Hiking & Camping in Costa Rica - Vol 1-2012Released on Feb. 17, 2011 |
As a tree frog, my brothers and sisters and I prefer the weather to be on the wet side. The rainforests of Costa Rica are the perfect home for us, because of their year-round humidity and lush, beautiful foliage. However, as I understand it, visitors tend to like their weather a bit drier. That's probably why we see so many people going on walks and enjoying nature during Costa Rica's dry season, which runs from early December until late April.
Many tourists decide to go camping during the dry season. Let's learn more about this exciting way to enjoy Costa Rica!
Gotta bounce!
Javi the Frog
Hiking & Camping in Costa Rica
In this Issue
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Hiking in Corcovado National Park
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The best hiking trails in Costa Rica
As soon as the weather turns hot and sunny after the wet season, many visitors choose to head out into the beautiful jungles and forests on hiking expeditions. Depending on your experience and enthusiasm for rugged nature walks, Costa Rica has hundreds of opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy.
Hiking in Corcovado National Park
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For experienced hikers, the trails of Corcovado National Park provide ample challenge and an incredible opportunity to see the diverse flora and fauna of the country firsthand. The La Sirena ranger station is a little under two miles into the park, after which the 15-mile trail takes in some of the park's most stunning scenery before ending at the ranger station at Sirena Beach.
For some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the country, visitors will want to check out the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. In addition to the stunning atmosphere and beautiful viewpoints scattered throughout the park, this area also has some very experienced guides who can show tourists around.
Another popular park for hiking is the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The area surrounding the Blue Lake is particularly beautiful, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along both sides of the lake and take in the incredible views.
For more experienced and ambitious hikers, a trip to Arenal Volcano is a must. The area is home to more than 850 species of bird, and tourists can enjoy the stunning views from the hills that surround the volcano before heading to the Tabacon Hot Springs - the perfect way to relax after a trek around the region.
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| Featured Tour |
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Costa Rica Beach & Volcano Tour
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Costa Rica Beach & Volcano Tour, offers you to stay at two of the most beautiful destinatinos in Costa Rica on this 7 Day / 6 Night vacation package.
Locations: La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano, Playa Potrero in Guanacaste Province
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Prices Starting at $700.00 per person
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Camping in Costa Rica
As a tree frog, I get to live in the Costa Rican rainforest all year long. However, I've overheard tourists say that camping is one of the best ways to really experience the rugged natural beauty of the country firsthand. For visitors planning on taking a camping trip while they're here, there are a few things to bear in mind before they pack up their tents.
Camp Near Witch's Rock Surf Spot - Santa Rosa National Park
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Much of Costa Rica is protected by law because of the sheer amount of natural diversity that the country has to offer. However, visitors can pitch their tents on many of the country's beaches, which is a great way to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Costa Rican coastline.
There are also many campgrounds dotted around Costa Rica that are dedicated to experiencing this beautiful country. Many of Costa Rica's national parks have designated camping grounds, including Corcovado National Park, Santa Rosa National Park and Barra Honda National Park. The camping area at the ranger station in Corcovado National Park is especially popular, and is a great starting point for day-long treks through the rainforest. Campgrounds can be safer than braving the jungle alone, and often have basic amenities that can make a camping trip more comfortable such as showers and cooking facilities.
Some ranger stations in Costa Rica's national parks also offer guided tours of the surrounding area, perfect for combining camping trips with hiking excursions. What better way to experience the lush, tropical jungles than waking up in a tent before hiking up rolling hills and along winding paths?
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| Sponsored Hotel |
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| Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge |
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is in a prime location on the edge of Corcovado National Park, luxury first-class service and food, exciting activities. Spanish colonial-style Bungalows are spread around a garden for maximum privacy, this unique lodge offers accommodations constructed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape and the environment, this is our commitment to responsible tourism.
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Safety tips for hikers
Hiking can be a fun and exciting way for visitors to see the spectacular sights of the Costa Rican countryside. However, tourists should take care when walking in rugged rural conditions. The best vacation is a safe one, so follow these tips to make sure you have the best possible time when hiking in Costa Rica.
Hiking next to Bubbling Mud Pots in Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Although parts of the country stay humid year-round, the dry season means hot weather and lots of sunshine. Visitors should always keep a bottle of water with them when trekking through the jungle to avoid dehydration. Hikers should also wear suitable clothing. I've seen a lot of experienced hikers wearing light clothes that cover their legs to avoid insect bites. Many visitors taking hiking expeditions also wear hats to keep the midday sun off their head and neck, where they could get sunburned.
Costa Rica has so many stunningly beautiful nature reserves and national parks, it can be tempting for amateur explorers to wander off the beaten path. However, it's easy to get lost, even for us tree frogs! Visitors setting off into more rugged areas should either take an experienced guide, or bring a map with locations of the nearest ranger station clearly marked.
In the heat of the jungle, visitors can sometimes be bitten by bugs and other pests. Tourists may want to consider wearing insect repellent to keep the little biting critters off them. It may be worth thinking about sunscreen, too - heatstroke can lead to dehydration, so make sure to wear suitable skin protection and drink plenty of water.
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| Sponsored Activity |
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| Pacific Bungee |
The area that surrounds the Jaco Beach in Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure seekers. The increasing number of tourists each year has rejoiced with a wide range offer of different activities.
Pacific Bungee has the first and unique Extreme Machine ever built in all Costa Rica! You can enjoy the thrill of your life, and not only that, but the biggest challenge you'll find in Costa Rica, with some of the best safety and professional standards in the country.
Pacific Bungee is a NABA (North American Bungee Association) certified company. This new Costa Rican corporation offers tourists different and one of a kind experiences: from Free Fall and Water Immersion Bungee Jumping to Rocket Launcher and the Big Swing!
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