Costa Rica wildlife vacation, private depature

Environment

Anyone choosing a wildlife-spotting vacation will surely be concerned about the conservation of flora and fauna in the areas they are visiting: so this must go for you. Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding countries in the world for wildlife observation, with a long and impressive history of conservation and eco-tourism allowing species to flourish. The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible. The tiny country is bursting with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, and this private wildlife observation journey gives you all the opportunity to explore its national parks in various eco-systems.

Ecotourism in Costa Rica is one of the key activities of its tourism industry. The country was a pioneer among of several in Latin America turning to ecotourism as a way of responding to the growing demand for responsible travel. Eco-friendly lodges and activities draw visitors to the many extensive national parks and protected areas around the country, and you will be impressed by the slick and professional way in which these policies have come to fruition.

Our local partners in Costa Rica, with whom we work to select accommodation and activities for you, have a declared policy of adhering to responsible attitudes toward waste and water management and energy resources. They aim to strengthen these principals through management practices of their employees. The companies seek to minimize the impact of visitors on the landscape and its wildlife, respecting the fragility of the ecosystems. They aim to respect local communities, supporting conservation and development initiatives. As part of their work, they engage in activities to promote the human development of the communities they visit.

Your accommodation virtually throughout is in lodges which are dedicated to the conservation of the natural environment and wildlife.

Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast has incredible biological variety owing to the existence of 11 different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches and lagoons. It’s home to the manatees, caiman and crocodiles, which live in the channels; and endangered jaguars, three species of monkeys and three-toed sloths among a multitude of mammals thriving in the forest, along with reptiles and375 species of birds. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants. Tortuga Lodge is a leader in the field of environmental protection here. It’s a secluded lodge encompassing jungle trails, a private canal and an isolated beach on the Caribbean Sea. The lodge provides highly trained staff and guides, local descendants of the first settlers in the area who came from Jamaica, Costa Rica’s main Caribbean city of Limon (also of Jamaican descent) and Blue Fields, Nicaragua. Your guides will insure that you see the “hidden Tortuguero” because they live here all year round and make a constant study of the environment. The beaches are a key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, including hawksbill, loggerheads, green and leatherbacks. Tortuga Lodge supports scientific study of these creatures and protects their breeding grounds.

You move on to the area around Arenal volcano, staying at Volcano Lodge. The hotel proprietor established a reforestation project called “Leave your mark on Costa Rica”. This ongoing project as thus far involved the planting of over 3,000 trees in the region. You, the hotel guest, can participate by planting a tree yourself here: enquire at the hotel.

Move on to Bajos del Toro. Enclosed on either side by national parks and perched on the edge of the continental divide, the nearby private reserve of Bosque de Paz has a spectacularly rich ecosystem. It is open only to prearranged visits, ensuring the virgin forest it protects remains pristine and the limited number of visitors receive personal attention. You’ll enjoy a guided tour here along rainforest trails where there is scope to see a huge variety of rainforest flora and fauna.

The remote Osa peninsula, on the southern end of the Pacific coast, is a region of luxuriant rainforest where a number of wildlife reserves have been established, sheltering magnificent biodiversity. Your lodge, Casa Corcovado, sits at the entrance to Corcovado National Park, home to 350 different bird species and numerous mammals, including endangered species such as the puma. The entrance fee on your guided visit to the park contributes to its maintenance. The jungle lodge was built in harmony with the landscape. The cottages are spaced throughout the garden for maximum peace and privacy. Casa Corcovado is a leading practitioner of responsible tourism, designed and constructed in a manner that minimizes impact on the environment. The lodge prides itself on adhering to green and sustainable principles in every aspect of the day-to-day operations.

Community

The lodges and hotels we have chosen for you are active in their support of their local communities.

Tortuga Lodge on the Caribbean coast supports local organisations, donating annually to support turtle research and helping to build the museum. They also provide support for the volunteers of Global Vision International, and rebuilt the school in neighbouring San Francisco, also donating musical instruments and cost of traditional clothing fora children's dance troupe there. Tortuga Lodge regularly donates to the police force and Tortuguero village school. Arrangements can be made in advance if you want to combine your vacation stay there with volunteer opportunities locally.