By S. Herlihy
Costa Rica is Spanish for "Rich Coast." Costa Rica is a small independent nation located in
Central America. Costa Rica is notable for many reasons, including that fact that it has a vast ecological diversity. Costa Rica is home to many brightly colored species of butterflies, exotic birds, such as the famed quetzal, and rare flowers and plants. Visitors come from all over the world to see unique Costa Rican ecological treasures. There are three excellent places where they are often on display.
Manual Antonio National Park
The Costa Rican government has declared roughly 25 percent of the nation a national park under the supervision of the government. Visitors can visit many different Costa Rican national parks for a small entrance fee. Perhaps the best preserved is Manual Antonio National Park. Manual Antonio National Park is located in the southern part of Costa Rica. The park has several beaches that border the Pacific Ocean. Behind it lies an area of forested trails. Nearly three hundred bird species can be seen within the confines of the park. Such species include brightly colored hummingbirds, wild parrots, tanagers, antbirds, warblers, gleaners and grosbeaks. Unusual mammals can also be seen here such as squirrel monkeys, agoutis and sloths. Offshore whale sightings are not uncommon. Visitors can explore coral reefs and go snorkeling to view colorful tropical fish in their native habitat.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica is home to an enormous number of plants and animals. Costa Rica is also home to a large group of diverse environments as well. One of the most distinctive is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A cloud forest differs from a tropical rain forest because the cloud forest is located at a higher altitude. Monteverde is a reserved area administered by a non-profit foundation. Here you'll find many diverse species. One of the most sought after is the quetzal. A quetzal is a bird with bright plumage and a distinctive call. The area is also home to many different rare species such as the jaguar, ocelot, bellbird and umbrella bird. Visitors may walk through the forest with a guide who will provide them with information about local flora and fauna. One of the very best ways to see Monteverde is with a guided night tour. You can see nocturnal mammals and enjoy the numerous stars that appear overhead.
Tabacon
Costa Rica has several active volcanoes. One of the most spectacular is the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is located in the middle of the country. Arenal's periodic eruptions are very closely watched and have lent the surrounding area many attractions. Some of the most enjoyable are the hot springs at Tabacon. Tabacon is home to many pools filled with natural hot springs mineral water. Visitors can soak in numerous tubs, while enjoying the view of Costa Rican flowers, trembling hummingbirds and the nearby volcano. resorts offer visitors all kinds of spa treatments and special dinners. Visitors can also hike around the base of the volcano in order to see it closely.
About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
