COSTA RICA - NATURE LOVERS' PARADISE

NATURE LOVERS’ PARADISE-COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is a nature lovers’ Paradise, especially for birding enthusiasts. With its biodiversity treasure trove, Costa Rica offers an incredible experience for wildlife lovers. With its awesome wildlife, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families and nature admirers. Definitely it offers an unforgettable adventure, especially for exotic birding.
Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. With its lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and beautiful beaches, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers alike.
This blog narrates in detail, with exotic birds images captured during my visit to the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Also this blog will be helpful for the first time visitors on what to see and where to see etc.,

Awesome landscape of Costa Rica. The images in the collage were shot at La Selva , Las Arrieras, Avis Natural parks, La Paz areas on the Pacific coas & Braulio Carrillo National Park areas. — (Awesome landscape of Costa Rica. The images in the collage were shot at La Selva , Las Arrieras, Avis Natural parks, La Paz waterfall areas on the Pacific coast / Braulio Carrillo National Park areas.)

MUST SEE AREAS IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is home to numerous reserves and national parks that exhibit its rich wildlife:
Corcovado National Park: This is situated on the Osa Peninsula. The park is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. It’s home to scarlet macaws jaguars, tapirs and more. The place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The collage represents, Blue grey tanager, Emerald toucan, Crimson collared tanager, Golden headed tanager, Band tailed guan, Chestnut mandible toucan, Red legged honey keeper (f) , Rufus jacamar/ also a flock of Montezuma oropendola & Keel billed toucans busy in nesting. — (Blue grey tanager, Emerald toucan, Crimson collared tanager, Golden headed tanager, Band tailed guan, Chestnut mandible toucan, Red legged honey keeper (f) , Rufus jacamar/ also a flock of Montezuma oropendola & Keel billed toucans busy in nesting.)

Manuel Antonio National Park: Though this is not much in size in terms of area, it boasts a wide range of biodiversity. Very famous for sloths, iguanas and monkeys.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This is one of the most sought after parks. This is a haven for birdwatchers. This reserve is well known for its misty forests and the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds, and orchids.

The official website for making reservations for the first two above is through the SINAC. (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion) However, visitors must be accompanied by a registered guide. ( We can’t book directly through the website without going through the agency.) Explore here for more authentic details or visit direct to ” https://costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/costa-rica “

The birds picture in the collage represent, Amazonian green king fisher, Sub tropical Cacique, South tropical peewee, Great Pulsatrix ( Spectacled Owl) , Orange chinned parakeet, Honey creeper and Violet Sabrewing captured at Avis, Las Arrieras, La Selva Off Pacific coast. — (The birds pictures in the collage represent, Amazonian green king fisher, Sub tropical Cacique, South tropical peewee, Great Pulsatrix ( Spectacled Owl) , Orange chinned parakeet, Honey creeper and Violet Sabrewing captured at Avis, Las Arrieras, La Selva Off Pacific coast.)

Braulio Carrillo National Park: Along with other rainforest adventures, we can look for most of the resident birds of Costa here in the park.
Tortuguero National Park: Otherwise known as “Land of Turtles,” the park is located on the Caribbean coast and is famous for sea turtle nesting other wildlife.
Arenal Volcano: This is an awesome place surrounded by lush rainforests and lakes.

(The collage represents, birds images of King Vulture Montezuma Oropendola, Grey necked wood rail, Black winged Trogon, Broad billed Motmot and Amazonian black throated Trogon captured along Las Arrieras, Avis Natural Park.)

BIRDS AND ANIMALS

Costa Rica is a paradise for wildlife lovers with innumerable bird species, resident and migratory as well.
Birds: The country is home to exciting species like the Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, and toucans. Birdwatchers will also look for hummingbirds and motmots.

Resident birds to name a few: Slaty Breasted Wood Rail, Chestnut colored wood pecker, Pale Mandibled Aracari, Red legged honey keeper, Broad billed motmot, White fronted Nun bird etc.

(The pictures in the collage represents birds images of Broad billed motmot, Red Legged Honey keepers ( both male and female), Rufus headed wood pecker, Great billed seed finches (male and female), White collared Kingfisher, Common toddy flycatcher and Grey headed Chachalacas captured along the Braulio Carrillo National Parks, Avis Natural Park, Horquetos and Guapile areas of Costa Rica.)

Mammals: Howler monkeys, Sloths, and white-faced capuchins are commonly seen. The elusive jaguar and puma inhabit in the dense forests.

The images in the collage represents Red eyed tree frog , Warszewitsch's Frog captured during the night trail at Las Arrieras and the Common Bassilisk snapped along the river Rio San Jose — (The images in the collage represent Red eyed tree frog , Warszewitsch’s Frog captured during the night trail at Las Arrieras Natural Park and the Common Bassilisk snapped along the river Rio San Jose .)

Marine Life: Dolphins, Humpback whales, and sea turtles can be spotted along the coasts.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Igunas, Colorful tree frogs, and crocodiles are part of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystem.

The images in the collage represents the birds : Fierry billed Aracari, Groove billed Ani, Hoffman's wood pecker, White fronted nun, Clay colored thrush -National Bird of Costa Rica and Fasciated tiger heron, captured along La Selva , Las Arrieras and at Horguetas areas of Costa Rica — (The images in the collage represent the birds : Fierry billed Aracari, Groove billed Ani, Hoffman’s wood pecker, White fronted nun, Clay colored thrush -National Bird of Costa Rica and Fasciated tiger heron, captured along La Selva , Las Arrieras and at Horguetas areas of Costa Rica.)

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Costa Rica has very uncertain weather conditions where rain is part of this world, almost on all days.
Dry Season (December to April): This period is ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting. We can expect clear skies and less rainfall suitable for wildlife and outdoor routines.
Rainy Season (May to November): Fewer crowds, more rain. But these days rain also brings more and more tourists to enjoy the season other than of wildlife .
The climate varies by region:
The Pacific Coast is generally drier.
The Caribbean Coast is humid and rainy through out the year.
The highlands are cooler, while the lowlands are warmer.

LOCAL FRESH FRUITS AND FOOD

Costa Rican cuisine is simple yet flavourful, often incorporating fresh, local ingredients:
Patacones: Fried green plantains served as a snack or side dish.
Casado: A warm meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of fish or meat
Gallo Pinto: A traditional breakfast dish made of rice and beans.
Tropical Fruits: Indulge in mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and guavas.
Seafood: Fresh fish, shrimp, and ceviche are popular along the coasts.

HOW TO REACH COSTA RICA & other requirements.

San Jose and Liberia are two important airports of Costa Rica. Direct flights to San Jose, Costa Rica are available from several major European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Madrid, and Frankfurt. Specifically, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates non-stop flights from Amsterdam to San Jose, and British Airways flies directly from London. Additionally, Air France, Edelweiss Air, Iberia, and Lufthansa offer direct flights from their respective hubs. Direct flights are not available from any West Asian countries to Costa Rica.

From Dubai, we have Emirates Airlines and from Doha, Qatar Airways operating flights to San Francisco / Los Angeles and from there either to San Jose or Liberia airports of Costa Rica.

We definitely need Pass Port ( not expiring in another 6 months) and Visa to enter into Costa Rica,. The Costa Rican Embassy in New Delhi issues visas to Costa Rica.

SAFETY CONCERNS FOR FAMILIES

Costa Rica is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to ensure a smooth trip: Some tips on this account:
Transportation: To use only the taxis with appropriate license or reputed shuttle service.
Accommodation: Here also use your common sense, take reputed one.
Wild life: A general precaution. Use authorised guide. Keep safe distance from dangers.
Beaches: Ensure Lifeguards and watch out for strong currents. Have a proper plan and enjoy your vacation.

Keep appropriate photography gears to snap wild animals and birds, also the amazing landscapes of Costa Rica.

Also keep updated yourselves with Costa Rica specific travel requirements, applicable during the time of your planned travel dates.

PURA VIDA !!