Colorful Costa Rica

By Ecology.com

Overtly aware of the many Crayola-colored poisonous frogs crouched in the corners of the shed, I hopped on one foot trying on rubber boots until I finally found a pair that fit. The size of a thumbnail, these tiny creatures are actually only toxic if you ingest them, and I was not into kissing any frogs that day. But I could have: the dendrobatids were just adorable – and rare, as they’re critically endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.

EcoTourism Pioneer
The mere presence of these rainbow-splashed amphibians at Costa Rica’sSelva Verde Lodge testified to the measures this award-winning establishment has undertaken to protect and maintain this fragile ecosystem over the past three decades. Deep in the lowland rainforest two hours north of the capitol city of San Jose, Selva Verde Lodge is a true pioneer in the ecotourism business.

The Selva Biological Corridor preserves 500 acres of unique flora and fauna. Photo Betsy Crowfoot

At the time the lodge was founded, Costa Rica’s entire Atlantic coast to central valley was a sweeping expanse of rainforest. Now just a smattering of farms, reserves and plantations remain, supplying the needed swathes of natural habitat that allow wildlife to migrate and maintain optimal biodiversity. Selva Verde oversees a vital part of theSan Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor, and we had the opportunity to explore a portion of it on a naturalist-led hike when we arrived. Donning thick rubber boots (to protect us from stinging and biting creatures), we breathed in the fresh jungle air as we trekked over suspension bridges, along a rushing stream, and beneath the sigh of the canopy. Our guide pointed out the unique characteristics of nearly every living thing, and how it thrived amidst the roughly 500-acre Preservation Area. Sustainability

Sustainable tourism includes a chocolate tour where you make your own hot cocoa. Photo: Betsy Crowfoot

Primary to Selva Verde’s sustainability goal is maintaining a vibrant future, not only for the wildlife, but also for the people of the Sarapiqui region, so their programs incorporate adventures and education for visitors. Guests can enjoy the lowland jungle via horseback or zip line; raft the tumbling Sarapiqui River; or hike through a cacao plantation as we did – and make hot chocolate from scratch. In addition, resident naturalists are on site to lead talks on traditional curative uses of rainforest flora, conservation projects or wildlife. And wildlife abounds, from the miniscule poisonous frogs (and other non-toxic species) to monkeys, vipers and ants the size of walnuts. Relaxing at the pool, I stirred at the sound of a peculiar ‘Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!’ overhead and realized it was the awkward flight of the Toucan. Nearby, giant iguanas leapt from tree to tree. Selva Verde Lodge boasts refuge to ‘300-plus species of birds, 120 species of mammals, numerous amphibians and reptiles, and countless invertebrates’ all told.Swaying over the Sarapiqui River is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. Photo Betsy Crowfoot

The resort proves a tranquil destination for all ages and abilities. Accommodations are clustered in understated wooden structures connected by a series of covered walkways (which are peppered with giant water dispensers – to eliminate the use of plastic bottles). Wrap-around balconies hung with colorful hammocks allow for relaxing days; oversized screened windows let the cool air in at night – along with the boisterous calls of marauding howler monkeys. Selva Verde was awarded Costa Rica’sCertification for Sustainable Tourism(CST) for the implementation of water conservation and wastewater management systems, energy conservation, the use of biodegradable laundry and cleaning products and maintaining the grounds without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The lodge also controls excessive noise and light pollution to limit the effects on wildlife and the environment.

Read more about colorful Costa Rica on Ecology.com

Veranito?

What is "Veranito"?

During the rainy season an unusual and little known weather phenomenon known as Veranito occurs. Basically it is a break in the rainy season which typically occurs in July.

Flowers, trees and fruiting plants are in full bloom as a result of the rains that have gone before and of course these fruits and flowers attract the most abundant wildlife.

So if you're considering a wildlife / eco-holiday trip to Costa Rica......consider coming during "Veranito".

Even better hotel prices in July are at their lowest because it is the rainy season.

If you are planning a trip don't forget that Marina Villatoro offers our clients the very best discounted rates and a personalised service which is second to none. To contact Marina just click here

Vic Reeves's Heaven on Earth is Costa Rica

The comedian Vic Reeves describes his most memorable holiday: two weeks spent in the jungles of Costa Rica

" I had the most fabulous holiday in Costa Rica. It's the most amazing place to go if you're into wildlife: a real animal paradise.

My wife, Nancy, and I travelled to Corcovado National Park (http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/) for a couple of weeks, forgot about the world outside and lost ourselves, so to speak, in the jungle's rich and diverse animal and bird life.

We stayed at a rangers' station in the middle of the park, which you reach via a boat trip down a river and a jungle trail; there's nothing for a couple of hundred miles around.

Being plunged into this other world was such a revelation: every time I looked out of the window there was something to see – a tapir (a big, pig-like creature), a spider monkey, a hummingbird… and I'll never forget being woken at four in the morning by the howler monkeys… boy, can they howl.

And strange as it may sound, the three hours I spent trying to get a half-decent picture of a hummingbird – which is harder than it sounds – were three of the best hours I've spent in my life.

Staying in the middle of the jungle might not be to everyone's taste. The food was pretty basic – consisting of a lot of beans and rice – and the camp itself was one of the most unsanitary places I've ever stayed. We even had a cockroach or two for company in our cabin… but in a weird way, that just made it all the better.

Of course, you have to go prepared, have all sorts of injections and resign yourself to being bitten by the odd mosquito, regardless of the amount of repellent you use. Indeed, Nancy, poor thing, got bitten on the leg by some kind of spider that left a rock-hard egg-sized lump on her neck. So, yes, there are things out there… but you really don't want to worry about them."

Read the full story in the Telegraph and you can read about Vic's trip in Vic Reeves's 'Vast Book of World Knowledge' is published by Atlantic Books (19.99).