Guanacaste
Land of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. You are a mere visitor here and that is the best feeling there is. You're invited to watch and admire but that's it.
1. Howler monkeys
You can hear them, that's for sure. It may be not so easy to see them - however on our first day, there they were just chilling on a tree we were passing by. Just like that.
That sound they're making is amazing! I would not believe it's a monkey if I hadn't seen them making it. You can usually hear them in the morning - kind of a Costa Rican rooster call :) They're shy and minding their own business (if you're afraid, don't be, they'll leave you alone).
2. Scarlet macaws
There's no doubt these will leave you alone :D Basically, you'll be over the moon if you get to see them - but if you reeeeaaaaaally want to, keep close to Ara Project thanks to which we got to see them fly around almost always. We heard them constantly as well. It's unbelievable to watch (stalk even? :D) them in their natural habitat, not in some cage or zoo. You really get the feeling of only visiting. One day, we managed to track (used figuratively) a couple of them having breakfast on a cashew tree - we stopped and watched for at least 20 minutes.
Land of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. You are a mere visitor here and that is the best feeling there is. You're invited to watch and admire but that's it.
1. Howler monkeys
You can hear them, that's for sure. It may be not so easy to see them - however on our first day, there they were just chilling on a tree we were passing by. Just like that.
That sound they're making is amazing! I would not believe it's a monkey if I hadn't seen them making it. You can usually hear them in the morning - kind of a Costa Rican rooster call :) They're shy and minding their own business (if you're afraid, don't be, they'll leave you alone).
2. Scarlet macaws
There's no doubt these will leave you alone :D Basically, you'll be over the moon if you get to see them - but if you reeeeaaaaaally want to, keep close to Ara Project thanks to which we got to see them fly around almost always. We heard them constantly as well. It's unbelievable to watch (stalk even? :D) them in their natural habitat, not in some cage or zoo. You really get the feeling of only visiting. One day, we managed to track (used figuratively) a couple of them having breakfast on a cashew tree - we stopped and watched for at least 20 minutes.
1. Howler monkeys
You can hear them, that's for sure. It may be not so easy to see them - however on our first day, there they were just chilling on a tree we were passing by. Just like that.
That sound they're making is amazing! I would not believe it's a monkey if I hadn't seen them making it. You can usually hear them in the morning - kind of a Costa Rican rooster call :) They're shy and minding their own business (if you're afraid, don't be, they'll leave you alone).
2. Scarlet macaws
There's no doubt these will leave you alone :D Basically, you'll be over the moon if you get to see them - but if you reeeeaaaaaally want to, keep close to Ara Project thanks to which we got to see them fly around almost always. We heard them constantly as well. It's unbelievable to watch (stalk even? :D) them in their natural habitat, not in some cage or zoo. You really get the feeling of only visiting. One day, we managed to track (used figuratively) a couple of them having breakfast on a cashew tree - we stopped and watched for at least 20 minutes.
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3. Other amazing creatures
Vultures, about 20 different kinds of birds, lizards, insects, armadillos, iguanas, what else? We bought an illustrated short guide to Costa Rican animals and counted about 30 species that we saw, the diversity there is just unbelievable.
Useful tip: early start! - no jk :D do not do any bucket list stuff just for the sake of the bucket list. It should not be about that, you should be happy about any creature you get to see, no matter if it's a macaw, armadillo or coati.
Useful tip: early start! - no jk :D do not do any bucket list stuff just for the sake of the bucket list. It should not be about that, you should be happy about any creature you get to see, no matter if it's a macaw, armadillo or coati.
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If you're thinking that this must've been a bird watching holiday, I assure you it was not! Yes, we did a few walks because we did not want to gain any weight while eating a lot :D We also did the sunrise walk (still jet-lagged, yes) and because we took the camera to the beach one day, we have few shots that will definitely persuade you that although rough and without white sand Costa Rican beaches are definitely beautiful!
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Unfortunately, this was the end of our holiday :( However, we both loved it (Costa Rica! Pura Vida! Ticos! Animals! Forests! Everything!) and if you're considering to visit, do not just consider, go, do it, enjoy!
Next time, we'll review our last trip from my beloved Italia, can't wait, CU there!