If you are considering visiting Costa Rica, then leave time to explore the nation’s forest. You will find a vast array of unique wildlife living there, and you will be amazed at the beauty. In order to get the best experience, read about all six of Costa Rica’s forest types because each has a unique ecosystem just waiting to be explored. Your perfect Costa Rica adventure should take you through all of them that appeal to you.
Tropical Forests
The best-known of Costa Rica’s forests are the tropical forest laying in the country’s southwest region and in the Atlantic lowlands. There you will see trees that thrive on epic amounts of water — the area gets over 200 inches of rain annually. See the trees growing over 200 feet tall. Laugh at the antics of the howler monkeys while listening to the frogs’ croak.
Cloud Forests
Located on the high slopes of local volcanos and mountains, many visitors report a magical experience when they choose to visit Costa Rica’s cloud forest. The fog is so thick that you will want to bring along your raingear as you will feel like you are walking through a blanket of clouds. The animals that live in each one is unique. A trip to the Monteverde Reserve offers a chance to see big cats, while Santa Elena gives visitors the opportunity to see spider monkeys. Throughout each forest are a variety of butterflies seen nowhere else on the globe.
Tropical Dry Forests
Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast is home to the country’s tropical dry forests. You will want to visit these as the foliage is not as thick, giving you a better chance of seeing animals, birds, and reptiles living there. When hiking in these tropical dry forests, be sure to look all around as colorful snakes and lizards are often seen lying on the ground.
Mangrove Forests
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is home to the country’s amazing mangrove forests. There are seven different species of mangrove that grow in this region, and they play an important role in the region’s ecosystem. The roots of these trees grow above ground, so they stabilize the ground when the monsoons hit. The roots also serve as home to a variety of birds, bats, and other animals.
Lowland Rainforests
Funnily enough, the tallest trees in Costa Rica grow in the lowland rainforests. This area has a variety of wildlife including tree frogs, pumas, bats, and birds.
Riparian Forests
If you want to see hummingbirds, go on a hike in the riparian forests that lie along the country’s moving rivers where the fresh and saltwater meet. This type of forest gets lots of moisture, and the region has very high humidity, so bring along plenty of water when hiking and wear the right clothes.
Home Base for Forest Treks
Not technically a forest, but you’ll need a good place to stay if you plan on exploring Costa Rica’s many types of forest. One of the more popular choices with adventurers is the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo Resort. The resort is well-located and offers many on-site amenities to recover from your adventures. You can enjoy soaking in the sun on this resort’s three beaches and upscale dining experiences. You can also challenge your friends to a game of golf on the resort’s course.
