Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its exuberant nature and rich biodiversity. This green paradise invites adventurous travels. The Ticos themselves call it Pura Vida (pure life). You can choose how you wish to experience Costa Rica.

Climb the Cerro Chato volcano

Situated in the northwest of Costa Rica, the Cerro Chato is the famous Arenal volcano’s baby sister. Whereas the Arenal is still active and may erupt - and is therefore a no-go zone - the Cerro Chato has stood dormant for centuries. In other words, this volcano can be climbed. The starting point for our hike is the premises of the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The climb takes us along an often slippery path but if the weather is clear those who persevere are rewarded with a spectacular view of the smoking Arenal volcano. True daredevils can descend the slopes for a refreshing dip in the emerald green lake at the bottom of the Cerro Chato crater.

Head in the clouds of Costa Rica’s famous Monteverde cloud forest

Monteverde is Costa Rica’s famous cloud forest. The elevated forests are often misty, rather chilly and humid. It’s like setting foot in an actual fairy tale forest. The floor is covered with ferns and all around us lianas are swaying in the breeze. Trees and branches intertwine to create tunnels of green. The air is rife with animal sounds and birdsong although the animals themselves mostly stay out of sight. The fog that hangs here only adds to the mysterious atmosphere. A literal high point is a spectacular walk across hanging bridges in the rainforest canopy. You get to experience the cloud forest with your head literally buried in the clouds and a green quilt stretching out beneath you.

A canoe trip through the jungle of Tortuguero

The Parque Nacional Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast consists of a system of lagoons and canals where traditional dugout canoes are the primary mode of transport. The park is a habitat for sea cows and hundreds of bird species. Jaguars and ocelots hunt in the damp forest. The beaches are a breeding ground for sea turtles or tortugas, for whom the park was named. A canoe trip on the park’s waterways is one of the most wonderful nature experiences in Costa Rica. As the canoe slowly glides along on the dark green water past mangroves and palm trees, a variety of exotic birds fly from one river bank to the other. Caymans lie basking in the sun on sand banks. The hot and humid air is filled with jungle sounds. 

Down under in Corcovado

One of the best snorkelling and/or diving locations in Costa Rica is Caño Island. This island in the Pacific is situated some twenty kilometres off the coast of Costa Rica. On the way over there’s every chance of spotting sea turtles and dolphins. The island is surrounded by an intact coral reef and the turquoise water is exceptionally clear in good weather conditions. Beneath the surface countless crevices between the rocks conceal a unique animal kingdom. Small colourful fish come out to take a peak and sharks and manta rays float underneath as you slowly discover this wondrous underwater world to the rhythm of your own breath. Of course, you can always snorkel if diving is not for you. The deserted beaches of the landlocked national park of Corcovado also offer plenty of snorkelling opportunities.

Interested? Contact your UNIGLOBE agency
 

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