Howler Monkey
There are many reasons people travel to Costa Rica; exploring the biodiversity tends to be on most people’s list. It was for our family. We wanted to soak in the rich and diverse flora and fauna and see as many different critters as possible. Some places you had to search for critters, other places not so much. As with most things in life, you have to be in the right place and at the right time. We were not disappointed and we were extremely lucky on our trip to Costa Rica. Although we didn’t see any jaguars (much to Mike’s dismay), we saw a rich array of critters rather consistently throughout our trip. Every day was thrilling.
Yep, that’s a 2-Toed Sloth
Even though Costa Rica is not a very big country, there are so many diverse regions to choose from; it made it very difficult planning the trip since we only had 2 weeks. I was like a kid in a candy shop. We ultimately decided to spend a large portion of our time in Cahuita, on the southern Caribbean coastline. We made a great decision. There is nothing like waking up to Howler Monkeys declaring the trees above your cottage their territory. While we were staying in Cahuita, that’s what happened just about every morning as the sun was rising. The neighboring Howler Monkeys would answer back – “Yes, we know, you told us yesterday and the day before. But remember this is our territory over here!” It would go on and on for at least an hour or more.
Howler Monkeys who declare the area around our cottage to be their territory.
Our neighborhood 2-Toed Sloth.
At breakfast time, I would survey the land and trees to see who else was there. With luck, a 2-Toed Sloth would still be hanging from the tree he was hanging onto for the last couple of days. Perhaps a Coati or two would even wander by looking for scraps.
The beach and National Park were only a 5 minute walk from our cottage, so we hiked and swam almost daily. Along the trail were signs “Don’t feed the monkeys” with good reason. While I watching Mathew and Mike playing in the surf, I looked up to see some White-faced Capuchins watching me. At one point, the whole troop got really close to beach – I thought they might try to steal someone’s food or bags. They were not timid at all, similar to squirrels or deer back home.
White-faced Capuchin
Don’t feed the monkeys
Yellow Eyelash Viper
One day while hiking through the National Forest, we saw a Yellow Eyelash Viper. They are as beautiful as they are dangerous and like to wait and ambush their prey. Luckily, it was hanging out digesting a critter it had just eaten. The contrast of its beautiful yellow scales against the green leaves of the forest was fantastic.
When you travel, what do you like to do? Please share and I will continue to share.