Welcome to Costa Rica

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File Number ______

Dear Guest

On behalf of ARA Tours, we bid you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. During your stay, we are your contact in Costa Rica and will assure a smooth operation of your holiday at any time. You can reach us under the following address

Physical Adress Postal Adress

ARA Tours ARA Tours Sabana Sur Del Colegio de Médicos 100 Apdo. 799 – 1007 Centro Colón metros al este y 150 metros San José al sur, frente a la Universidad La Salle Costa Rica San José, Costa Rica

Telephone: 2232 04 00 Opening hours: Operation Department: Fax: 2232 03 63 Country Code Costa Rica ++506 Monday – Friday: 07h00 – 19h00 Monday – Sunday e-mail: [email protected] Saturday: 08h00 – 16h00 In the Internet www.aratours.com Sunday: closed Telephone: 2232 04 00 Emergency: 8893 38 63

In our ofﬁ ce, we attend you in English, German, French, and of course Spanish.

In case of emergency, please contact your guide or the hotel front desk. They are able to contact us outside of the ofﬁ ce hours and on weekends.

Please read carefully all information enclosed to this travel documentation. It contains relevant information about your transfers, services booked for your trip and important recommendations for a smooth operation of your trip.

Besides, you will ﬁ nd in this documentation all ARA Tours service vouchers for your trip. Therefore, we recollect at the beginning of your trip the original vouchers you received from your tour operator and replace them with ARA Tours vouchers.

We wish you a very pleasant, interesting, and memorable stay in Costa Rica.

With best regards,

The ARA Tours Team Discovering Costa Rica

Natural paradise, garden Eden between Pacifi c and Atlantic Ocean, tropical hideaway between two oceans. These are some descriptions found in press articles, guidebooks, and travel reports describing Costa Rica. Soon, you will be able to experience that these statements are no exageration. Costa Rica features an aboundance of colours and shapes, fl ora and fauna. Additionally, peaceful, open-minded, happy and hospitable inhabitants enrich your stay. In the past years, the ever-growing fl ow of tourists generated a wide variety of activities and tourist products. There are many of ways for discovering that natural paradise. Enjoy the wide range of attractions, meet with locals, exchange thoughts, get inspired by their love of life and take home precious energy from untouched nature! While enjoying your stay, please remember you are a guest and that locals have and live a different culture. Meet them with respect, help us to protect nature and discover it with the least possible impact. Your visit to Costa Rica and your decision to visit national parks, remote villages and regions helps to protect nature and guarantees the locals an assured income. We thank you for this effort and wish you a very pleasant and interesting stay in Costa Rica, the natural paradise.

Table of content Information from A – Z

Air Connections / Domestic Flights Costa Rica offers a good and affordable network of domestic fl ights, operated by SANSA and NATURE AIR. Both companies feature safe and modern fl eets complying with all technical requirements and well-trained, experienced pilots. They serve every important destination. You can get information about itineraries and rates in our offi ce. Important: The baggage allowance on all domestic fl ights is 12 kg + a small cabin bag. On fully booked fl ights, your excess luggage will not be transported on the same plane for safety reasons.

Clothing At high altitudes, it might be quite cold and you will be glad to have a jacket or a pullover at hand. Additionally, we recommend to bring along a light rain jacket. On jungle visits and at dusk or dawn, light and bright clothing covering your arms and legs is indicated as a protection against mosquitos. The correct type of footwear is also crucial for your trip. Light hiking shoes are a must for jungle walks. In general, light summer cloths are indicated all year round. For church visits, appropriate clothing is expected. In Costa Rica, topless or even naked sunbathing is undesirable and inappropriate.

Complaints If you are unhappy with one of our services or if you would like to make a complaint, please let us know immediately. You may contact us thorugh your tour guide, calling the ofﬁ ce or – in case of an urgent matter – the emergency phone.

Deposits Some hotels and especially car rental companies may ask you to make a deposit with your credit card. You will have to sign an open credit card voucher without any amount on it. At hotels, this security deposit enables you to sign restaurant and bar checks instead of paying cash. At the end of your stay, the total amount consumed will be charged to your credit card. Car rental companies need the security deposit to be able to charge possible damages to the car. Please remember to use the open credit card voucher to make your ﬁ n al payment by inserting the amount, or to destroy the voucher before leaving.

Food and Beverage Your guidebook will describe in detail the diversity of food and drinks in Costa Rica. Additionally, we would like to give you some precaution measures: We recommend drinking bottled water for being on the safe side. For being really consistent, you should also reject ice cubes. Costa Rica is a highly hygienic country, and the Ministry of Health applies strict rules and regular inspections to restaurants.

Luggage We recommend traveling with two pieces of luggage: one main suitcase and a smaller backpack or bag for excursions and short multi-day roundtrips. If you are booked on a roundtrip including overnight stays in San José during or after the trip, we suggest taking the necessary items with you and leaving the main suitcase at your San José hotel. This accelerates the loading/unloading of buses, aircrafts, and boats on your trip. Besides, on all domestic ﬂ ights and Tortuguero boat excursions baggage allowance is limited to 12 kg + small cabin bag. San José hotels offer safe storage, mostly free of charge.

Money / Currency / Change / Credit Cards The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón. Be aware that only US$ in cash or traveller checks can be changed easily. Other currencies such as Euros or Pounds can only be changed at the headquarters of banks in San José and takes a signifi cant amount of time. For money changing, you must present your passport. Do never change money in the street with any type of “fl ying agent”. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops around the country. Some smaller businesses and those without a phone connection may not accept credit cards. VISA is accepted with priority, while you might experience some dif- fi c ulties with MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or DINERS CLUB. If you travel with one of these cards, we recommend carrying always a cash reserve on you.

Pharmacy / Medical Attention Medical care in San José is highly developed and in good conditions. San José has several public hospitals and some private clinics with European or US standards, e.g. Clinica Bíblica (tel.: 2522 10 00), Hospital CIMA (tel.: 2208 10 00) or Clinica Catolica (tel. 2522-1000). These private hospitals feature also a pharmacy opened 24 hours, selling all the important medicine you might need. In case of an emergency, please contact our ofﬁ ce during ofﬁ ce hours, the emergency phone number or 911.

Post Offi ce / Phone Calls All major cities have local post offi ces (Correos de Costa Rica). Costa Rican post offi ces also offer phone and fax service. All around the country there are blue public phones, many of them accepting prepaid cards only. “199 – Tarjeta Colibri” prepaid phone cards are also valid for international calls. Costa Rica does not have area codes. The country code for Costa Rica is ++506. For calling home, use these country codes: Belgium 0032, Denmark 0045, Spain 0034, Finland 00358, France 0033, Holland 0031, Italy 0039, Norway 0047, United Kingdom 0044, Sweden 0046, USA 001 followed by the area or city code without the 0 at the beginning.

Reconfi rmation Of International Flights According to the airlines, the reconfi rmation of your fl ights is not necessary if you stay in Costa Rica for less than two months. If this is the case, or if you still prefer to reconfi rm the fl ight please contact the airline or visit their website.

Return Flight / Airport Taxes Please take note, that all airlines require your presence for check-in 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. If you have booked an airport return transfer with us, we will respect this rule accordingly. You will ﬁ nd the hotel pick up time on the transfer information sheet in your travel documentation that we handed you over upon arrival. Upon departure, each person must pay the airport departure tax of US$ 26 (subject to change) in cash US$.

Safety Please refer to the separate leaﬂ et.

Shopping / Souvenirs Everywhere in Costa Rica, there are shops and stands selling T-Shirts and affordable jewellery. For serious shopping, we recommend the city centers of San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, and Liberia. A wide range of T-Shirts, jewellery, ceramics, hammocks, and wooden handicrafts such as colourful Sarchí oxcarts are available at Plaza de la Democracia and El Pueblo in downtown San José. Please do not buy any articles made from endangered hard woods. Most handicrafts are made out of coffee tree wood and you can buy them without any doubt. It is absolutely prohibited to export any tortoise-shell articles, living plants (seeds no problem), animals, and original pre-Columbian or antique indigenous objects. Airport controls are very severe. Exceptions are baby orchids sold in glass boxes as souvenirs. Please make sure that their box contains a certiﬁ cate signed and stamped by the Ministry of Agriculture legalizing their export and import.

Taxi When it is not raining, enough taxis are circulating in the major cities. You recognize them by the red colour of the car and a yellow triangle at each front door. The offi cial airport taxis are painted orange. We highly recommend using offi cial taxis only. All taxis must have a taximeter (‘Maria’). Please do insist that the driver activates the taximeter before departure. If he doesn’t, it is preferable to change taxi or negotiate a fl at rate before departure. Prices vary very much.

Tips and Taxes 13% sales tax appliy to any article, service, meal or drink. An additional 10% service charge is charged on restaurant bills. Therefore, it is important to check before ordering if the prices on the menu include tax and service charge. If not, 23% will be added to the prices.

Transportation / Transfers With pleasure we arrange all your domestic transportation needs. Please be aware, that the organization of transports and transfers may take some time. Therefore, we appreciate anticipated bookings. Costa Rica offers many means of transports, also public buses. However, reaching some regions with public transports is rather time-consuming. There is also collective bus transportation for tourists only, an attractive and comfortable way of getting around. The operator picks clients up at the hotel and brings them right to the hotel at their destination. This shuttle service operates with ﬁ xed schedules, and runs with a minimum of 2 passengers. In Costa Rica, you can also easily get around by plane. Please contact our ofﬁ ce for detailed information.

Underwater Currents In Costa Rica, strong underwater currents may occurwithout warning at all Paciﬁ c or Atlantic beaches. The fact that the entire coast line is a paradise for surfers indicates that there are always good waves. It is crucial to follow the advice of locals regarding the current situation in the ocean before enjoying a swim in the sea. Please respect huge waves and strive to never loose ground under your feet. If a strong current pulls you out to the sea, it is vital to stay calm and maintain your body in ﬂ oating position immediately. Never try to swim against the currents, safe your energy instead. As a matter of facts, the same current will push you back to shore after a certain time.

Voltage Costa Rica operates with 110 volt and you need an international adapter for switching to the US system. Regions in Costa Rica Central Region

In the Central Valley you fi nd a broad variety of cultural and natural attractions, among them the best muse- ums of Costa Rica: The Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, the National Museum, the Museum for Costa Rican Art, The La Salle Museum for Natural Science, the University of Costa Rica’s Insect Museum, the Children’s Museum and the Museum for Modern Art and Design. Besides, there is the Costarican architectural jewel, the National Theatre and the beautiful Melico Salazar Theatre. All this you can fi nd in the Capital City of San José. The visitors will be delighted with the birds, the landscapes, the craters and the jungle of the National Parks of the Central Valley - Poás, Braulio Carrillo, Irazú and Turrialba. Most public services are located in San José, but there are also commercial and touristic services in the cities of Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. In the Central Valley you fi nd two beatiful regions, Turrialba and the Los Santos Valley. This small villages are very pintor- esque and allow a sight into the life of the former Costa Rica.

San Jose The capital of Costa Rica is located in the center of the country, about 1’100 meters above sea level in the so called “Meseta Central”, the central valley. The city is surrounded by a volcanic mountain range in the north and a non-volcanic mountain range in the south. Thanks to the fertile volcanic ground, the central valley offers excellent conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants and fruits. San José is the indisputable center of the country and has been growing quickly during the past years.

Gold Museum The Gold Museum is located under the Plaza de la Cultura and contains an impressive collection of pre-Colum- bian gold pieces. Here you can also learn more about the history of the original inhabitants of Costa Rica.

National Museum The National Museum is located in the former Bellavista Fort and offers the visitor, beside the view over the rooftops of San José, an interesting insight into the former history and migration ﬂ ow of Costa Rica.

Jade Museum This collection is incorporated in the INS (state insurance company) ofﬁ c e tower and offers outstanding jade pieces and some ceramic art pieces.

National Theater The historic National Theatre building is located in a corner of Plaza de la Cultura and represents an important city tour highlight. Sometimes, marimba players perform in the forecourt.

Poás Volcano National Park Poas Volcano National Park is located on the continental divide of the volcanic Central Mountain Range. It is a compound basaltic volcano of 2708 meters. There are two craters, the main crater measures 1.5 km in diameter and is considered one of the most extensive in the world. The second, inactive crater has become a cold-water lake called Laguna Botos.

INBIO Park INBio has an excellent worldwide reputation for its very complete insect and plant collections and archives. The INBio Park was established in 1999 near the village of Santo Domingo de Heredia and offers a perfect overview of the national parks of Costa Rica.

Braulio Carrillo National Park This park is located just 20 km outside San José. It is one of the cloudiest places in the country and consists mainly of steep slopes covered with dense rain and cloud forest.

Aerial Tram At Braulio Carrillo Nationalpark you can ﬁ nd the world-famous project of the American biologist Perry. In open gondolas, visitors glide between the treetops, giving them the opportunity to observe ﬂ ora and fauna from this interesting perspective.

Irazú Volcano National Park Irazú Volcano National Park is located on the continental divide northeast of the city of Cartago. The volcano has a long history of eruptions. Due to the accumulation of volcanic material, its slopes are very fertile and veg- etable plantations are widely spread. Lankester Garden Charles Lankester initiated Lankester Gardens as his private garden to preserve the local ﬂ ora, especially orchids, bromeliads, and arums. Later on, the garden was donated to the University of Costa Rica and became public. The gardens are open year-round, featuring over 800 species of orchids. The best time for viewing orchids in bloom is from February to April.

Orosi Valley The diverse landscape including Irazú and Turrialba volcano and tropical rainforest is considered among the most beautiful in the country. Orosi features the oldest church of Costa Rica built in 1743 by the Spanish con- querors.

Purisil Park Purisil Park is a natural reserve of 171 hectares of cloud forest. This area of excessively damp climate provides shelter for innumerable butterﬂ ies, birds and mammals, the most distinctive being the quetzal, toucans, hummingbirds, neotropic river otters, Northern tamanduas, white-nosed coaties, collared peccaries, silky anteaters, howler monkeys, and three-toed sloths. From Orosi, drive to the village of Purisil and turn right at the church, cross a small bridge and ﬁ nd Purisil Park shortly after.

Tapantí Nationalpark Tapanti National Park, Macizo Cerro La Muerte, protects large forest areas in the northern Talamanca Mountain region. The Rio Grande de Orosi river ﬂ ows through the park, with many other rivers and creeks joining the main river. The park has one of the highest levels of rainfall in the country with an annual average precipitation of 6.500 mm. The abundant water reserves are used for energy generation and as water supply for a large part of the population.

“La Casa del Soñador” – House of the dreamer The “house of the dreamer” - “La Casa del Soñador”, is a wood and bamboo construction that served as home and workshop of the local woodcarver Macedonio Quesada who died in 1995. A selection of carving works of local artists is available for sale. Location: From Orosi continue to Cachí, “La Casa del Soñador” is located about 5km after crossing the Palomo river.

Turrialba Volcano National Park This volcano has been inactive for 143 years and visitors were able to descend into the crater. During the past few years, the activity increased signiﬁ cantly and incidents of acid rain damaging the surroundings and the nearby potato and carrot plantations has been reported. Therefore, access has been restricted and the crater remains closed to the public.

Guayabo National Monument Costa Rica’s most important archaelogical excavation site protects 218 hectares and has been discovered approximately one hundred years ago. Supposedly, 10.000 people lived around 800 AD in this important religious, political and cultural center.

Viborana Snake Farm Viborana features an extensive collection of snakes native to Costa Rica. Viborana is located in Pavones de Turrialba, on the way to Siquirres.

La Cangreja National Park At the end of the 19th century, Puriscal was described as a true “Garden of Eden” for its fertile grounds. As result of a mismanagement of the land and other natural resources, the zone lost most of it. However, still part of that original Garden, now called “ La Cangreja National Park “. It is the remaining part of a virgin forest that extended all the way down to the southern Peninsula of Osa. The national park represents an important drinking water supply for nearby communities and serves as climate stabilizer. Northern Plains and Lowlands

Arenal National Park The most popular park of Costa Rica with the active Arenal Volcano as the main attraction. Arenal Volcano - soaring 1633 meters above sea level and active since 1968 - is among the 10 most active volcanoes worldwide. The lagoon located at the foot the volcano is of great scenic beauty is a water reservoir that generates 70% of the total electricity used in Costa Rica. There are many activities offered in the surroundings of the volcano.

Zona Protectora Arenal - Monteverde In 1972, two scientists and a resident Quaker created the Monteverde Protection Zone , because they were concerned about the impact of the the formation of settlements in the cloud forest. In 1975, a watershed reserve discovered in the 60’s by the Quakers was added. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited natural reserves of Costa Rica, being the Resplendent Quetzal, the holy bird of the Mayas, and many other birds the main attraction.

Butterﬂ y Garden Monteverde Teaches a lot about the transition process from the egg to the butterﬂ y. Excellent picture taking opportunities.

Monteverde Cheese Factory The Monteverde Cheese Factory produces and sells 14 types of cheese as well as fresh milk and “cajeta” (scrumptious milk fudge). C.A.S.E.M. is the local women’s arts and crafts cooperative selling gorgeous embroi- dered and hand-painted clothing, other souvenirs and crafts portraying quetzals, golden toads and more cloud forest ﬂ ora and fauna.

Frog Pond Monteverde The most recent Monteverde attraction with an exhibition of over 20 species of frogs, toads and other amphibians in separate terrariums simulating the natural habitat.

Monteverde Music Festival A festival held in January and February which became one of the best in Central America. Consists of classical, jazz and latin music presentations taking place at Monteverde Institute.

Selvatura Hanging Bridges Monteverde The famous walkways leading over the tree tops, aprox. 8km outside the center of Monteverde.

100% Aventura Adventure Park Located just outside Monteverde in pure nature, this special place features various activities such as canopy tour, hanging bridges, tree climbing, ATV Tour, horseback riding.

Hummingbird Gallery Near the entrance to the Monteverde Reserve with feeders attracting various species of hummingbirds. Great opportunities for photographers.

Orchid Garden The Orchid Garden is dedicated to the scientiﬁ c investigation of orchid plants in the Monteverde area, present- ing a collection of over 400 species.

Snake Museum Features a collection of about 20 living snakes and lizzards.

Refugio Vida Silvestre Caño Negro Caño Negro is a natural fl ooding area consisting of lakes and marshes representing home to many different species, particularly birds. During dry season, the area is reduced to little lagoons, channels and shores inhab- ited by a variety of birds such as cattle egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, and the country’s largest cor- morant colony. The rivers shelter tortoises, caimans and about 30 species of fi sh including the gar, considered a living fossil. Ecocentro Danaus This place teaches is a reforestation project with of over 30 species of butterfl ies. Additionally, it presents small poisonous frogs and more over 300 species of tropical plants such as orchids, ornamental and medical varieties , traditional and organic cultivations, and a nursery of native tree species.

La Fortuna Waterfall A few meters after passing the entrance opens the spectacular view to the 38 meters long and narrow waterfall. A steep downhill trail leads across the forest to a small, refreshing lagoon.

Lake Arenal An extensive artiﬁ cial lake surrounded by a picturesque scenery of jungle and rolling hills. The area is loadad with spiritual energy and is predestinated forhikes, horseback riding or just relaxing at the hotel. The northern part of the lake is famous for the strong winds attracting windsurfers from all over the world. The active Arenal Volcano is located on the southern tip of the lake, on clear days it can be appreciated even from a large dis- tance.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is located in the northern plains of Costa Rica, on the Sarapiquí River banks. Please do not mistake this place with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca which is located on the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is a typical village, where people mainly make their living from agriculture and tourism. The place became important as departure point for boat trips on Sarapiquí and San Juan River. Some international research projects are located nearby, e.g. La Selva Biological Station. The area is excellent for birdwatching and the hotels offer many other activities.

Heliconia Island This botanical garden features over 70 species and varieties of Heliconias ﬂ owering throughout the year. In addition to the native species the garden presentsan extraordinary collection of species from around the world. Many of the 400 species of birds of the Sarapiquí tropical lowland forest are present at the garden. It is located about 8km from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in direction of Horquetas/Guápiles. Turn right at the sign to Mortero/ Finca La Chaves. Then follow the “Isla de las Heliconias” signs on the turnoff to the right.

El Bejuco Biological Station El Bejuco Biological Station has an extension of approx. 30 hectares of tropical rainforest, two thirds of it primary forest.. An excellent place to experience the tropical rainforests of the lower North Atlantic region and to learn about its very diverse ﬂ ora and fauna and the rural culture. El Bejuco is located in Chilamate, between Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí and La Virgen de Sarapiquí.

La Selva Biological Station La Selva features the biodiversity of a tropical lowland rainforest. The extensive trails and large forest reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park make La Selva one of the world’s most important sites for the research of tropical ecosystems. Every year, more than 250 scientists from some 25 countries and thousands of international students study the tropical ecosystem. La Selva includes 1.513 hectares of primary and secondary tropical wet forests. The diversity of species is is just spectacular, including 1.900 species of plants, 330 species of trees, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are seen frequently. Take the road from Puerto Viejo to Horquetas / Guápiles. After about 3km you turn off to La Selva and continue for about 2km on a dirt road. Guided hikes are offered at 8am and 1.30pm daily. Unguided hiking is not permitted.

Hacienda Pozo Azul Dairy Farm and Horse Ranch Hacienda Pozo Azul is an interesting family project right in La Virgen de Sarapiquí. The 300ha ﬁ nca features the most innovative dairy farm in Costa Rica. 1-hour family tours and 2-hour expert tours are offered to give visitors an idea of how technology helps ﬁ nding a way to a more ecological agriculture. Horseback tours allow the exploration of the property’s primary and secondary forest, topped off by a refreshment pause at beautiful waterfalls. Besides, they offer a canopy tour with a double safety cable as well as rappel and bike tours. Between San Miguel and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in the village of La Virgen de Sarapiquí, just follow for the signs.

Museum “Jewels of the Rainforest” at Hotel La Quinta de Sarapiquí Appreciate the combination of art and science in an exhibition of thousands of insects from all over the world, among which multicolored butterﬂ ies, gold and silver-coloured beetles and other fascinating rainforest crea- tures. North Paciﬁ c

Guanacaste National Park Guanacaste National Park and Santa Rosa Park form a 85,000-hectare megapark provididing shelter to gto a wide variety of migrating animals. Besides, it protects the last few stands of tropical dry forest, which used to stretch the lenght of the Paciﬁ c coast all the way from Mexico and which has practically disappeared. The area is of great scenic beauty, featuring volcanoes, raging rivers, heavy rains and winds as, and impressive views.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park Rincon de la Vieja National Park was created in 1973 with the aim to protect ﬂ ora and fauna and watersheds around the volcano. It stands at 1895 meters above sea level and has an active crater emitting steam and gases of magmatic origin. A particularly interesting place to visit is the Sendero Las Pailas trail with geysers and bub- bling mud holes. Another attraction of this park is a group of 4 waterfalls.

Santa Rosa National Park This park protects historical sites and tropical dry forest. Here, the Santa Rosa battle took place when a group of ﬁ libusteres commanded by William Walker intented to conquer Central America, entering Costa Rica from Nicaragua. Costa Rican troops defended their country’s independence during the 1856 battle 1856at Santa Rosa ranch. The park protects a wide variety of animals, some of them endangered. At Nancite beach - together with Ostional –arrive the largest number of Olive Ridley sea turtles for nesting in all Tropical America.

La Casona de Santa Rosa La Casona - the main building of Hacienda Santa Rosa - is a historical museumremembering the “Batalla de Santa Rosa” fought here in 1856 between a Costarrican army of volunteers and the North American ﬁ libuster troops William Walker resulting in the the victory of the Costarricans. After illegal hunters incinerated La Casona in May 2001, authorities fully reconstructed it and reinaugurated the building in March 2002.

Zona Protectora Miravalles Miravalles Volcano - the highest peak of the volcanic Guanacaste Range - soars 2026 meters above sea level. The summit is usually hidden in thick clouds and dense rainfall. Due to its sulfuric activity - evidenced by bub- bling mud holes and vents that expel gases and hot steam - the state energy agency ICE ICE) converts the volcano’s geothermal energy into electric.

Tenorio National Park The recently created park consists of four volcanic peaks and two craters. Its area is covered with well-preserved primary forest, which gives shelter to a great variety of mammals. An example is the the endangered tapir that lives here in a respectable population. One of the main attractions is the Rio Celeste river (“light blue river”) that turns literally blue due to the volcanic emanation of sulfur and the precipitation of calcium carbonate.

Palo Verde National Park Palo Verde National Park includes 13,000 hectares of marshes, ﬂ oodplains, lagoons, meandering channels, and pools in the lower basin of the Tempisque and Bebedero rivers. The marshy lagoons provides feeding, nesting and rest sites for a great variety of birds particularly in dry season, some of them endangered species such as the Jabiru.

Las Baulas National Park This park was created to protect endangered wildlife, especially the Giant Leatherback turtle, the largest sea turtle worldwide. This turtle - measuring up to 2,5 meters and weighing around 700 kilos - comes ashore for nesting from November to April.

El Mundo de la Tortuga The museum at the main entrance of Playa Grande providing an excellent educational experience for anyone interested in learning about sea turtles.

Guaitíl A small village famous for its pottery works made of local clay. Many artisan families are descendants of the Chorotega Indians and use natural colours for their attractive pots, which are available in many different sizes and shapes. From Tamarindo drive to Santa Cruz. Shortly before reaching Santa Cruz follow the signs to Santa Bárbara/Guaitíl to the left. Diriá National Park This area was declared National Park in 2004 mainly to protect, restore and manage the the remaining forests and local watersheds. Its lowlands include the remains of tropical dry forest. Wildlife is rather scarce due to human intervention in the past.

Flights with ultra light gliders Flying Crocodile Lodge offers exciting ultra light ﬂ ights over the surroundings of Sámara / Nosara.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ostional This refuge was created to protect important nesting sites of sea turtles, especially the Paciﬁ c Ridley and Leatherback species. Following Nancite beach, this area was deisgnated the second most important hatchery of sea turtles worldwide. They take over the beach in large arribadas (arrivals) that last 4-8 days mainly in rainy season.

Biological Reserve Nosara This private nature reserve of about 125 acres belongs to Lagarta Lodge. It includesmangroves and humid forest and is situated along the Nosara River. In this area, many different birds, such as seabirds, herons, wad- ers, toucans, motmots, manikins etc. can be found, altogether more than 170 species. Other animals, such as monkeys, coatis, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, anteaters, crabs, reptiles, etc. can also be observed.

Barra Honda National Park The main attraction of this park is an extensive limestone cavern network. 42 caves are discovered, but only 2 are open to the public. They are all well preserved since the access to their vertical entrances is difﬁ cult. The Terciopelo cave is one of the largest and most beautiful ones, with a large number of stalactite and stalagmite formations and other capricious forms and ﬁ gures.

Central Paciﬁ c

Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco Cabo Blanco is the oldest wilderness protection area of Costa Rica. It was created in 1963. Cabo Blanco mainly protects colonies of seabirds and bits of rainforest. The largest colony of brown boobies (seabird) lives here with approximately 500 couples. The waterways, consisting of short, steep and very rocky rivers, providing fresh water even during the severe dry season rarely found in this region. It gives a lesson on the importance of protecting natural resources in order to assure a constant water supply.

Carara National Park This small reserve is lcoated near Orotina in the lower Tarcoles River basin. Its transition forest is home to many different species of animals and plants. Carara is one of the most important nesting sites for the Scarlet Macaw. Before dusk, they can be seen returning to their roosts in the mangroves.

Crodile watching from Tarcoles River brigde About 500m from the entrance to Carara National Park a bridge crosses árcoles River. From this bridge, huge crocodiles can easily be observed as they take a sunbath on the river shores. Be aware: Do not leave your car unattended or unlocked, there have been thefts reported.

TuRuBaRi Tropical Park 20 minutes from Orotina, close to the Carara National Park. Offering Canopy Tour, A Unique Sensational Cable, Horseback riding, Bird observation, Bromelias, Butterﬂ y House, Cactus, Palmtree and Orquideas, Labyrinth and much more

Manuel Antonio National Park This popular National Park features white-sandy beaches, cliffs, points, rivers, rainforests, and a variety of wildlife such as white faced capuchins, howler monkeys and the endangered squirrel monkey. A typical species is the bright coloured mouth less crab that migrates to the beach at the beginning of the rainy season. The islands and islets just offshore provide an important refuge for seabirds.

Hacienda Barú Hacienda Barú is a National Wildlife Refuge with 330 hectares of diverse tropical habitat, such as seashores, riverbanks, mangrove estuary, swamp forest, secondary and primary tropical wet forest. Over 320 species of birds and 105 species of mammals have been identiﬁ ed there. There are 3 km of walking trails, a bird observation tower, and two kilometers of isolated pristine beach for your enjoyment. Reserva Vida Silvestre Barú Despite its limited surface, 212 species of birds have been identiﬁ ed, equivalent to about 25% of all species in Costa Rica. Therefore, t is a perfect birdwatching spot. From May to November, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles come ashore for nesting on theextensive Baru Beach.

South Paciﬁ c

Humedal Terraba-Sierpe Near the sea, the Terraba and the Sierpe Rivers form a network of channels and islets of great scenic beauty, composed mainly of thick mangrove swamps. This area protects a large number of birds, snakes and mammals that can be easily seen thanks to the navigable channels.

Isla del Caño Caño Island is located 16.5 km off the western coast of Osa Peninsula in the Paciﬁ c Ocean. The waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkeling and teem with many species of ﬁ sh. Around the island, some marine mammals can be observed, such as common dolphins, bottle-nosed dolphins and humpback whales. The existence of stone spheres, tombs with stone statues, golden votive offerings and ceramics suggest that the island was a Pre-Columbian graveyard for dignitaries.

Corcovado National Park National Geographic named it “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. It extends over the western sector of the Osa Peninsula and protects a variety of habitats such as shallow lagoons, marshes, mangrove swamps, rivers, rainforest, lowland cloud forest, and sandy coasts. They provide shelter to many endangered species such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, giant anteaters and scarlet macawsamong others.

Piedras Blancas National Park Piedras Blancas National Park protects one of the few remaining lowland rainforests and the Esquinas River basin. Piedras Blancas Nationalpark was created thanks to the common efforts of the Austrian people and Cos- tarican authorities. Generous private donations from Austria supporting the “Rainforest of the Austrians’ project enabled the acquisition and protection of large rainforest areas.

La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Reserve This park represents Costa Rica’smost extensive wilderness area, covering almost 200,000 hectares of para- mo, rainforest, and cloud forest. The park protects abundant fl ora and fauna and watersheds of signifi cant rivers. The wildlife is very rich including the jaguar or the tapir. La Amistad International Park continues in Panama and is part of the Unesco Amistad Biosphere Reserve together with Chiripó National Park, Las Tablas, Hitoy Cerere, and fi ve indigenous reserves.

Chirripó National Park The difference in altitude - ranging from 1400 m to 3819 m above sea level - - as well as a variety of climate zones and soil types create the largest ecological diversity in the country. About 400 species of birds and 260 amphibians have been identiﬁ ed. The “park of eternal waters” features many sites of great beauty, such as the Chirripó peak surrounded by lakes of glacial origin and the imposing crags known as crestones. Caribbean

Hitoy Cerere National Park Located south of Limon, it is composed of very moist evergreen forests and many rushing rivers, such as the “Hitoy” meaning “woolly” referring to the moss that covers everything in this park and the “Cerere” meaning “clear”. The park is part of the Talamanca Mountain Range. Being a hot an humid habitat, it is the home of snakes, frogs, butterﬂ ies.

Barbilla National Park This park protects a region untouched by humans. The difﬁ cult access to the area conserved its natural state. It is part of UNESCO Amistad Biosphere Reserve declared a world heritage site. One of the few places in Costa Rica featuring all 5 feline species.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo This wildlife reserve is ecologically signiﬁ cant because it protects the only intact mangrove swamp on Costa Rica’s Atlantic coast. Besides, its primary lowland rainforest is the only one in the region. The Refugio Gandoca Manzanillo is the nesting area for several species of sea turtles and a good spot for dolphin observation.

Cahuita National Park This area protects one of the most developed coral reefs of the Caribbean coast and one of the most important in Costa Rica as well as a small swamp forest and magniﬁ cent white-sandy beaches. The reef extends 240 hectares around Cahuita Point, endangered by the accumulation of silt and other sediments. In 1991, a very intensive earthquake elevated the Caribbean Coast. The reef suffered severe damages when part of the corals died off as a consequence of being exposed.

Aviarios del Caríbe Aviarios del Caríbe is a Wildlife Sanctuary situated Estrella River delta. Guided tours are offered in fi berglass canoes on the natural, small Estrella River lagoons surrounding the small peninsula. Individual strolls in the abundant tropical vegetation are possible as well. With a bit of luck you can see sloths, many species of birds (312 identifi ed), caymans, otters, monkeys, turtles, and uncountable butterfl ies.

Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero is an inﬁ nite system of channels, waterways, lagoons, and small lagoons fed by rivers originating in the rainy Central Mountain Range and the area’s torrential rainfalls. There is no access by car, boat and plane are the only means of transport. Linear dark-sandy shores and ideal ﬂ ow conditions of the sea make Tortuguero a preferred nesting spot for sea turtles. Actually, it is the most important Green Turtle hatchery of the Western Caribbean region. Usually, nesting season is from July to October.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado Barra del Colorado is located North of Tortuguero National Park, bordering with Nicaragua. As Tortuguero, the reesrve consists of channels, lagoons, rivers, river islands, forests, marshes, and small hills. Besides, Barra del Colorado is a well-known ﬁ shing spot , particularly for tarponss. History of Costa Rica

1502 Christopher Columbus lands during his last and fourth journey on the Caribbean Coast close to what nowadays is Limón. He calls the country Costa Rica. (=rich coast)

1540 Costa Rica is pronounced Spanish province and is placed under the Captaincy of Guatemala.

1563 Foundation of Cartago. The city remains capital of Costa Rica until 1823.

1723 An eruption of Irazú Volcano destroys Cartago.

1737 The construction of a church dedicated to the Patron Joseph (San José) in Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte is the decisive factor for the development of the later capital.

1805 The coffee plant is introduced in Costa Rica.

1820 FIrst Coffee-Exports: In the harbour of Puntarenas 92 kilograms of coffee are shipped to Panamá.

15 September 1821 The spanish Captaincy of Guatemala declares itself and ist provinces independent from Spain and joins the new empire of Mexico.

1823 The capital changes from Cartago to San José after a civil war between the republicans (San José and Alajuela) and the adherers of the alliance with Mexico (Heredia and Cartago).

1823 The mexican emperor is dispossessed and Guatemala proclaims the foundation of the Centralamerican Confederation for itself and the provinces.

1824 Nicoya adheres as the province of Guanacaste to Costa Rica.

1825 The state of Costa Rica proclaims its ﬁ rst Constitution.

1838 Costa Rica retires from the Centralamerican Confederation and gets its full independence.

1848 A new Constitution deﬁ nes Costa Rica as an independent Republic.

1856 In the Battle of Santa Rosa a voluntary Costa Rican army defeat an invading group of soldiers led by the Northamerican William Walker, and force them to return to Nicaragua.

1870 Costa Rica gets a new Constitution

1880 The ﬁ rst banana exports leave Costa Rica.

1890 Inauguration of the train from the Central Valley to the Caribbean Coast. 1900 A population explosion ends the underpopulation in Costa Rica.

1929/1930 The World economic crisis causes multiple ﬁ nancial collapses and strong political and social tension.

1940 Declaration of war on Germany and expulsion of the Germans.

1943 Creation of the Social Security and the Pension Fund as well as the introduction of the labor legislation.

1948 Abolition of the Army after a short civil war. Foundation of the power supply company. Voting right for women, black and indians. Creation of a new constitution that is in effect until today.

1963 Eruption of Irazú Volcano. Visit of the President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy.

1983 First Costarican in Space, Franklin Chang Díaz.

1983 Visit of Pope John Paul the II

1987 Peace Nobel Price for Oscar Arias Sanchez for his mediation in Nicaragua’s civil war and the creation of the Centralamerican Parlament.

1989 Costa Rica celebrates 100 years democracy.

1990 Costa Rica’s ﬁ rst participation in a Football World Cup

1991 Strong Earthquake in Limón.

1996 Claudia Poll wins the ﬁ rst Olympic Gold Medal for Costa Rica in Swimming. Recipes

In this section, we would like to present some of the most important typical dishes of Costa Rica.

Gallo Pinto

Probably THE most traditional dish, served for breakfast. The literal interpretation is “colorful rooster”.

3 cups of cooked white rice 2 cups of freshly cooked black beans (frijoles) 2 tablespoons of onion, fi nely chopped 1 tablespoon of bell pepper, fi nely chopped 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander, fi nely chopped 2 tablespoons of oil 1/2 tablespoon of Worchester Sauce or Salsa Lizano

Saute onions and bell peppers in oil until soft. Add the beans and cook for two more minutes. Add the rice and stir. Add the sauce and the coriander and stri well. Serve with sour cream on top and eggs. Serves 6

Sopa Negra (Black bean soup)

2 cups of black beans 6 cups of water 2 tablespoons of onion, ﬁ nely chopped 2 cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander, ﬁ nely chopped 4 hard-boiled eggs 1 tablespoon of Worchester Sauce

Cook the black beans in salted water together with the coriander, onions and garlic until soft. (40 minutes in a pressure cooker). Strain and set broth aside. Blend 1 cup of beans and mix with the broth. Add the Worchester Sauce and the remaing beans and boil. Garnish with the minced hard-boiled eggs. Serves 6

Arroz con pollo

1 chicken 3 cups of rice 2 tablespoons of onion, ﬁ nely chopped 1 tablespoon of bell pepper, ﬁ nely chopped 1/2 cup of peas 1/2 cup of carrots, diced 1/2 cup of coooked string beans, sliced 2 tablespoons of raisins 1/4 teaspoon of achiote 2 teaspoons of Worchester Sauce 2 tablespoons of oil salt to taste Coriander leaves

Cook chicken with half of the onion and half of the the bell pepper, salt, and 4 cups of water until tender. Let cool. Strain the broth and add water. Discard the bones and shred the chicken. In a large pot, heat oil with achiote and saute the remaining onion and the bell pepper. Add the rice, vegetables, chicken broth and shredded chicken. Cook until the rice is done and add the raisins. Garnish with the coriander leaves. Serves 8 Picadillo de Papa

1/2 kg potatoes, peeled and diced 1/4 kg pork sausage, peeled 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander, ﬁ nely chopped 1/2 teaspoon of Worchester Sauce 1/4 cup of water

Saute sausage over medium heat, then crumble and drain on paper towel. Return to pan, add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and cook until potatoes are done. Serve with tortillas. Serves 8

Flan de Coco

1 can of condensed milk 1 can of evaporated milk 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup of milk 1/2 cup of fresh coconut, shredded 6 eggs

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pour mixure in a caramelized dish and bake in a double boiler at 180 de- grees Celsius until knife comes out clean. Let cool. Run knife around the edge of the dish to separate it from the sides. Refrigerate. Serves 12 Interesting facts

Did you know that….

Interesting Facts

Did you know that….

….Costa Rica represents only 0.03 % of the world’s surface but features 4% of the world’s biodiversity?

.....there are more than 850 species of birds in Costa Rica and over 12000 different butterﬂ ies, more than the African continent?

.....Costa Rica is part of a landbridge between North and Southamerica and many animals encounter here and that is one if the reasons for the impressive biodiversity?

….the soil in the rainforest is not fertile at all and the humus layer is very thin?

…. the primary forest is very easily accessed and there is almost no understory? The trees in the primary forest are very high and dense, the sunlight hardly comes through to the ground and that is why so little plants grow underneath.

…. you can recognize a secondary forest because of its dense almost impenetrable undestory?

…. you can ﬁ nd many parasites and algaes that live in the sloth’s fur and that helps him camouﬂ age?

.... over 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected?

.... Poás Volcano has the second largest crater of the world ?

.... Coco’s Island - UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Costa Rica’s National Parks is the largest uninhabited island of the World?

.... Costa Rica has multiple national symbols? The National Bird is the Yigüirro (Turdus grayii), an un- imposing brown thrush. The National Tree is the Guanacaste, a big mimosa kind tree. The National Flower is the Guaria Morada, a purple orchid.

.... Oscar Arias, the country’s President from 1986-1990 and 2006-2010, won the Peace Nobel Price in 1987?

.... Costa Rica was the ﬁ rst country worldwide to abolish the military in 1948?

.... Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latinamerica?

.... Costa Rica is also called the “Switzerland of Centralamerica”, not only because of its mountains but also because of its relative wealth and the neutrality?

.... in Costa Rica there are no street names nor house numbers and that an adress can be as long as ten lines?

.... Costa Rica declared war on Germany during World War II?

.... Costa Rica’s currency the “Colón” is named after Christopher Columbus?

.... Costa Rica has the lowest illiteracy rate of Latinamerica?

.... the former dreaded prison of San José is nowadays the Children’s Museum? Cultural Events and Folk Festivals

January New Year January 01. Mainly in the surroundings of Zapote in San José, there is a extensive fairground with traditional bullfi ghting and food stands, plenty of fi reworks, and music. Copa del Café Mid January. International tennis tournament at the Costa Rica Country Club. Folkfestival in Palmares Mid January. The second most visited folk festival after Zapote. Fairground with bullfi ghting, carnival, music and dancing. Folkfestival in Alajuelita Mid January. Ox cart procession and visit of the iron cross. Folkfestival in Santa Cruz Mid January. Dancing, Marimba and Bullfi ghting.

February Folkfestival in San Isidro del General First week in February. Cattle, agricultural, and industry exhibition, as well as a fl ower fair and bullfi ghting. Fiesta de los Diablitos This unique feast takes place in the last week of February in the indigenous town of Boruca de Rey Curre, South of San Isidro del General. It represents the fi ght between the Spaniards (bull) and the Indians (dressed up as little devils). The performance is very colorful with dancing, fi reworks, masks and wooden garments. Stands with typical handycrafts. Carnival in Puntarenas This event takes place in the last week of February with many parades and festivities. CENAC Festival Mid February. This event takes place at the National Culture Center in San José and features plays, movies, and storytellers. Folkfestival in Liberia Late February. In Liberia - the capital of Guanacaste province - you can enjoy this celebration music, concerts and mainly folcloric activities and traditions. Monteverde Music Festival Well-known music festival in the cloud forest.

March Ox Cart Day This traditional parade takes place in Escazú the second Sunday of March and over 150 oxcarts partcipate. National Orchid Exhibition This colorful exhibition takes place Mid March and presents over 500 local and foreign species. San José Day March 19. Religious Celebration in all the towns with this name. Ujarras Mid March. Religious procession from Cartago to Ujarras, to the ruins of the ﬁ rst church in Costa Rica.

April Easter Week (varies) Costa Ricans take Easter Week very seriously but not necessarily in the religious sense. Many families spend their Easter Holidays outside San José. The more conservative population celebrates with religious processions. Juan Santamaria Day April 11. Juan Santamaria is the national hero of Costa Rica, he sacriﬁ ed his life while defending the country against the ﬁ libusters in 1856. University Week at University of Costa Rica In the last week in April there are a lot of exhibitions, live music and parades at the University of Costa Rica.

May Labour Day May 01. There are some parades in the streets and the President helds his traditional speech where he informs about the state of the nation. Folkfestival in Limón May 01. The ﬁ estas in Limón include cricket games, dancing, games and family picnics. Handicraft exhibition First week of May. A large handicraft exhibition in San José where you can buy local handicrafts at fair prices. San Isidro Labrador Day May 15. Folkfestival in all towns named after the patron saint of farmers. Blessings of animals and harvest as well as processions and celebrations take place. San Juan Day May 17. This day is celebrated with a half marathon from Cartago to San José. Corpus Cristi May 29. Religious celebrations.

June San Pedro y San Pablo June 29. Religious Celebration to honour Saint Peter and Paul.

July

Virgen del Mar Day Mid July. On the Saturday closest to July 16 in Puntarenas. Celebration consist mainly of a boat parade off the shore of Puntarenas. All boats are decorated in many colors and one carries the image of the patron saint of Puntarenas, the virgin of Monte Carmelo. There are also Masses, concerts, dances and ﬁ rework.

Annexation of Guanacaste July 25. Costa Ricans celebrate the day when Guanacaste province preferred their nation over neighboring Nicaragua in 1824. Main celebrations are in Liberia, the capital of the province with bullﬁ ghting, parades and typical food.

Mango Festival Mid July. Alajuela is called the city of mangoes and the town celebrates this with parades, music and lots of mango refreshments.

August

Virgen de los Angeles Day August 02. Costa Rica’s most important religious celebration. Pilgrims from all over the country and even from Nicaragua walk to the Los Angeles Basilica of Cartago to honour la Negrita - Costa Rica’s black virgin - the country’s patron.

Mother’s Day August 15. In Costa Rica, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 15.

San Ramón Day August 30. Parades, music and dancing welcoming the 30 saints of nearby towns that come to honour the patron saint of San Ramón.

September

Independence Day September 15. Remembering the events of 1821, the independence torch arrives the day before from Nicara- gua and is brought in a torch relay to Cartago where it arrives on September 15 at 6.00 p.m. At that time, the whole country stops to sing the National Anthem. In the evening of September 14, lantern parades for children are organized around the country. October

San Isidro Day October 09. This celebration is to commemorate this important agricultural town

Puerto Viejo Carnival Early to Mid October. Seven days of Caribbean parties with live music, dancing, parades and a Mardi Gras style ambiance.

Culture Day (former Columbus Day) October 12. There is a huge carnival in Limón with lots of dancing, parades and concerts

Virgin of Pilar Day October 12. Festivity to honor the virgin of Pilar, the patron saint of Tres Rios.

Corn Festival October 12 in Upala. A parade with dresses made of corn and the crowning of the Corn Queen are part of this traditional celebration

November

All Soul’s Day November 02. The families bring their loved ones ﬂ owers to the cemetery

Coffee picking contest Mid November. Central Valley. This event is celebrated with music and dancing.

Oxcart Parade Late November, San José. This parade takes place in San José and honours Costa Rica’s long oxcart and agricultural tradition

December

Christmas Festivities Early December. Although Costa Ricans decorate their homes very early on, the real Christmas Celebrations start in December. The tamales (a typical dish made of corn ﬂ our, meat and different vegetables wrapped in banana leaves) are prepared following old family recipes. Each family gathers to prepare them and everyone helps, from grandma to the youngest child. Normally it is a big event. Tamales are also exchanged between families. The nativity set should not lack in any house. Besides the ﬁ gures of Maria, Joseph, the sheperds etc. there are also planes, cars, elephants, and anything found in the house. Imagination has no limits while making the nativity set. The Jesus Baby is put on his crib on December 24.

Los Negritos December 08. Boruca. A combination of traditional indigenous festivities and catholic rites. This day honours the virgin of the Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception 8 December. This day is celebrated with ﬁ reworks around the country Fiesta de la Yeguita December 12, Liberia. The main activity on this day is the parade to honour the virgin of Guadalupe. The traditional music, dancing and ﬁ rework are not missing

Christmas Eve / Christmas December 24/25. Traditionally, dinner on the 24th is at midnight, to welcome Jesus. Midnight Masses are celebrated

Tope December 26, San José. Well-known horse parade crossing the center of San José with well-trained horses showing their amazing foot work.

Carnival December 27, San José. Large carnival with large ﬂ oats, live music and a very happy atmosphere leads through the center of the city.

Zapote Fiestas Late December. The Zapote fairgrounds convert a tranquil farmers market into an amusement park offering food, megabars, bullﬁ ghting and lots of distraction Animal Listing

In the following, you will ﬁ nd a listing of the most commonly seen animals in Costa Rica. The list is not exhaustive but should to help recognizing some of the animals to be observed in Costa Rica. Mammals

Howler monkey Capuchin monkey The howler monkey is very Is also fairly common common and can be seen throughout the country and thoroughout the country, can be seen in groups. normally in groups. The name comes from the very loud and far-reaching sounds the males produce to mark their territories.

Spider monkey Squirrel monkey This monkey is less The smallest and least common, mostly in large common of Costa Rica. forest areas. They are very Can only be found on the agile moving quickly from Central Paciﬁ c (Manuel tree to tree with their long Antonio) and South Paciﬁ c arms, legs and prehensile Coast. Because their tail. habitat is vanishing, their status is vulnerable

Agouti Armadillo Small, fairly common There are 2 species, the brown rodent that can be most common is the nine- seen in the brush while banded armadillo. They searching for food. are fairly common but nocturnal. They live in burrows and are mainly carnivorous.

Peccary Coati There are 2 species in They are quite common in Costa Rica: the collared the whole country and can and the white-lipped be found in large groups. peccary. They live in Their long snout and the groups and are diurnal. annulated long tail are They mark their territory characteristic. The tail is with a very strong smelling often held erect to keep secretion of their back troops of coatis together gland. Sloth Anteater There are 2 species: the They live on trees and two-toed and the three- feed from insects, mainly toed sloth. They are termites and ants. Their solitary and mainly sit on strong claws break open trees hanging upside down the insects nest and lick from a branch up the insects with its long tongue. . Raccoon Opossum Very adaptable Nocturnal, solitary omnivorous animals. and good climbers for Therefore, they can be their prehensile tail. found near garbage bins Nevertheless, they and human settlements spend most of the time for fi nding food. on the ground. They are omnivorous and can often be observed near residential areas, where they fi nd aliments. Skunk Porcupine Mainly nocturnal and These animals normally wellknown for their stay high up in the defense behavior. trees. They are slow but However, the spraying of confi dent climbers. They the anal gland secretion are mainly nocturnal and is is only a defense sleep during the day they measure. The fur color in dense vegetation or should be enough warning treeholes. for possible attackers. Coyote Tapir Can be found in pairs, Usually nocturnal and families or prowling alone. solitary, during the day They feed on carrion but hiding in the thicket. They also hunt their prey. are excellent swimmers and like to nuzzle in the mud. They are very shy, in case of threats they retreat to the water. They eat leaves, fruits and branches. Dolphin Humpback whale There are many species They spend the winter of dolphins in Costa Rica, months in tropical waters, the most common the where they mate and bottle nosed and the spin- give birth to their calves. ner dolphin. They are very When migrating between playful and can be easily summer and winter seen, mainly when travel- quarters they travel ling by boat. thousands of kilometres

Bats Wildcats There are more than 100 There are 6 species of species of bats in Costa wildcats in Costa Rica, Rica and only 3 of them all of them quiet difﬁ cult are vampires that feed on to observe. Because of other animals’ blood. Bats the ever shrinking habitat play an important role in they are threatened. the spreading of trees and in insect control. .

Otter White tailed deer These playful animals One of the most common can be primarily seen on deer species, generally riverbanks, where they rather a solitary than a swim or sunbath. They herd animal. They have are very agile swimmers numerous enemies : Besides the humans, pumas, cojotes, and jaguars. Reptilien

Crocodile Cayman The American Crocodile He is smaller than the can reach up to 7 meters. crocodile and has a They dig holes in the shorter snout and a wider sandy shores and guard head. The cayman is the nest until hatching. more common than the Then, they carry the pups crocodile into the water. Crocodiles can also be found in the ocean. Iguana Basilisks There is a green and There are 3 species in a black variety. They Costa Rica: the plumed, can often be seen on the common and the trees. Their meat is very striped basilisk. As they appreciated by locals. are able to run short Because it tastes similar distances over the water, as chicken, iguanas are they are referred to as often called tree chicken Jesus Christ Lizard.

River turtle Sea Turtles There are different 6 species in Costa Rica, species in Costa Rica and the largest one is the they can be seen mainly leatherback turtle, which sunbathing on fallen tree can reach up to 2 meters. branches in the water. Other species are the green turtle, the Hawksbill and the Olive Ridley turtle among others. .

Snakes Small lizards/Geckos There are over 130 snake These likeable animals species in Costa Rica, are often seen on walls only 18 venomous. A and ceilings. They are commonly seen species completely inoffensive is the boa, a constrictor and feed on insects such snake, often kept as a pet as mosquitos. Amphibians

Red-eyed Treefrog Poison dart frog (red- These frogs are rarely blue) seen during the day, This tiny frog is commonly when they sleep well seen in rainforests. Its camouﬂ aged under a leaf. bright red is a warning for They are nocturnal and his enemies. Poison dart there are several species, frogs excrete the poison the most attractive is the through skin glands red-eyed tree frog

Poison dart frog (black Cane toad -green) Females can reach up By transforming the to 22.5 centimeters and poison they ingest with weigh over 2 pounds; their aliments - poisonous males are normally ants - they produce their smaller. Against potential own poisonous secretion agressors or predators which they excrete they defend themselves through the skin. with venomous skin secretions.

Birds

Scarlet Macaw Egrets Macaws are monogamists In Costa Rica there are living in communities of up different egrets, the most to 20 individuals. At dawn, common is the cattle they leave the roost to egret, that feeds on ﬁ n d aliments and return insects that jump when at dusk. There are also the cattle moves. Green Macaws.

Toucan Quetzal There are 6 species in This animal was hunt by Costa Rica, the most the pre Columbian cultures spectacular is the rainbow for the splendid, long tail billed toucan with its feathers,. As the Aztecs colourful beak in Mexico worshipped Quetzals as a deity, they did not kill them.

Hummingbird Kingfi sher These tiny animals are There are 6 different well represented: there are species, these birds over 50 different species can be seen mainly on They spend almost all day riverbanks where theu looking for food to mantain hunt for fi shes. The the energy for their fast kingfi shers can dive quite wing beat (up to 80 beats profound per second). Travel the fl exible way! Just you, your 4-WD car and your FlexiVOUCHERS for an independent trip through Costa Rica!

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