Travel Blog Costa Rica

The name of this national park in Costa Rica was given after the Hacienda Santa Rosa. The Hacienda Santa Rosa was witness to an important historic battle that took place in 1856, between Costa Rican civilians and the invading forces of an American filibuster William Walker who wanted to take over the country. The battle was won by Costa Rica and the filibusters had to retreat. The Santa Rosa Battle is considered to a battle were the sovereignty of Costa Rica was fought for and victoriously established. Considering this, it is not strange that the main reason for protecting this national park was due to its historic value. The Hacienda Santa Rosa was burnt down by angered poachers who were banned from hunting in the park in 2001. The Santa Rosa Hacienda was later rebuilt using historic photos and local timber.

Apart from the historic value that the Hacienda Santa Rosa has, this national park in Costa Rica protects the largest area in Central America of Dry Forest, along with very important sites of nesting of endangered sea turtles. The dry season is the best time of the year to visit this national park. During the dry season there is a shortage of water, leaves from the trees fall to limit their water needs to the minimum, and mammals, insects, birds, and reptiles all gather around the remaining water resources; thus making them more easy to spot than during the rainy season. A lot of research investigation goes on at Santa Rosa National Park, the park has a simple but comfortable accommodations for students and researchers. The INBio Institute also works with this national park to catalog as many species of plants to screen them for potential pharmaceutical value which could translate into more funding of the park and better protection of it. Knowing that the best conservation of national parks is through conjunct work with the locals, Santa Rosa National Park has dedicated a lot of efforts into educating the surrounding communities. The park also teaches them how to improve their own living standards by using conservation techniques that also help them improve their land use.

Santa Rosa National Park not only protects the largest remaining stand of Tropical Dry Forest in Central America, it also contains habitats of savanna woodland, oak forest, deciduous forest, evergreen forest, riparian forest, mangrove swamp, and coastal woodland. Over 250 bird species have been recorded in this national park, and one of its mostly seen species is the white-throated magpie jay. Bats are to be found in great numbers in this national park; about 60 species of bats have been identified in Santa Rosa Park. There is about 115 different species of mammals, thousands of insect species and more than 4000 moths and butterflies. Playa Nancite, which is one of the several beaches this national park has, is best known for the massive nesting of olive ridley sea turtles. The best season to see the olive ridley sea turtles is from July to December. After they nest in Santa Rosa’s shores they range all over the tropical eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. They are huge turtles, weighting up to 88 pounds. In order to see the nesting at Playa Nancite a permit from the Santa Rosa headquarters is required. Seeing the turtle nesting at Nancite Beach is definitely worth all the necessary paperwork hassle.

The entrance to Santa Rosa National Park is on the west side of the Interamericana Highway, 35 km north of Liberia and 45 km south of the border of Nicaragua. This national park is more crowded during the dry season, so going during the midweek is better. The rainy season is also a good time of the year to visit Santa Rosa National Park, especially if you want to watch the nesting of sea turtles. The downside of going during the rainy season is that wildlife species are not as easily spotted as they are during the dry season, but on the other hand you will have the park for yourself and that could increase your sightings of wildlife species of Costa Rica.

If you were to ask a tourist guide from Costa Rica which was his or her favorite National Park most often than not they will probably say Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This amazing Costa Rica national park contains 34 992 acres of lush vegetation and mainly because of the changes in altitude it has four different habitats. Half of this incrediblenational park has dry Pacific climate regions and the other half wet Caribbean climate regions. 32 rivers and streams have their sources within this Costa Rica Park. This national park has two main volcanos, Rincon de la Vieja volcano and Santa Maria volcano. Definitely Rincon de la Vieja volcano, with its several eruptive centers, is the most impressive volcano of the area. About 300 species of birds have been recorded at this national park; insects and mammal species inside this diverse national park are not in shorthand either.

Bubbling pots of mud, geysers of sulfer dioxide and hydrogen, hot springs of sulfer water, horseback riding, camping, and stunning waterfalls with lagoons are among the many attractions that this great national park offers. It takes around one hour from Liberia City to Rincon de la Vieja, so if you book your flight to the Liberia airport you can get to this perfect national park in no time. This is probably one of the National Parks that you will take you around two days to cover. There are plenty of accommodation options around this beautiful National Park. A number of mountain lodges with lots of comfort and style will complement, in just the perfect way, your visit to this magical national park in Costa Rica. The recommended lodges around the area are: Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge, Buenavista Lodge, Hacienda Lodge Guachipelin, and Hotel Borinquen.

Chirripo National Park is located at an average of 6562 feet above sea level. Chirripo, Costa Rica has the second tallest mountain peak in Central America, which is the Cerro Chirripo at 12 530 feet above sea level. This National Park protects 123 000 acres of Mountain Park, making it one of the largest protected areas of Costa Rica. This Costa Rica Park has hiking trails and a mountaintop lodge. It is possible to make the climb to the top, but depending on your fitness level it could take you from 8 to 17 hours from the Ranger Station to the mountain lodge. From the mountain lodge there is a 3.7 mile climb to reach the summit. If you are fit enough it could take you two hours to reach it. Most of the Chirripo visitors make the entire climb and descent on the same day.

The Chirripo mountain lodge is more like a station where you can spend the night. You have to bring all your equipment or rent it at one of the San Gerardo town lodges. You have to bring a good and warm sleeping bag, warm cloths (it can freeze at night), light rain gear, hiking shoes, food, energy snacks, heating stove, flashlight, water, lots of sunblock, and insect repellent. You can hire a local to take your bags to the top, but you will also need to take a light backpack with all the necessary stuff for climbing. It is a good idea to put everything in plastic bags in case it pours. Some parts of the Chirripo National Park have recorded annual rainfalls of 7000mm.

The beauty of Chirripo Park is that the climb takes you from tropical lower montane to montane tropical cloud forest sceneries. And at the bottom of this Costa Rica Park, at San Gerardo de Rivas town, you will see the pasture lands. Overall the view all around Chirripo Park is epic; if the day is clear you could see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean at the same time. Climbing the Cerro Chirripo is a total adventure if are up to the challenge of doing some serious hiking. The weather at Chirripo, Costa Rica is also challenging. Because of the changes in altitude and the closeness to the Equator you can have high temperatures of 80 F to 90 F during the day and low temperatures of below the freezing point at night. In order to do the Chirripo climb you have to make reservations with a lot of anticipation. Contacting a tour operator will be of great help. They can give you all the details about the climb to Chirripo National Park and do all the paperwork for you. It is advised that you stay from two to three days at the Chirripo Mountain Lodge to enjoy this one of a kind Costa Rica Park at its fullest. There are a number of lodges in San Gerardo de Rivas with comfortable accommodations from where you can also arrange transportation to Chirripo National Park.

Corcovado National Park has 42 469 hectares and is located in the southwestern corner of the Peninsula de Osa. This park in Costa Rica protects at least eight different habitats. Corcovado Park is said to have a unique and the best taken care of Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America. This remote Costa Rica Park was established in 1975. In 1960, Corcovado suffered a lot of damage from logger; and a few years after the Corcovado National Park was established, it underwent impairing damage by miners. More than 500 species of trees have been identified in Corcovado Costa Rica.

Corcovado National Park might be one of the wildest but most accessible national parks in Costa Rica, thus making it a popular vacation destination. You can book a one day tour or be more adventurous and camp at this Costa Rica Park. Corcovado Costa Rica has the largest population of scarlet macaws; it also protects endangered rainforest species such as crocodiles, giant anteaters, sloths, monkeys, tapirs, peccaries, and harpy eagles among others. Although around 400 species of birds and 140 mammal species have been spotted at Corcovado Costa Rica, it is the wild out there, and the animals don’t just lurk out from the bush for you to see them. Patience and practice will be the key to seeing as many wild animals as possible.

If you stay at any nearby Corcovado lodge, there will also be a chance to spot some wild animals from the exuberant surrounding rainforest. Depending on your vacation budget, you can choose to stay either at a deluxe lodge on the surrounding area of Corcovado National Park, or you can go backpacking at the park itself. There is good surfing near Corcovado Park at Pavones beach. There are three ways to get to the Corcovado Peninsula; from Drake Bay (which is probably the hardest way in), from Puerto Jimenez, and by booking a local flight to the National Park. In conclusion, Corcovado Costa Rica is a must do vacation destination, it’s full of wildlife, it’s exuberant, but also plagued with bugs; so bring lots of insect repellent, your camera to take awesome pictures, and be ready for the wild.

Tortuguero National Park is located in the North Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This National Park is part of the Province of Limon and it is certainly one of this province’s main attractions. This very humid Costa Rica Park has around 31 187 hectares of land and about 52 000 hectares of marine area. The name Tortuguero was given to this park because of the great number of turtles that nest on its shores, especially the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). The Green Turtle nests in large numbers during the breeding season, which starts in July and ends around mid-October. Of the eight marine species of turtles to be found in the world, six nest in Costa Rica, and four of those nest in the coasts of Tortuguero National Park. The marine species, Green Turtle, is the one that has been studied the most, and not only in Costa Rica but worldwide. This park is also home to about 60 species of amphibians, 400 bird species, 400 tree species, and a rough approximate of 2200 species of plants.

Tortuguero Park, especially the northern part, has an annual rainfall of around 236 inches; which makes it one of the wettest National Parks to be found in Costa Rica. Actually, there is no Dry Season in the entire Tortuguero area, although it can be said that there is less rain during the months of February, March, and September. The average temperature at Tortuguero is around 79 F; usually hotter than that during midday. The humid climate conditions make wildlife proliferate by the thousands and it helps to keep the entire flora as green as it can be. Actually, Tortuguero contains around half of the bird and reptile species of Costa Rica. The abundance of biodiversity in this evergreen Costa Rica National Park is amazing, and so is the rain. An important recommendation when planning a tour to Tortuguero National Park is to be prepared for rain and embrace it as it is a synonym of abundant and exuberant wildlife. Just make sure to bring a light rain poncho, sandals that don’t slip, an umbrella, insect repellent, and plastic bags to cover your camera equipment.

A guide is necessary to be able to see the turtles nesting in the Tortuguero beach. Turtle watching is done at night and it is allowed from February to November. Camera flashes, video cameras, and flashlights are not allowed as they disturb the nesting turtles and attract predators. Although the best time of the year to watch turtles nesting is during the Green Turtle season; watching Leatherback turtles nest is possible from February to July. Although the latter do not nest in such large numbers as the Green Turtles in Tortuguero, if you are not able to make it during the peak season you will still be able to catch some turtle action during the Leatherback turtle season. The other species of marine turtles from Tortuguero, are the Hawksbill and Loggerhead who usually arrive singly.

Green Turtles are not the only attraction of the green Tortuguero National Park. Three local species of monkeys make their appearance very often; these are the howler, spider, and the white face capuchin. Other species that can be sighted easily throughout Tortuguero, Costa Rica are the sloths, anteaters, and the kinkajous. If you have some luck and a lot of patience you might spot peccaries, tapirs, some members of the cat family, and manatees. Amphibians and reptiles can be seen in great numbers over Tortuguero National Park. Apart from the four species of sea turtles there are seven species of freshwater turtles. Lizards, colorful frogs, hummingbirds, and manakins are easy to spot around the Tortuguero Rainforest.

For accommodations at Tortuguero, Costa Rica there is a number of attractive rainforest lodges. Mawamba Lodge and Laguna Lodge are two recommended lodges in Tortuguero that offer rustic style accommodations with all the comfort you can ask. The rest of the recommended lodges all require a boat ride to get to them, but are equally stunning and pleasant. These lodges, also in the Tortuguero area are: Ilan Ilan Lodge, Jungle Lodge, Pachira Lodge, Caribbean Paradise Eco-Lodge, and Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. Regardless of which of these recommended accommodations you decide to book; inside the secluded and exuberant wet rainforest of Tortuguero, Costa Rica you will are due to find nature embracing you and mesmerizing you at all times. Bottom line, you cannot miss visiting Tortuguero, Costa Rica.

Monteverde Cloud Rainforest definitely is among the top ten recommended destinations in Costa Rica. Monteverde Clould Rainforest has an interesting story of how it was founded and why it became popular. It was after 1951 that Monteverde Cloud Rainforest starts to become popular when a group of 44 Quakers settlers that came from USA, after four of them were jailed for refusing to register for the draft. They were looking for a peace oriented country where they could also be close to nature. They found the perfect spot between the mountains of Costa Rica, next to the lush Monteverde Cloud Rainforest. A third of the land acquired was left untouched, and in 1972 the Quakers, with the help of other organizations bought more land adjoining the reserve, to help preserve more areas of the invaluable Monteverde Cloud Rainforest. These Quaker settlers founded a dairy farming and cheese producing community on the mountains next to Monteverde Cloud Rainforest. From producing 22 pounds of cheese daily in 1951 and selling it to the nearby communities now produce 2200 pounds daily thanks to their modern cheese factory, and are currently one of the main cheese manufactures in Costa Rica.

Activities recommended at the mountains of Monteverde Cloud Rainforest would be visiting the Butterfly Garden and the Hummingbird Gallery. Both of which are really amazing, informative tours. If you are more a hiking and bird watching kind of tour person, Monteverde Cloud Rainforest would be the place you want to be. You can visit either the Bosque Eterno de los Niños, Finca Ecologica, Reserva Sendero Tranquilo, Hidden Valley Trail, or Cerro Amigos which is free hiking tour option. For the rest of them you have to pay entrance fee. When visit Monteverde Cloud Rainforest you also want to do the relaxing 1.2 mile Sky Walk tour. This tour consists of a series of high altitude suspended bridges where you will be able to spot lots of bird species while you gaze down at the embracing mountains of Monteverde Cloud Rainforest. The best canopy tours are to be found in the mountains of Monteverde Costa Rica, horseback riding, if you are into that, is also recommended.

Costa Rica has a list of birds of 894 species altogether. Monteverde Costa Rica is definitely an attraction for the bird watchers, because of the unique Monteverde Cloud Rainforest which contains a 400 list of birds that have been recorded in the area, list of bird species that is, of course. The beautiful Quetzal, is the bird that most visitors want and expect to see at Monteverd Cloud Rainforest; and if you have ever seen one you know why. Patience and practice will definitely be necessary if you want to spot a good fraction of those 400 species of Costa Rica birds at Monteverde Reserve, and in any other place you go for that matter.

Manuel Antonio is a nice and close by beach to visit in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This national park used to be an unspoiled hidden paradise back in the 1980´s. Unfortunately, this overwhelming spot has been discovered and is now being visited by many. Still, if you are looking for a nearby beach with the pleasant Pacific Coast weather, plenty of wonderful hotels, amazing views, and great restaurants, Manuel Antonio is where you want to go. Direct buses from San Jose to Manuel Antonio leave daily, the other option is taking your rental car. It takes around three and a half hours to get there. The road leading from Quepos to Manuel Antonio is very nice, taking you over a series of hills that let you glimpse the Pacific Ocean from the distance.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the second smallest park system in Costa Rica. Its uniqueness resides in having a lush forest backed tropical beach, with ocean and island views, exuberant wildlife, and a well taken care of trail network. Because this park is well known and a favorite destination for travelers and locals, it can sometimes be tough getting in. It is advised to arrive early in the morning to have a better chance to visit this amazing beach front National Park and it’s awesome views. The Costa Rica rainy season between May and October, will be the time of the year when it is less crowded. Weather-wise you can expect an average daily temperature of 80 F with annual rainfall of 152 inches.

If you plan to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, we recommend you take plenty of drinking water, your lunch if you plan to spend the day, mosquito repellent, and sun protection. Be prepared for rain even during the dry season. Manuel Antonio National Park opens at 7 AM and closes at 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday. The entrance to the park is usually congested, so leaving your rental car at your hotel and taking the bus to the National Park is a good idea. There is an approximate 30 minute walk from the entrance to the first beach through which the exuberant surrounding scenery can be enjoyed. Hiking the trails at this park is something you should not miss. Just ask the park ranger for tips concerning your priorities to select those trails more suitable for you.

Regarding the most recommended Manuel Antonio hotels we could name Costa Verde. This hotel offers rooms and apartments with great ocean views, bar, and restaurant. Costa Verde can also arrange tours around the area in case you have not already booked a vacation package beforehand. El Parador hotel is also a great exclusive Manuel Antonio hotel worth booking. Actually, El Parador hotel can be described as the most upscale hotel of the Manuel Antonio area. It even has a private helicopter landing pad, swim up bar, incredible swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, among many other commodities designed for the rich and famous. The elegance inside this hotel is overpowering. Other recommended Manuel Antonio beach hotels are La Posada and Verde Mar.

If you are into fishing, Quepos, would be the right destination for you. Being the town beside Manuel Antonio. Book a hotel at Manuel Antonio with a day tour to Quepos to start off on a fishing trip from there. The best months to go fishing are said to be December to April. Usually, sport fishing is an expensive vacation package so, if you’re on a low budget, talking directly to a charter company or splitting costs with a buddy might be a good idea. Another nice amenity that Manuel Antonio beach offers are the many different spas available on the upscale hotels of the area. The butterfly garden, right across the Si Como No hotel, is another place worth visiting. Visiting the butterfly garden is truly an amazing experience that lets you enjoy the tropical beach rainforest with a dazzling plethora of butterflies. This butterfly park also offers a night show which is for sure worth the price of $40 per person. So even if Manuel Antonio isn’t the pristine paradise it used to be, neither does it lack charm, restaurant choices for all sorts of budgets and tastes, lodges to meet everyone’s needs and lots of adventure. All of these definitely make this place a worthwhile destination to be included in any vacation package you book.