Nature’s beauty is all around in Costa Rica
- by crv.staff
- 25.08.09
- 8:00 AM UTC
- Filed in Costa Rica
By JOYANNE PURSAGA, SUN MEDIA
Source: Winnipeg Sun
Hearing the barks of monkeys erased at least one “fact” I thought I knew.
On a recent trip to explore the amazing natural wonders of Costa Rica, I discovered many conceptions I held about exotic animals had little basis in fact.
I was shocked to learn the sounds I thought were the barks and howls of a dozen large dogs came from a bunch of howler monkeys, known for their impressive volume.
In the naturally lush surroundings of Tortuguero National Park, a destination only accessible by plane or boat, I learned a few lessons of the wild.
On one Tortuguero boat cruise, I spotted playful spider monkeys soar from the branch of one tree to the next and saw capuchin, or white-faced, monkeys snack on flowers while dangling from treetops.
Toucans of all colours graced the sky above.
Meanwhile, some dangerous reptiles paid little attention when our motorboat drew close.
It was likely not my wisest decision to lean over the edge of our boat while it was stopped a couple feet from a young caiman, think small crocodile-like creature, just so I could snap a clearer picture.
But the amazing rush of being so close to these exotic animals plays a key role in the rustic charm of relatively remote Tortuguero.
These discoveries are what make Costa Rica as a whole such an amazing place to explore.
Watching a so-called “Jesus Christ” (basilisk) lizard run so fast across water that its body didn’t sink proved a memorable thrill. These critters can run at about five feet per second for up to 15 feet, according to National Geographic.
It’s important not to blink when faced with this spectacle.
We didn’t even need to leave Laguna Lodge to spot green tree frogs lounging near the pool or lizards and geckos hanging out in the shrubs.
A guided after-dark hike led us to a green sea turtle. We watched her lay eggs on a protected section of Tortuguero Beach, and then slowly select the perfect wave before virtually vanishing into the water.
The park’s creature highlights more than compensate for the challenge of living without air conditioning on a day so hot the sun melted a layer off my camera.
The lizard we found in the shower of a later hotel and a frog that camped out on the desk of another proved the adventure doesn’t stop at park boundaries. Even the bustling city of San Jose is just 64 km from the mile-wide crater of the active Poas Volcano.
One of the world’s largest active volcanoes, Poas delights onlookers with the seemingly endless supply of vapour it expels.
The fog creates a movie fantasy feel that’s enough to make anyone catch their breath.
The beautiful, if dangerous, strawberry poison dart frogs hanging out along the trails of the Arenal Hanging Bridges near Tabacon also drew a crowd with their bright red and blue skins. That’s despite the fact some poison dart frogs are five centimetres long yet contain enough toxin to kill 10 human adults.
Costa Rica, a lush and diverse country surrounded primarily by water, offers some of the most deadly and beautiful animals in the world.
Its excitement is contagious enough to infect even the pickiest traveller and leave them wanting more.
Just don’t get too close to the caimans.
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