea prizes.FortunaFortuna is the nearest village to the spectacular
Volcán Arenal and the main reason for visiting the area. It has
uninterrupted views of the volcano and provides a comfortable but
touristy base for visiting the national park and other attractions
in the area. There are many tour operators in town offering night
trips to see the red hot volcanic activity from up close, or tours
combining a luxurious soak in the hot springs while taking in the
astounding show of bright red larva coursing down the slopes. Trips
to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge are also a popular excursion, as
well as horse riding to the nearby waterfalls. Close to Fortuna is
Lake Arenal, a picturesque lake offering watersports, fishing and
stunning scenery.MonteverdeMonteverde is a small community scattered along
several kilometres of road that leads to the Monteverde Cloud
Forest Biological Reserve. It was founded by North American Quakers
in 1951, having bought over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of land
for their dairy farming. Today they are an integral part of the
Costa Rican society and are known especially for their distinctive
cheese that is sold throughout the country. In 1972 about 2,000
hectares (4,942 acres) were added to their land, which became the
famous cloud forest reserve that has become so popular among
visitors today. The village of Santa Elena is the closest
settlement to the reserve and has a cloud forest reserve of its
own, although much less visited. Monteverde has a number of other
attractions, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Serpentarium, a
cheese factory and a number of art galleries. CASEM Handicrafts
Cooperative, made up of 140 local artisans, sells handmade goods
and the profits go towards supporting the local community. There is
also the Hummingbird Gallery near the entrance to the reserve that
has feeders attracting several species of hummingbird providing
some excellent photo opportunities. Several nature and hiking
trails allow visitors to amble through coffee and banana
plantations or up onto the hilltops for views of the cloud forest
and, on a clear day Arenal Volcano, and provide a good chance of
seeing lots of birds and wildlife.Puerto Viejo de TalamancaPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, simply known as Puerto
Viejo, is a dusty little village lying between the forested
mountains of Talamanca and the sea and features excellent surfing,
an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous
cultures, and delicious local food. The seven miles (12km) of
coastline between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo further east is one
of the most stunning stretches in Costa Rica. There are many other
activities in the area including fishing and horse riding, cultural
tours and home stays, as well as excursions to the nearby Parque
Nacional Cahuita.
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