Exploring the Wild Side of Costa Rica

There is nowhere in South America where the wildlife is more prolific and accessible than in Costa Rica. This well-organised country has some excellent national parks, many expert naturalist guides and some very comfortable accommodation options. For any avid nature lover looking for a new destination, the country is a fantastic option.

There are so many opportunities on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica that you will be spoilt for choice. If you book on to a tour with a reputable specialist company, your trip of a lifetime will be everything you could hope for and more.

The Wild Side of the Country

Imagine waking every morning to the bark of the local Howler Monkeys swinging through the trees, then after breakfast heading along a deserted beach on a mission to catch sight of the beautiful Scarlet Macaws soaring through the sky. How about marvelling at a couple of toucans flying overhead, or catching sight of a Sloth sleeping on the branch of a roadside tree? The wildlife in this country is nothing short of incredible, and everywhere you go you'll have the opportunity to see a plethora of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and flora. Even the elusive Jaguar is occasionally sighted on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica, especially if the holiday includes a trip through the thick jungle. Turtles nest on the coast, big cats roam the forests and myriad plants and butterflies decorate the landscape – it's a true wildlife haven.

The country's name literally means ‘Rich Coast’, which, when you consider its wildlife and its diverse ecosystems, it is a very apt designation. Officially known as the greenest country in the world, this tiny land mass is bordered by Nicaragua and Panama. It boasts areas of both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean coastline, as well as the fifth highest peak in Central America. Cloud forests, highlands, wetlands and marshes, rivers, lakes and deciduous forests offer huge diversity and this is what provides habitation for the equally huge array of wildlife. There is little wonder why a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica is usually right at the top of most nature lovers’ 'must do' list.

Beautiful Birds

Most nature lovers come to the country for the birds, of which there are around 850 different species. Hummingbirds, orioles, toucans and nightjars are among the highlights, but there are so many other interesting and magnificently colourful birds gracing the skies here. One thing is certain: the country provides the avian enthusiast with the opportunity for an unbeatable wildlife holiday in Costa Rica. It really doesn’t matter what birds or animals you primarily wish to see, the country truly has something for everyone.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.