'We've been traveling through Costa Rica for a week now, and we haven't seen any of the beaches yet. Isn't it amazing for such a small island?'. I look at the woman I just helped her put on a canyoning harness. 'Yes', I reply, 'it's even more amazing that we've got elephants here. I've always wondered how they got to this island'. She raises her eyebrow and says:'You don't fool me, there are no elephants on this island'.
Those who visit Costa Rica not for the beaches, will most likely spend their time in the country side. Rivers, mountains, jungles, villages, volcanoes, hot springs and its wildlife, Costa Rica has all the ingredients for a vacation full of adrenaline and nature elements. Just travel through the country and you will come across hundreds of operators for canopy zip line, white water rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, all terrain vehicle, caving, kayaking, mountain biking and many, many other tours. For naturalist lovers, you can fill a month of vacation with every day a different activity. Visit the active volcanoes or any other of the 26 National Parks. Spot the Quetzal in Monteverde's Rainforest Reserve or view hundreds of caimans on the Cano Negro. Monkeys, sloth, crocodiles, snakes, armadilos, jaguars, tapirs, frogs, butterflies, elephants, we got them all on this island. Corcovado is for the die hards , but definitely worth 'doing it' (see my previous post).
What ever activity you are coming to Costa Rica for, be prepared. Know what each one entails, what you need to know beforehand and what operators not to go for. The latter is difficult since most likely you will not know the difference between a sign that says 'White Water Rafting trips' and the other saying 'White Water Rafting trips'. I don't blame you, because who can?
Safety is mandatory. A fraction of the operators, and that is a fraction too much, do not live by the highest safety standards. Other elements operators can be lacking are service and the will to give you a great time. Money is only what they are interested in, and therefore chances are you get way less than you pay for, and it might even be life threatening.
If you are coming to CR thinking it's an island, you better have a travel agency arranging every detail of your vacation. Just like the lady that went canyoning with me. She didn't know a thing of Costa Rica, but had the best time of her life.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Corcovado National Park-- a different point of view
Forget the luxury of your own bedroom, let alone your own bathroom. Even air conditioning, a comfortable bed, warm water, cold drinks, a convenience store, t.v, beer, wine, candies, electricity and all other facilities you do not worry about in your own bubble- you have them, so why worry about them- are no where to be found in the most biological diverse place on earth. I haven't been to all corners of this planet, so I'm not sure if it really is the most biological diverse place on earth. I'm just copying 'National Geographic's' statement, and assuming they know what they are talking about, I believe Costa Rica's Corcovado is the most biological diverse place on earth.
Sure there is luxury close to the park, but it comes with a price. The Osa Peninsula is not reached easily, therefore a brewsky will be cold, but hard to enjoy when you know just 20 miles further down the 'worst road of the country' you can get three for the same price. It might be the worst road, but it definitely is the most expensive road of the country.
So, when you travel to Corcovado National Park, pack lightly, choose the right shoes, bring water, sun block and a water proof camera (or at least a water proof camera case). Apart from the basics (toothbrush, underwear, soap, etc.) that's all you need. The hikes are long and can be tough, but the beer on the other side of the park will be your pull factor. If beer doesn't do the job, a foot massage or a good shower and bed will. One day in the park is easy, two is good, three is tough and beyond three is extreme. This is, if you are a city sucker. If you are a bushmaster, you will leave the park only to get the beer and then come back straight away.
Who ever you are, where ever you are from, if you've 'done' the park, you might have had doubts while doing it, but after having done it, you surely felt mighty. You've suffered, and perhaps you're sure (or at least you think you're sure) you'll never do it again. What counts here is that you've done it, and you're proud you did. You can tell every other city sucker what a tough cooky you are and maybe, just maybe you have inspired some to follow your path. The path that makes you feel alive, after so many years. Alive, at least for a few days.
Additional note: guided hikes, half day hikes and flying out of the park are not part of the equation that equals satisfaction. Most satisfaction is reached when entering the park from one side, and exciting the other (spending the night at the Sirena Ranger Station- reservations in advance is mandatory).
Sure there is luxury close to the park, but it comes with a price. The Osa Peninsula is not reached easily, therefore a brewsky will be cold, but hard to enjoy when you know just 20 miles further down the 'worst road of the country' you can get three for the same price. It might be the worst road, but it definitely is the most expensive road of the country.
So, when you travel to Corcovado National Park, pack lightly, choose the right shoes, bring water, sun block and a water proof camera (or at least a water proof camera case). Apart from the basics (toothbrush, underwear, soap, etc.) that's all you need. The hikes are long and can be tough, but the beer on the other side of the park will be your pull factor. If beer doesn't do the job, a foot massage or a good shower and bed will. One day in the park is easy, two is good, three is tough and beyond three is extreme. This is, if you are a city sucker. If you are a bushmaster, you will leave the park only to get the beer and then come back straight away.
Who ever you are, where ever you are from, if you've 'done' the park, you might have had doubts while doing it, but after having done it, you surely felt mighty. You've suffered, and perhaps you're sure (or at least you think you're sure) you'll never do it again. What counts here is that you've done it, and you're proud you did. You can tell every other city sucker what a tough cooky you are and maybe, just maybe you have inspired some to follow your path. The path that makes you feel alive, after so many years. Alive, at least for a few days.
Additional note: guided hikes, half day hikes and flying out of the park are not part of the equation that equals satisfaction. Most satisfaction is reached when entering the park from one side, and exciting the other (spending the night at the Sirena Ranger Station- reservations in advance is mandatory).
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