Jungles in Costa Rica
When planning a Costa Rican adventure, one of the first things many people envision is taking unforgettable walks through the country’s rainforests and jungles. Indeed, the havens of pristine wilderness and varied wildlife in the country represent the greatest examples of biodiversity in the world.
A jungle may seem similar to a rainforest; however, jungles exist within, or at the borders on, tropical rainforests, typically forming along forest margins such as river banks, due to the greater available light at the ground level.
Here are some of the best ways to explore the jungle:
Hiking in Tortuguero National Park
Hiking in Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is the largest rainforest in Central America, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula. It is home to exotic species such as scarlet macaws, jaguars and all Costa Rican monkey species. Nearly every jungle lodge in Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez offers a guided day tour on which you can hike along the shoreline or right into the jungle to explore the most remote tropical forest in the country.
Places to stay:
River cruise in a jungle
One of the most popular tourist adventures takes you to the Tarcoles River within Carara National Park on the Central Pacific Coast, which is home to some of the largest populations of crocodiles in the world. While cruising along the Tarcoles River, you will be able to see them swimming or sunbathing on the river banks. This tour is a great opportunity to get close to these immense creatures – but not too close!
River cruise reservation:
https://www.getyourguide.com/jaco-jungle-river-crocodile-adventure
Kayaking in a jungle
There are two great places to go kayaking; the Playa Grande Estuary that emerges in the bay of Tamarindo, and the Damas Island Estuary, located outside Manuel Antonio National Park. These mangrove waterways are teeming with wildlife, including crocodiles, herons, sloths, monkeys, and more.
A professional naturalist will guide you through the unique estuary ecosystem, pointing out the highlights and wildlife in the area. Tours can be done in single or double kayaks and are available during the day and in the evenings.
Kayaking tours:
Night stay in a jungle
One of the great ways to explore the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle is to stay a few nights at one of the jungle lodges. Several of the eco-lodges are accessible only via boat or flight, which makes reaching your destination an adventure in itself.
Many jungle lodges are located on or near the remote Osa Peninsula – the southwesternmost point of Costa Rica.
Places to stay:
Exploring the lush jungles and exotic wildlife provides you with an opportunity to witness the incredible natural wonders of Costa Rica. There is still so much that we don’t know about these incredible rainforest ecosystems, and the number of new and unidentified species of flora and fauna is believed to still be in the millions.
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Jungles in Costa Rica
