Amazing wildlife in Costa Rica

View of Volcan Arenal

Managed to see more amazing things here in Costa Rica and even though it is more expensive than the other Central American countries and has far more Americans, it really is a beautiful country. I travelled on the very bumpy ride to Monteverde national park and managed to see the really dense cloud forest there. The canopy was so thick and tall - really amazing. Spotted a solitaire bird with an amazing song and watched it for ages bellowing out it´s tune. Also, huge numbers of hummingbirds. My appreciation of these amazing creatures increased tenfold as I discovered so many more varieties here in Costa Rica. They have such beautiful colours in their bodies and wings and dart about so fast that you often don´t get much chance to see them for long.

In the area around Volcan Arenal, I visited the hanging bridges and saw even more wildlife, including a three toed sloth, a blue jeans poison dart frog, a lizard with a blue tail (Central American Whiptail), more leaf cutter ants, spectacular coloured birds which I couldn´t quite identify, white faced monkeys (White-thoated Capuchins) that looked like old men.......the list goes on.

Volcan Arenal itself is a beautiful active volcano. Luckily the weather was fairly clear whilst I was in the area and so had great views on most days. I did another canopy tour which was far more daring than the last one, as the lines were longer and much, much higher - not the best thing for someone who is scared of heights. But even so, it was great fun and lots of laughs were had by all.

My birthday treat to myself was a day at the hot springs and spa and it was just perfect. The weather was beautfiul and there were about 15 or more thermal pools to chose to lounge around in and top up the tan at the same time. The sunset over the volcano was beautiful and then the day was finsihed off with a beautiful and very special full moonrise. Certainly a birthday I will not forget in a hurry.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

In summary, Costa Rica is the kind of country you could visit for a short time with a bigger budget, especially if you want to do lots of the activities on offer. On reflection, hiring a four wheel drive would be a cheaper option if there are a few of you as the bus system is quite pricey. Also, some of the quieter cabin style accommodation appeared to be out of the central areas, which would not be a problem with your own transport. It would be the ideal country to visit for a honeymoon with a difference.

Now I just have to decide where to head next.....