The Stunning Costa Rican Orchids
The best time of the year for orchids in Costa Rica in the wild is when the rainy season starts. Several of the orchids in nature are triggered into their blooming cycle at that time. Some orchids are small, some large, many are quite showy. Many have amazing scents and others have a very unpleasant smell. You will be fascinated by the variety or orchids that can be seen in Costa Rica.
You might arrange a knowledgeable guide to take you into natural habitats to observe some of the native orchid species in bloom. Keep in mind that Costa Rica’s strong conservation laws and efforts at replenishing native orchid species in the wild prohibit taking any orchids from the wild.
You can also go to gardens where these beautiful flowers are exhibited. One of these places is the Orchid House which is about 15 minutes away from Golfito, by boat. This place is considered a haven for botanist and nature lovers. The gardens are carefully maintained by on site naturalists. The plants that you can observe here include orchids, heliconias, and bromeliads. In addition, the park has an abundance of bird species.
Monteverde is also a haven for orchids. Costa Rica has more than 1,400 types of wild orchids and 500 of them can be found in Monteverde. The Orchid Garden, which is located in Monteverde has about 400 different species or orchids. A trip here will surely educate visitors on the characteristics, growing environment and dangers that orchids face.
The garden is divided into three sections. The first section exhibits the country’s miniature orchids. Here you will be able to see the smallest known orchid species in the world, which is called Platystele jungermannioids. On the second section you will see larger orchid species, most of which are very common in Costa Rica. These species are usually found in the transitional area between humid and tropical humid forests. The third and final section is filled with hybrid species. These orchids are created in a lab through cross-pollination. Visitors will understand the main differences between naturally occurring and scientifically grown orchids.
Professional guides accompany visitors as they stroll through the garden. They provide information about where the orchids are collected, how they are grown, and why they are unique. All visitors are equipped with a magnifying glass, and will be provided with tips on how to raise their own orchids at home. Most tours last between 30 minutes and an hour, and can be held in both English and Spanish.
Another good place to admire the orchids is the National Orchid Exposition. This is considered the best orchid show in Costa Rica. It is held every year in March in San José and it brings together blooming orchids from the best growers all over the country. Here visitors will see a wide variety of orchids as they range in color, shapes, and perfume. There is a competition for the best of each color form and for the best overall in the show.
Come to Costa Rica and observe the wide variety of orchids that grow in this beautiful country!
EARTH University, a Model of Sustainability for the Future
EARTH is an agricultural college that is centered on investigating sustainable agriculture in tropical environment. It is located in Guácimo, in the Limón province.
The Costa Rican Commission for Agricultural Affairs presented the proposal for the creation of EARTH University to the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica on April 2, 1986. After a few months of deliberations the legislators finally approved the project in October of the same year.
On March 26, 1990, government officials, private business owners, farmers, residents of nearby communities, university directors and the 60 young men and women who would make up the first class at EARTH gathered to inaugurate both the campus and the first academic year.
The university’s campus has an extension of 570,280 square foot (52,980 sq. km) that includes classrooms, laboratories, administrative buildings and residence halls for live-in students and professors as well.
E.A.R.T.H’s students and faculty undertake the most important environmental problems, such as deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, exploitation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, poverty, and problems facing rural communities. This is why the students are always in the field, working, doing research, and observing. Their objective is to make a positive contribution to the environment.
The university is open to the public and it offers amazing birding opportunities. In addition visitors can spot other local fauna. With prior arrangements you can take a tour and enjoy this educational experience.
The students, graduates, faculty and community partners at EARTH University also grow or make products. These products include fresh bananas grown sustainably on EARTH’s campus in Guácimo; fresh pineapples grown by EARTH partners in Costa Rica; and roasted coffee grown by a cooperative of small farmers, including EARTH graduates, in northern Costa Rica.
Additionally, EARTH University sells a variety of agricultural inputs for the humid tropics.
All profits from the sale of EARTH University products support scholarships, research, and university operations.
The University wants to contribute to sustainable development in the planet with an emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean. This region is known for its biological and cultural diversity. Unfortunately it is also a region that has been threatened by social disparities and inappropriate natural resource management.
Their mission is to prepare leaders that have ethical values and who can make a positive contribution to sustainable development. They are forming leaders who will build a flourishing and just society.
Their actions are directed to build a future in which the humid tropics as well as its communities can accomplish social, economic and environmental well-being.
The enrollment at EARTH numbers about 400 students, a third of whom come from Costa Rica. The rest come from 24 other countries.
Each incoming class comprises about 100 students, who are chosen from a pool of some 1,300 applicants. Most of the students receive scholarships to cover all or part of EARTH University’s tuition.
Going to EARTH is fairly easy. It is located north of Guápiles, off Highway 32 which connects San Jose and Puerto Limon. Signs indicate the turnoffs from Highway 32 as well as from within Guápiles.
Some of the Most Gorgeous Beaches in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has beautiful beaches where you can have a great vacation. The following are just two of the most popular destinations in this friendly country.
Bahía Salinas
This beach is situated in the northwestern corner of the Guanacaste province. It is very close to the border with Nicaragua. Visitors can relax here and at the same time experience rural Costa Rica. There are magnificent bay views and gorgeous beaches. Here you can enjoy world-class wind surfing and kite boarding as well. Bahía Salinas is about 1.5 hours away from Liberia, by car.
It is important to know that from November to March the winds are sturdy. This makes this place a great spot for wind or kite surfing lessons. For some people, the strong winds also create a contemplative environment.
Bahia Salinas also has other activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, sunset boat tours, and fishing. As it is very close to the border, so from here you can also take tours to some colonial cities in Nicaragua.
Going to Isla Bolaños is also a great adventure, especially for bird enthusiasts. This island is in the middle of the bay and is an important national wildlife refuge and shelter for the brown pelican, American oystercatcher and other seabirds. Santa Rosa National Park, which protects about 250 bird species, is also very close.
Cahuita
This is a laid back and exciting small town with an Afro-Caribbean heritage. It is located about 27 miles south of Puerto Limón. It is easy to get there if you drive down Highway 36 along the Caribbean coast.
This is a village for the free-spirited and if you are coming to relax, this is the right place. The town has a few residents most of them of Jamaican descent. Most of them are black, speak Africanized-Creole English and continue with the customs of their ancestors.
Once in Cahuita you can go to Playa Negra, which has received that name due to its white sand. This is a nice place to swim and the atmosphere is very friendly.
Cahuita is a gateway to Cahuita National Park. Here you can find a wide-range of tourism services that include tours, equipment, guides, and boats for those looking for adventure. In addition, there is a wide range of accommodations that suit all budgets.
To the east there is a white-sand beach that is also within Cahuita National Park. The most popular activities here are snorkeling and scuba diving. The coral reef here is considered one of the best in Costa Rica. The marine life is abundant.
The cuisine in Cahuita is unique and delicious. The food here is different as it is Afro-Caribbean food, which is a fusion of European cuisine. Restaurants serve a wide variety of seafood dishes.
Come to Costa Rica, and experience its different environments and have a memorable vacation!
Liberia, the White City
Liberia is known as “The White City” because the ground is formed primarily of limestone deposits from the most recent eruption of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. When the days are very windy this white powder is lifted up and sometimes covers the streets and houses. Costa Rica Car hire
Liberia has a population of more than 35,000 people. In July there is an important celebration as they commemorate the Annexation of Guanacaste, which took place July 25th, 1824. This is a major celebration for all of the people of Guanacaste and Costa Rica in general. This is a good time to visit Liberia as there are parades, fairs, and other activities full of folklore, typical dances, and excellent local food.
The historic church of Iglesia de la Agonia, the town’s oldest, is a relic from the past colonial era. Its white exterior is adorned in typical Spanish fashion, sporting twin pillars and an arched entrance. The Sabaneros Museum pays homage to Guanacaste’s cowboy roots, while the surrounding blocks makeup Liberia’s oldest neighborhood. The neighborhood includes old colonial style houses that were constructed over a century and a half ago. Car rental Costa Rica airport
Several ranches surround the Liberia area, and the town plays a key role in Costa Rica’s cattle industry. It provides a market for farmer’s goods, both locally and through international export. With so many ranches, the town’s omnipresent cowboy culture is central to Liberia’s identity. Rodeos are a timeless tradition in Guanacaste, and they are the most popular of sporting events.
This city offers many important attractions for the visitor. One of them is Africa Mia, which consists of an African-type safari through the property. Here you will find giraffes, elephants, zebras, and more. This is a beautiful tour that all the family will surely enjoy.
To the northeast of Liberia you will find the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which has beautiful trails and is full of wildlife, volcanic clouds, hot springs, waterfalls, rivers. Additionally there are “boiling pots”, which are sections of naturally boiling mud.
In Liberia you will find basic health and banking services, grocery stores, malls, food courts, and more.
From Liberia you can also visit Flamingo, Tamarindo, Conchal, Coco and Papagayo. They are all less than an hour away by car.
Throughout the year, downtown Liberia offers good food, bars, entertainment, and accommodations. There are a wide variety of lodging options to meet the needs of any budget. Hotels are usually full during the dry season, so visitors should make reservations several weeks in advance.
Liberia’s international airport, receives flights from many important U.S. cities such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, and it serves major destinations on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast and Nicoya Peninsula. Many interesting national parks lie within a short traveling distance. From Liberia you can go to Rincon de La Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Barra Honda, and Palo Verde.
Liberia has excellent facilities and is very close to important attractions. For this reason it is a perfect stopover for many visitors.
Marino Las Baulas National Park, a Place Where Leatherback Turtles are Sheltered
This beautiful park was created in 1990 to protect Leatherback turtles from egg poachers. Marino Las Baulas National Park is one of the most important nesting sites for the leatherback turtle. The park protects 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of swampy mangrove coastline as well as 54,000 acres (21,850 hectares) of inland forest. Car rental Costa Rica San Jose
Amazing white-sand beaches separate the park’s protected seas from its stunning forests that shelter about 174 species of birds as well as several other animal species. Mangroves and estuaries are plentiful, packed with an incredible biodiversity.
Leatherback turtles are considered the largest reptile, as they weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900kg). Ironically their brain only weighs 28 grams. Leatherbacks wander the open seas looking for their favorite food, jelly fish. They will surely dive to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 m) to pursue it. Unlike other turtles, the leatherback has a tough leathery skin and internal skeleton.
On Grande Beach (Playa Grande), female leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from October to May. This is a stunning show to see. Guides are available for hire for those interested in this rare, but unforgettable event.
Marino Las Baulas National Park is just due north from Tamarindo. It is better to use a four-wheel drive vehicle, because the road north of Grande Beach is rough and unpaved. An alternative to this route is by ferry across the Straight of Tamarindo.
The process of making a reservation to see the Giant Sea Turtles is different than with other tours. You can reserve a place on the list no more than eight days in advance of the tour date by calling the Marino Las Baulas Station. You must give them your complete name and passport number in order to be put on the list. On the day of the tour you must arrive at the station of Marino Baulas at sundown to pay for your ticket and be assigned in a group. Car rental Costa Rica airport
If there is a healthy nesting turtle found by the biologists they will let one group to come and see the process for approximately 15 minutes. It is important to know that sometimes people have to wait for hours until a turtle arrives on the beach. In other occasions there are enough turtles for everyone to get a chance to see the nesting process. In some cases no turtles arrive at all, so it is important to be patient.
Turtle nesting tourism has been a double edged sword. The money that tourists bring when they come to see the turtles helps fund conservation efforts, but the presence of people, and especially lights on shore confuse and disorient the turtles. All nighttime tours are preceded by a brief educational presentation, and led by rangers who will help you minimize your impact in the area.
Marino Las Baulas is not closely monitored or regulated outside the peak viewing season. Consequently you may be alone on the beach. Flashlights should not be unshielded, do not use camera flashes. Don’t walk on the sand above the high tide mark, make loud noises, or approach too closely. Please do not buy turtle eggs or products made from turtles.
Come to Marino Las Baulas National Park, learn more about the turtles and be part of their conservation process.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a Place Full of Activities
Rincón de la Vieja is located to the northwest of Guanacaste’s main transportation hub, Liberia, and it has many activities to keep visitors busy. Hiking trails and horseback rides are great ways to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and make memorable adventures.
Other activities include tubing, mountain biking, and waterfall swimming. There are many waterfalls in the area, the largest of which are the Oropendola Waterfall (25 meters) and the La Victoria Waterfall (35 meters), which pour into the Colorado River.
Volcán Rincón de la Vieja National Park covers 14,087 hectares. Elevations range from 980 to 1987 meters (3,215 to 6,519 feet).The habitats represented here are cloud forest, tropical rainforest-upland and tropical dry forest. Car rental Costa Rica
The region surrounding its National Park is famous for cowboys and cattle ranching, which thrive to this day. For this reason visitors can expect to see plenty of dry open fields for pastures and grazing cattle. At one time, the entire region was covered in dense forest, but what remains is sheltered within Protected Zones such as the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The best time to visit the area is between November and April when you can expect little rains a greater chance to see wildlife.
The name, Rincón de la Vieja, translates to English as ‘the old woman’s corner.’ According to locals, the indigenous people of the Guatuso tribe named the volcano thus for one of two reasons. One theory says that there was an old witch on top of the mountain who sent columns of smoke into the air when she was angry. The other says that there was a kindly old woman occupying the same nook, and the smoke was from her cooking fire as she prepared meals for weary travelers. The truth is that the Rincón de la Vieja crater has had at least eight periods of intense volcanic activity, and still bubbles and steams. Renting a car in Costa Rica
This national park extends on both the Caribbean and the Pacific sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, and is divided into two sectors, Las Pailas and Santa Maria. The Pacific slopes of the volcano have distinct dry seasons, while the Caribbean side is wet and lush green. This important park is also the habitat of an impressive array of wildlife, insects and birds like the Spider Monkey, the Blue-crowned Motmot, the Emerald Toucanet, jaguars, cougars and tapirs. Visitors can also find Guaria Morada orchids, the national flowers of Costa Rica as well as an abundance of Laurel and Guanacaste trees.
Although it is fairly likely that it will rain on any given day during the rainy season, which is also known as the green season, it is also fairly likely that it will be a short shower in mid-afternoon. The rainy season which lasts from May until November is also usually interrupted by a two or three week dry spell in late July or August called the Veranillo de San Juan (Saint Joseph’s little summer).
Come to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, an unforgettable place.
Costa Rica and Its Extraordinary Biodiversity
Our planet is inhabited by a wide range of living organisms, whose species, the genetic diversity of individuals and the ecosystems that they inhabit are known as biodiversity. Costa Rica Car hire
Ecosystems are communities of interacting organisms and the physical environment in which they live. They are more than assemblages of species. They are also combined systems of organic and inorganic matter and natural forces that interact and change.
Ecosystems are intricately woven together by food chains and nutrient cycles.
In Costa Rica, the biodiversity is managed by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, through the National System of Conservation Areas and the National Commission for Biodiversity Management.
Costa Rica is located in the tropical zones of the American continent known as the Neotropics. This area is famous for having a greater diversity of species and ecosystems than others in the planet. When it is compared to other tropical regions in the world, this area has a broader range of interactions. Car rental Costa Rica San Jose
Costa Rica has an extension of only 51.100 km2, which represent 0.03% of the planet’s surface and its territorial waters measure 589.000 km2. Despite being so small, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the 20 countries with greatest biodiversity in the world. This is mainly due to its geographic position. The country has two coasts and an amazing mountainous system that has a wide range of microclimates. This is why there is an array of species and ecosystems.
Over 500,000 species are found here and they represent almost 4% of the total species estimated worldwide. An interesting fact is that of these 500,000 species, more than 300,000 are insects.
The institution that manages the country’s biodiversity is the Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE), and more specifically to the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). They are responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s biodiversity. SINAC has 11 Conservation Areas distributed throughout the country.
About 25% of the Costa Rican territory is protected. It is important to know that this percentage is increasing due to the continuous support of the private sector. Many private reserves have been created and are committed primarily to ecotourism and research.
Costa Rica is a country that has invested abundant resources to preserve its environment.
In recent years many studies have been implemented and include methodologies for the assessment of benefits provided by the protected areas and the resources they protect. They have analyzed activities such as ecological tourism, fishing, medicinal plants, and bio prospecting and environmental service payments. Additionally, public and private institutions and organizations support environmental education and public awareness programs. The objective is to change the society’s attitude towards nature.
Costa Rica has also signed and ratified many international and regional agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the CITES agreement that regulates the trade in endangered species, and the Wetlands or RAMSAR Convention, among several others.
Visit Costa Rica, learn more about its biodiversity and be part of the ecological tourism.
Caño Negro, An Extraordinary Natural Refuge
According to experts Caño Negro is the third most important wetland in the world. This refuge was named the ‘Wetland of International Importance’ in 1991, and is one of the most significant humid zones in the country. It has been designated ‘world protected area’ by conservation groups like Ramsar. Caño Negro shelters many of the world’s unusual plant, animal and bird species.
This refuge is very close to the border of Nicaragua. It is located in Alajuela province in the counties of Los Chiles and Guatuso. It is thirty kilometers away from Upala to the southeast and it is one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the country. Caño Negro is home to several migrant and endangered fish, reptiles, birds and plants. Car rental Costa Rica airport
Migration plays a key role in the population of the waterways. For example you might spot a bull shark’s fin slice the surface because this area is the end of their annual trip up the Río Nicaragua from the sea.
This area has some of the lowest rainfall totals for Costa Rica, therefore it can be visited at any time during the year.
The following are some interesting facts about Caño Negro:
- Since 1991 it is part of the RAMSAR Convention for the protection of the wetlands.
- Since 2007 it is the earth of the Biosphere Reserve “Agua y Paz” of the UNESCO
- There are 307 species of birds, 101 of which are migratory
- There are reported 78 mammals, and several other species. Most of the tourists that come to Caño Negro do so to observe the wildlife.
- It is the largest lagoon system in the North of Costa Rica.
There are several birds that can be found in Caño Negro, among them are glossy Ibis, black-necked stilt, neotropical cormorants, American anhinga, northern jacana, American widgeon, wood stork, white Ibis, black-bellied tree duck, northern shoveler, snail kite, green backed heron, roseate spoonbill, and blue-winged teal. This is one of the best places to see the Nicaraguan grackle, whose only Costa Rican habitat is Caño Negro and other marshy areas just south of Lake Nicaragua. Renting a car in Costa Rica
To get there from San José, there are many routes to the northern lowlands. The main route follows the Pan American Highway west out of San José towards Naranjo after ~32 km turn right (north) on 141 to Naranjo followed by a 22 km climb to Zarcero. Continue on 141 another 20 km to Quesada (known as San Carlos), then 8 km to Florencia where you turn right (north) on 35 which takes you the final 84 km to Los Chiles. To get to the ranger station at Caño Negro village you must turn west off of 35 onto a dirt road about 10 km before (south of) Los Chiles (there is no bridge at Los Chiles) to cross the Río Frío at San Emilio. You can continue from Caño Negro village to Colonia Puntarenas (4WD recommended year round and required in the rainy season) where you can catch the paved road to Upala.
Come to Caño Negro and admire is amazing and unique wildlife.
The Wonderful Wetlands of Sierpe, South Puntarenas
Sierpe is located about 30 km from the Pacific Ocean, along the Río Sierpe. It is an important town from a conservation point of view, because it functions as the entrance to the largest mangrove reserve in Latin America. The Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands are located where the mouths of the Sierpe and Térraba rivers meet. This is the home to some of the biggest mangroves at a global level.
Additionally this area is the habitat for a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles such as turtles, spoonbills, crocodiles, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, caimans and frogs. This place is a must-see when you come to Costa Rica. Costa Rica car rental
The town of Sierpe is a key river port that is mainly used by tourists who wish to explore the gorgeous Osa Peninsula. The town has several commercial services and many luxury and budget hotels and accommodations. Visitors can also find many excellent restaurants and bars. Most water transportation companies start their tours from Sierpe. In addition the town is used by several hotels as a pick-up and drop-off point for those on tour the area.
The most popular tours from Sierpe include a day trip to Caño Island for some of the best diving in the country and snorkeling: a one-day or multi-day adventure to Corcovado National Park; dolphin / whale watching tour; a ride through the Térraba – Sierpe Wetlands in search of birds and wildlife; sport fishing tours.
Sierpe is known for having the best whale and dolphin watching tours in Costa Rica. Fromm here you will experience some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world. The whales come from the North every year. Whale season is from June to November and dolphins can be seen are all year round. Costa Rica car rental 4×4
Tours can be booked to Caño Island for hiking or snorkeling. On your way to the island, you may see any of these amazing ocean creatures of the South Pacific Coast. You will also see many fish and sea birds on your travels as you are near Caño Island which is a Biological Reserve. The snorkeling and diving around the island is some of the best in Costa Rica.
There are many tour operators with experienced guides that will take you on an unforgettable adventure. Caño Island can be accessed by boat on the Rio Sierpe where you will have a chance to see the mangroves and true wildlife of the Osa Peninsula while on your day tour from Sierpe.
The Sierpe River in Costa Rica flows into the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the largest mangroves in the world.
Visitors can take a Sierpe boat tour to see monkeys, huge crocodiles and caimans, rare exotic wildlife and hundreds of different bird species including the macaw and toucan.
The weather here is hot and humid with an average temperature of 83 °F.
Come to the safe and peaceful town of Sierpe and have an extraordinary vacation!
A Surfer’s Paradise: Dominical
Dominical is located on the country’s gorgeous Central Pacific coastline. The tiny village of Dominical is a surfer’s haven as it has waves that can reach over 10 feet high. It is important to know that this is a beach for experienced surfers. It is about 40 kilometers south of the lovely Playa de Jacó in Puntarenas province. This village is a wonderful place to enjoy many activities and water sports.
The unusual conditions of the beach is what gives its surf both size and dependability. The wave is a beach break with a twist, that twist being the mouth of the Rio Baru to the north. The river empties out of the mountains to the east and deposits sediments that form into a sandbar. Rent a car Costa Rica
With near perfect weather all year long, Dominical has warm temperatures during the day and a cool ocean breeze by night. Many surfers who often come here usually sleep on the beach under the stars. However, there are accommodations here to suit every pocket. Dining is a fabulous experience in Dominical, particularly if you like seafood. There are a number of local restaurants or ‘sodas’ in the area, which serve everything from fresh lobsters and shrimps to delicious crabs and fish.
While swimming here is near impossible with the strong swells and rip tides, one can kayak off the coast or enjoy some diving or snorkeling opportunities in the area. Horseback tours can also be arranged to the nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls. You can also visit the Marino Ballena National Park, which is home to a number of marine mammals like turtles and whales that come here seasonally to mate and nest. If you like, you can take a short day trip to the lovely Caño Island just off the coast. This island is considered one of the best adventure diving spots in the world and is home to an impressive array of underwater marine life.
The area surrounding Dominical, especially to the south, is almost completely unpopulated. Due to this, the area is full of hundreds of different species of exotic animals including three different types of toucans, giant green and red iguanas, all four types of native monkeys, parrots of all sizes and hues, three toed sloths and various small cats such as jaguarundis and manigordos.
Reaching Dominical and the surrounding area is easy. It is a three and a half hour drive from San Jose by car through some of the most visually stunning scenery in the entire country. Traveling south down the Pan-American Highway below Cartago takes you through the country’s largest cloud forest and the worlds last remaining, sustainable habitat, for the endangered quetzal. It is only necessary to rent a four wheel drive car if you want to explore the mountains or continue traveling further north or south. From Dominical, it is a one and a half hour drive to Quepos by car. Costa Rica Car hire
Visit Dominical, a place with a lot of exciting activities!