Ecotourism Activities in Costa Rica

For an excellent introduction to tropical ecosystems, walk with a naturalist guide in one of the public, private reserves or maybe your own land between of the mountain. The guide knows where to look for the miniature orchid, the scarlet macaws, the three - toed sloth. He or she not only points out species but explains fascinating relationships among them. Leafcutting ants across the trail? Learn why they are called the gardeners of the insect world. A good guide makes all the difference. Some Costa rica national parks and reserves offer guided walks; most private reserves have trained guides on staff.

Watch turtles lumber ashore to lay their eggs - six species nest in Costa Rica. Hot nesting spots are at Tortuguero, Playa Grande, Ostional, and Santa Rosa. Go with a guide and do not disturb the process.

Butterflies can brighten any day. Enjoy them in the wild, learn more about them at butterfly gardens located in all Costa Rica mountains. The gardens are one way that local people earn income from tourism - related activities that do not destroy the environment. Botanical gardens, aviaries, and snake exhibits offer other learning options.

Canopy tours give travelers a chance to see the upper level of the forest where life is unbelievably abundant. There's a tour for everyone. Some hoist you up to a platform, with little effort on your part, where you can observe flora and fauna at leisure. Others require hoisting yourself up. You can ride in a cablecar or walk along bridges through the treetops in the mountain.

For a view from above, try a balloon ride, a nature flight in a small plane, or a tour in a ultralight. Back on the ground, you can go on horseback tours to spectacular waterfalls, or take a mountain bike tour to top natural history destinations. Go underground for caving.

Both Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Take to a kayak to enjoy both sea and coastline or to explore one of the country's beautiful rivers. White - water raft tours range from day trips to two - or - three remote lodges not accessible by road. Windsurfers head of Lake Arenal.

Nature's fiery side is protected in national parks in Costa rica around volcanoes such as Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja, and Arenal. Natural history tours to observe them can be arranged through agencies and hotels. Hot springs are attractions near Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja parks.

Costa Rica is a remarkable destination for natural history travelers. But remember that all tourism has an impact - be aware of your own, be responsible for your own. Be an ecotourist in the Mountains in Costa Rica.