Costa Rica, Pura Vida!!
It was an honor and a privilege to have the Tico/Tica team of Magdalena and Alex show me their beautiful land. Magdalena is a Costa Rica native and an expert on the flora, fauna, and people of this scenic and wonderful country. She is also an expert birder and knows the best locations to find the many spectacular species found in CR. The relationships she has developed over the years is instrumental in finding the best locations for birding habitat and the associated travel details, pathways and lodging.
Into the Cloud Forest
After a relaxing first night in San Jose, Alex drove us to the cloud forest at over 9,000 ft / 2,700 mts within the Los Quetzales National Park where lodged at Gema del Bosque, the “forest gem”—a perfect location to see the many birds of that lofty altitude.
In just a few minutes we were feeding Spotted Wood Quail by hand, photographing hummingbirds and enjoying the songs of these wild mountains.
That same day we had clear, close-up looks at the colorful and ornate Resplendent Quetzal and it was, indeed, very resplendent. We also walked the banks of the nearby Sevegre River where we spotted numerous warblers including the handsome Golden-winged Warbler, always a treat for those of us from the eastern USA.
An evening drive to the paramo zone at Calle de Muerte (peak of death!) above the cloud forest revealed the unique appearance of this highest elevation zone.
Turrialba and a Cultural Experience
The next day led us to lower elvations, warmer temps and Magadalenas’ and Alex’ hometown of Turrialba, where we saw an adorable, moving sight—a Three-toed Sloth, taking it’s time as they do, with a baby in tow! (pic).
After lunch next to the quaint Turrialba town square we also visited the nearby Nortico cacao farm and, after an informative tour led by our very own Alex, made our individual versions of chocolate. Don’t use too much salt! (pic).
So much more than a birding and photo tour, these kinds of interactions made the trip a true cultural experience.
Arenal Volcano and the Wildlife
Then it was on to one of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanic peaks, the Vulcan Arenal. It is also one CR’s most visited sights and a couple of days at the Arenal Lodge proved why.
We took walks along the many well-groomed trails and had leisurely looks at the well-attended feeders at the lodge. There were numerous types of birds and animals including close up looks at Coatimundi (pic) and Aguti plus many showy, large birds like male and female Great Curassow (pics), Crested Guan, and the omni-present Montezuma Oropendola (pic).
And monkeys!!
Spider Monkeys swung through the thick jungle and Howler Monkeys roared their unearthly call with prowess and volume that Tarzan can only dream of.
On our last night a special look at a Black and White Owl capped off a great visit to Arenal.
Restoring Nature
On our final day, we visited a re-worked patch of land that was previously a cattle farm. The owner (name) explained how he repurposed the land to an ecosystem more conducive to wildlife and the results were apparent.
The feeder area attracted toucans, a famous symbol of Central America, both Keel-billed and Yellow-breasted (pics) plus several other species including a good look at a Striped Owl.
Another sloth sighting with a dependent hanging on—this time a Two-toed sloth!
On the way out we had an were treated to a loud goodbye as three Scarlet Macaws screamed overhead.
A Journey to Remember
I am glad, Alex was the one driving back to San Jose that evening. It was a rainy, foggy drive through the mountains but he handled it with precision.
It was only a week but I will remember it for a lifetime.
It was a birding, photography, nature watching voyage but we met so many good folks and saw so much along the way. It was an immersive Costa Rica experience and only made possible by the extensive knowledge of our expert guide Magdalena.
If you ever get a chance to participate in any of her tours, in Costa Rica or internationally, you should jump on the opportunity.