Things to See and Do While in Costa Rica
Rainforest
The lowland rainforests of Costa Rica are complex biological communities. A typical hectare (2½ acres) of Costa Rica rainforest might be home to nearly 100 species of trees. In addition to trees, you will see epiphytes and giant rainforest versions of orchids, as well as sloths, monkeys, numerous birds, and more. Good places for hiking are Braulio Carrillo National Park, near San José, which contains both rainforest and cloud forest, and the hot and humid rainforest in La Selva Biological Station. On the Pacific coast Corcavado National Park and Marenco Wildlife Refuge have trail where you can hike for hours. Monteverde’s private reserve is a good place to hike through cool and misty cloud forests. Manuel Antonio National Park can reveal squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and sloths.
Wildlife
Costa Rica covers less than .03% of the earth's surface but contains almost 4% of the planet's animal species. Costa Rica has 4 species of monkeys, 6 types of wild cats, and 876 species of birds, which is more than are found in the United States and Canada combined. This abundance of wildlife is due in part to Costa Rica's geographical position on a land bridge connecting North America and South America. There are more than 2,000 species of butterflies in Costa Rica, including the huge and incandescent Blue Morpho. Five of the world's seven species of sea turtles nest in Costa Rica, including the Green Sea, Giant Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill. More than 30 of the world's 80 species of dolphins, whales, and porpoises inhabit the Costa Rica waters, and tour companies in Quepos and near the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge lead dolphin and whale watching excursions.
Bird-watching
Many of Costa Rica's creatures are named after there homes: for example the wild turkey (Highland Tinamou), the melodious Riverside Wren, or the Volcano Hummingbird. You may be surprised to encounter a Canadian Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, or Kentucky Warbler - some of the 200 North American bird species found in Costa Rica. Some of these species stay year-round, and others come and go during winter migration. Costa Rica also has the requisite tropical birds, including 6 kinds of toucans, 16 parrots, and parakeets, and more than 50 hummingbirds. Other tropical groups, such as ant birds, are well represented. The birds of Costa Rica represent close to 10 percent of the total bird species of the world.
Costa Rica Travel Connection
Whitewater Rafting
Single and multi day trips are marked by beautiful scenery, various difficulty levels, and year round warm water. The country's rafting center is Turrialba, a hospitable, medium size town on the banks of the Reventazón River. The Reventazón and Pacuare river are popular for their exciting runs and proximity to San José. Outfitters in La Fortuna, near Volcán Arenal, lead Class III and IV white water trips on the narrow Rio Peñas Blanca and Rio Toro. Nearby, you can take half day trips on the tamer but beautiful Sarapiqui River, through verdant rainforest and quiet little towns. Near Quepos, rafting companies run three rivers during the rainy season the Parrita, Naranjo, and Savegre.
Spanish Classes
There are numerous schools in Costa Rica offering Spanish classes to foreigners. There are small privately owned offering personalized attention and others are large universities both public and private. There are Spanish Schools near the beach, the mountians, the city, or a rural setting. We carefully choose the Spanish Schools we use. We ensure that there teachers are all highly qualified to teach Spanish. We also periodically check the schools to ensure they are maintaining high standards. Another thing that is important is that there are activities available nearby for the students after classes. We take all of this into account when suggesting a school to perspective students. We match students up with the correct school for them by meeting there needs and desires.
"Let us show you Costa Rica"
Costa Rica Travel Connection
Apartado 6002-1000, San José, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Travel Connection is owned and operated by Central Valley Spanish School
Telephone in U.S.A.: (407) 385-7228 Telephone in Costa Rica: (506) 8919-8246
Skype: costa.rica.travel.connection
Apartado 6002-1000, San José, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Travel Connection is owned and operated by Central Valley Spanish School
Telephone in U.S.A.: (407) 385-7228 Telephone in Costa Rica: (506) 8919-8246
Skype: costa.rica.travel.connection