The cloud forest, such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, is a spectacular part of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. These rare forests grow where the weather creates steady cloud cover conditions. The sun is rarely allowed to break through the clouds, which slows down water evaporation, making the damp conditions that the species of trees, plants and animals that live here love.
In Monteverde, take a leisurely walk along hanging bridges where there is every type of vegetation imaginable, including epiphytes—plants that grow on other plants in a forest decorated by waterfalls and creeks. Or zipline through the canopy for an eagle’s view. There is a host of species you won’t see anywhere else on the planet. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is an exclusive environment, a privilege to visit, where all six cat family species live—ocelots, oncillas, pumas, margays, jaguarundis, and the crowd-pleasing jaguars.
Mangroves
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Costa Rica hosts mangroves on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, where freshwater streams meet the salty ocean. Species of mangrove trees spring from the brackish water with spider-leg-like roots that thrive on drinking the salty waters. This ecosystem is a nursery for Costa Rica’s diverse marine life, such as crustaceans, caimans, multi-coloured amphibians, crocodiles, and countless tropical fish and birds, such as herons, cuckoos and hummingbirds. The mangrove’s waterways that snake through the foliage are delicate, intimate and otherworldly.
Coastal Beaches
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The 1,228 km of coastline surrounding Costa Rica features white and black sandy beaches that contribute to its rich biodiversity under the sun. The marine life is varied, from whales and dolphins to sea birds, with some of the most underrated bird watching in the country. Coral reefs offer snorkelers and divers an opportunity to see exotic fish, manta rays, and sharks, including hammerheads.
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Publish date : 2024-09-01 19:28:00
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