Where the wild things are!
Where the wild things are! monkeys, macaws, and nature’s beauty—in peaceful Costa Rica
By Laura Manske From Philly.com
Dazzling Pacific Ocean and Caribbean coastlines, dense rain forests, rugged mountains, and countless oh-so-cute monkeys make this a remarkable vacation getaway. (Laura Manske)
Pura vida! Meaning: Pure life! This popular expression in Costa Rica is used to greet, embrace, and say goodbye to others. It exemplifies the positive outlook of Costa Ricans, who live in a country where more than a quarter of all land has been set aside for national parks, wildlife refuges, forest and biological reserves. While this Central American nation takes up only 1 percent of the Earth’s landmass, it is home to 5 percent of our biodiversity: 130 species of freshwater fish, 220 varieties of reptiles, 630 distinct resident birds, 1,000 different butterflies, 1,200 types of orchids, 9,000 unique plants, and 34,000 kinds of insects. And that’s just for starters.
Dazzling Pacific Ocean and Caribbean coastlines, dense rain forests, rugged mountains, and countless oh-so-cute monkeys make this a remarkable vacation getaway. Toss into that pura vida equation the fact that Costa Ricans have one of the longest life spans in the world (average 77 years for men; 82 years for women), a high literacy rate (97 percent), and no standing army (it was abolished in 1949), and you’ll understand why this tropical wonder is a beloved place to wander.
Recently, I flew to Costa Rica’s West Coast, where the ocean serves up splashy surf and sublime sunsets. To see my photos of Costa Rican animals, flowers, beaches, mountains, rain forests, sunsets, and more.
1. GREEN SCENES
After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, pick up your pre-booked rental vehicle (with GPS) or join a pre-arranged hotel shuttle van. You’ll travel on a winding mountain road toward the West Coast, connecting with the smooth new Caldera highway, and then head south on to Quepos.
2. ROAD TRIP TIPS
Fresh fruit is the quintessential Costa Rican snack food. On your journey, about 50 miles outside of San José, near the town of Tárcoles, stop roadside to buy all-natural nibbles, stretch your legs, and peer wide-eyed over the side of Tárcoles Bridge. Why, you ask? Click on…
3. CROCS PICS
American crocodiles! On the banks of the Tárcoles River, which flows toward the Gulf of Nicoya, live hundreds of crocs, with some males as long as 20 feet. Spy these creatures in the wild—while standing atop the bridge at a safe distance, of course!
4. A HOTEL WITH HEART
It is an approximately two-and-a-half hour drive (about 100 miles) from San José to the small fishing town of Quepos, where there are many hotels near popular Manuel Antonio National Park. My favorite soul-soothing, spirit-lifting spot is Parador Resort & Spa.
5. SPLASHY ATTITUDE
Parador is more than a hotel. In 1993, Dutchman Jan Schans dreamt of building a deluxe European-style hideaway that respects and preserves Costa Rica’s natural gifts. Jan’s wife, Marianne, and their daughters, Marja and Diana, toiled with him to create this jewel in the jungle.
6. A FAMILY AFFAIR
It opened in 1995 and now has 129 guest rooms and suites, with multiple pools, Jacuzzis, open-air gourmet restaurants (with its own chef’s garden), bars, tennis court, putting green, free wifi, and posh amenities, such as…
7. SPA-AHHH
…the tranquil Pacifica Spa, where you can relax with a Costa Rican volcanic mud wrap, ylang-ylang milk bath, yoga lesson, and, an ultimate spa experience…
8. SERENITY SWIRLS
…a four-hand massage, which involves two therapists working in concert to melt away all your aches. A very welcome indulgence? Yes!
9. ECO-FRIENDLY
The Schans family (which includes Marja’s husband, Diego Gonzalez) is committed to a protect-the-environment philosophy, earning international awards for sustainable tourism—with elaborate composting, water-and-energy conservation programs, and other eco-conscious initiatives.
10. ART APPRECIATION
The Schans have collected art and antiques from around the world, including fascinating pieces from Spain, Holland, Belgium, Indonesia, and Central America, transforming Parador into a mini-museum. Many of the coolest works date from the 16th century.
The above is only 10 out of 40. To read and see the all go to: http://www.philly.com/philly/living/travel/20140728_Parade_Where_the_Wild_Things_Are__Monkeys__Macaws__and_Nature___s_Beauty___in_Peaceful_Costa_Rica.html#Ji8wVjLZ4fJckD58.99
NOTE: We did add an 11th because the photo was so cute – 29. DUELING DRINKERS – “Later, in another part of Manuel Antonio National Park, monkeys took turns quenching their thirst at a faucet.”
