Recently Jason Mueller of A-1 Auto Transport approached me about writing a guest post for zachofjungle.com. Jason explained that he’s an ex-pat living permanently in Costa Rica and runs a business dedicated to helping Americans move to Costa Rica. I was intrigued and so agreed to feature him on Zach of Jungle. Here’s the article he wrote about Costa Rica. Enjoy!
Nestled in Central America with the Pacific Ocean to its west and the Caribbean Sea to the east is Costa Rica. Costa Rica is the home to vast wildlife that includes a wide variety of plants and animals, many in which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This exotic place brings in nearly 2.5 million tourists and visitors each year, a number that only rises in time.
The Republic of Costa Rica is known for its sustainability. In fact, it contains about 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Over 25% of the nation is preserved by national parks. There are a total of 28 national parks throughout the country. All of them are just as beautiful as the next, but there are some that are appreciated more than others.
5 of the Best and Greenest National Parks in Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park
Once a group of volcanic islands, this national park features sea turtle nesting areas, kayak and canoeing, marshy islands, different species of freshwater fish, dozens of birds, and several species of monkeys. The best way to view all that this park has to offer is by boat, kayak or canoe. However, walking through its wilderness is certainly worth it as long as you’re not afraid to come in close contact with any of the area’s untamed creatures. If you visit during the rainy season, you’re likely to witness the various types of sea turtles that live within this beautiful preserved land.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This national park is part of the 1% in the world that contains cloud forests. A cloud forest is a wooded area that holds moisture and often has cloud coverage that exists below canopy level due to a slower evaporation rate. A wide variety of endemic creatures find this cloud forest to be the perfect habitat. Follow the trails throughout the 765 acres of preserved land to witness spectacular sites and an abundance of wildlife native to this marshy forest.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The entire Arenal Conservation Area consists of 504,094 acres but the Arenal Volcano National Park located within the conservation area is a total of 29,692-acres. The Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. However, this national park homes two volcanoes with the other one being known as the Chato Volcano. As you navigate through the mountainous, wooded terrain of this preserved land, you’ll likely witness deer, tapirs, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, various snakes, and birds such as parrots and orioles.
Piedras Blancas National Park
This lusciously green tropical reserve and wildlife refuge is one of the known homes of the jaguar. It is also where you can find the northern Golfo Dulce beach and other sightly bays. As you explore this park get ready to witness exotic plant life, many different reptiles, howler monkeys, the white-nose capuchin, coatis, toucans, and Scarlet Macaws. Among the vast variety of animals and plants, waterfalls and rivers make this preserved area one that all Costa Rican tourists should take the time to enjoy.
Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula
As the largest park in Costa Rica, the ecological variety exhibited is astounding. Along the coasts tourists have been fortunate enough to see humpback whales as they visit their breeding grounds, the migration of baleen whales, dolphins, and other types of sea creatures. Although camping is permitted in this national park, those visiting must be aware of the high tides that occur due to the rivers and coasts. To explore all this park has to offer, it will easily take a person two or three full days.
As a visitor of this exotic nation, it is in your best interest to explore as many of the national parks as you can. There is no comparison to the wildlife preserved throughout Costa Rica. Although public transit is available, to reach as many national parks as possible you may want to consider having your own personal vehicle shipped into the country (see this link for international moving and car shipping info). This will give you the ability to travel freely so that you can witness sites and wilderness that don’t exist anywhere else in the world.
ZacharyFitzner.com 