Monday, January 11, 2010

Costa Rica's Sights To See

By Leslie J. Riannen

Costa Rica has been known for years for having the best natural park system in Central America. You can expect to see an abundance of birds in their natural environment. How about volcano's or wildlife, put those on your list of things to see on your Costa Rica vacation.

Two of the best and most accessible volcanoes are Irazu and Poas. There are roads leading to both of the volcanoes so you can get a birds eye view from above. You will be amazed that you are standing just feet away from the mouth of these incredible active craters.

Arenal on the other hand is spectacular. To know that you are standing so close to one of the most active volcanoes in the world is an incredible feeling. Arenal sat dormant from AD 1500 until it's massive eruption in July of 1968, and has continued to produce ash columns, explosions and glowing red lava flows almost daily.

Have you ever thought about hiking through some of the densest forest in Central America? Corcovado National Park is known as the wildest rainforest in Costa Rica. Home to over 500 species of trees it's sure to keep your attention and they also have camping facilities for those who can't pull themselves away.

Cano Negro, a sleepy meagerly populated location that is home to a diversity of waterfowl. Birders are pleasantly surprised by the assortment of birds located in this National Park. Not only are the birds in abundance here, it is populated with large mammals like Pumas, Jaguars and Tapirs due to its remoteness and lack of human inhabitants.

Green sea turtles have called Tortuguero their breeding ground for many years. Out of the six marine turtles that call Costa Rica home for nesting, four of those return every year to Tortuguero. This says a lot for this amazing place due to the fact that there are only eight species of marine turtles worldwide.

The national park in Tortuguero is struggling as of late with locals wanting to put a road right through the park. Tortuguero National Park is home to most of the wildlife you find in Costa Rica such as monkeys, birds, sloths and reptiles. You will find about half of the reptiles and bird population in Tortuguero, which could be at risk if the road gets through.

Let's not forget the amazing water activities available in Costa Rica. White water rafting, snorkeling, fishing and surfing are some of the tops on the list. Manuel Antonio is touted as the most beautiful beach; windsurfing at Lake Arenal is ranked #3 best location in the world or Tarpon fishing catch and release in Barra del Colorado.

For the ultimate in canopy tours, Monteverde is the most desirable place for this activity. Its lush green vegetation and beautiful landscapes brings travelers to Costa Rica for it's natural beauty. Suspension bridges are a way to explore the treetops, perched a hundred feet off the ground, but if it's an adrenaline rush you seek, hit the zip line for the time of your life; you'll be glad you did!

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