Amazing Costa Rica Wildlife- Part 2
Crossing streams with sharks and crocodiles, hiking secluded stretches of beach into a research station and riding in buses up and down steep mountain passes are just a few forms of transport we took to get into the rain forest to find Costa Rica wildlife. We were so fortunate to be able to spot so many different and endangered animals in our time in Central America. As I looked over our pictures again I remembered we did go through a lot of mini adventures to get into the rain forest.
Here’s a look into us getting from point A to point B and a bit more of the wild life we saw.
Chris waiting at a bus stop.
Hiking long distances to reach remote parts of the rain forest. Chris is looking small on the left compared to the massive landslide that is focused for most of this photo.
Corcovado National Park, a park rich in biodiversity.
And finally we are in the rain forest looking for Costa Rica wildlife.
We found this ant eater going up and down trees eating all sorts of insects.
For a larger animal, they move nimbly and quickly up and down and between trees.
We saw so many different kinds of butterflies.
And birds.
Here is a pair of scarlet macaw parrots.
They add such a splash of colour to the jungle as they display their wings.
Chris photographing the green vine snake from last week’s post.
This snake however, we did not get close to at all. In the middle of the rain forest at the Corcovado National Park and Research Station we were camping for about a week. There was a group of college students from Dartmouth University studying and researching Costa Rica wildlife. Even with the professors, staff and various ID books, one of which was solely Costa Rican snakes with over 500 species listed, we could not positively ID this specific snake.
As you can see here, this snake had such a triangle like shape to it’s body and it might be a keel back. This snake was cruising through the jungle and moving very fast. We did some fast back peddling to keep well out of its way.
I believe this is vampire bat recovering on the ground. Chris and I were sitting outside our tent, in the day light, and we heard this high pitched screeching. In front of us in a tree these two bats were having a huge battle. We just sat there and watched and they furiously flew around fighting each other. Finally this bat above seemed to loose life and fall to the ground with a thud. The other bat continued to bash this bat laying on the ground and we thought he was a goner. After a while his little heap of a body sat up and heaved for a while. Once his breathing returned to normal he fluttered his wings and flew off. It was just another moment in nature and we happened to witness it.
The night before we were to hike out of the jungle a heavy rain came. It flooded a few other campers tents, (which even if it’s sunny – don’t set up your tent in a low spot – we saw other campers get completely flooded). With the rain all the river crossings rose and this river in particular was often seen with a lot of shark fins breaking the surface as well as crocodile sightings.
River crossings that connect to the ocean can be tricky as the tide going in and out can create strong currents. Fortunately we did make it across with out incident. If you are crossing rivers, ensure all the snaps on your back pack are undone. If you do happen to fall, have a submerged log snag you or any reason you go under, you want to be able to get out of any gear as quickly as possible. It’s ideal to be able to carry your bags over your head.
Although one might say those white legs are an indecent!
And as we were told, as we hiked out of the jungle we waited by this certain patch of dirt and sure enough a truck eventually came to take us away.
If you have not yet been to a rain forest or jungle- go.
They are amazing, intimidating, inspiring and disappearing. If you want to help a rain forest or jungle survive, you can do so from your own kitchen sink today. The products we use matter and affect ecosystems across the whole planet. Ensure you are using biodegradable products and buying fair trade, sustainably harvested products as much as you can.
It truly makes a difference. And even if you are unsure if you will ever make it yourself in person to set foot in a remote jungle, you can bet we will for you.
So please choose considerately today.
It matters.
***
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These same booking resources are the same exact ones we use to find deals and acquire points for more travel.
I will never recommend to get a credit card unless you are 100% solid to pay it off in full every month. If you will and are going to be making some big purchases, this Chase card is the same exact card we use and it offers great travel points and perks.
Finally, if you have not used AirBnB before, use this special link to sign up and get $40 off your first booking.
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One heck of a trek in and out of the rain forest! Absolutely beautiful wildlife in a beautiful country!
Thanks. It was awesome and we are so thankful to have the ability to hike ourselves into the middle of no where when we want to go on adventures.
I’ll say you got a little bit more than a little bit of rain. And Chris has some pretty nice looking tan lines. 🙂
Their not messing when they say rain forest. 😉 At least it wasn’t raining when we had to hike out and at least we were still able to cross all the rivers!
These are incredible photos! I love the close up shots of the animals the most.
Thanks. Looking back on these photos only entices me more and more that it’s time for the next camera upgrade. 🙂
Incredible photography! Loved each and every shot. Costa Rica is truly a country where nature is at its best.Pura vida!