The frigate birds are a family of seabirds and are also called frigate pelicans. It can be found breeding along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and ...
The frigate birds are a family of seabirds and are also called frigate pelicans. It can be found breeding along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and in the Corcovado National Park.
Females are black, but have a white breast and lower neck sides, a brown band on the wings and a blue eye ring. They have long wings, tails and bills and the males have a red gular pouch that is inflated during the breeding season to attract a mate. They are also sometimes called Man of War birds or Pirate birds.
The Magnificent Frigate Bird is 100 cm long with a 215 cm wingspan. They live an estimated of 30 years. Frigate birds are seasonally monogamous. This means that males will only mate with one female each season. They are also known for nesting in colonies. Due to the fact that these guys lack the ability to take off from water, they snatch prey from the ocean surface or beach using their long, hooked bills. They have been seen catching fish, baby turtles and similar items in this way. When it comes to feeding they will also rob other seabirds, using their speed and maneuverability to outrun and harass their victims.
Both parents take turns feeding for the first three months but then only the mother feeds the young for another eight months. Male Magnificent Frigate birds inflate their throat sacs during breeding season, clattering their bills, waving their heads back and forth, quivering their wings, and calling to females. After mating has passed females lay one or two white eggs. It takes so long to rear a chick that frigate birds cannot breed every year. It is typical to see juveniles as big as their parents waiting to be fed.
They are not endangered but populations appear to be declining, due mainly to human destruction of habitat for housing and resorts, and disturbance in colonies. Some potential problems they have are: introduced predators and over-fishing.
Marina K. Villatoro, lives in for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. !
Boa Constrictors live in Central & South America and some islands in the Caribbean. However, it prefers to live in rainforest due to the humidity and temperature. Boa constrictor’s habitat varies widely depending of environmental conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid semi-desert country. In Costa Rica it can be seen in Corcovado National Park.
They are a large, heavy-bodied species of snake. Their color can vary greatly depending on the locality. However they are generally a brown, grey or cream base color. They are patterned with brown or reddish brown “saddles” that become more pronounced towards the tail. Their diet consists of rodents, large lizards and mammals as big as ocelots are reported to have been consumed. Boa constrictors are ambush predators, as such will lie and wait for an appropriate prey to come along. The boa will strike at the prey, grabbing it with its teeth. Then it constricts the prey until death and consumes it whole. It will take the snake approximately 4-6 days to fully digest it.
They will generally breed in the dry season, between April and August. During breeding season the female boa will emit a scent to attract males, who may then wrestle for the right to breed with her. The gestation period is approximately 100-120 days. The female will then give birth to young that average 38-51 cm in length. The litter size varies but can be between 10 and 65 with an average of 25. The young are independent at birth and will grow rapidly. They are nocturnal however they may go out during the day. Boa constrictors are solitary animals, and will only associate to mate.
Boas can reach lengths of anywhere from 1-4 meters depending on the locality and the availability of prey. Females are generally larger, in both length and girth, than males. Adults weigh approximately 60 pounds. They can leave 20 to 30 years, but there was a 40 year case.
In some regions Boa constrictor numbers have decreased by predation from humans and other animals. However, most populations are not under threat of immediate extinction. Some South Americans keep boas in their houses to control rat infestations.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
White tailed deer are very popular in Central America. In Costa Rica they are commonly seen in the rainforest of Guanacaste. White-tailed deer can adapt to a wide variety of habitats. They also live in much of the Central American territory.
The deer’s coat is a reddish-brown in the summer and turns to a grey-brown throughout the winter. The white-tailed deer is a ruminant, which means it has a four-chambered stomach like cows. They eat large varieties of food, commonly legumes and other plants, including shoots, leaves, cactus, and grasses.
Males weight up to 400 pounds and females weigh up to 200 pounds. They rarely live more than 10 years but there have been cases of 20 year deer. These guys are 0.9 to 1 m tall at shoulder. A great indication of age is the length of the snout and the color of the coat. Older deer tend to have longer snouts and grayer coats.
When the breeding season comes males will try to copulate with as many females as possible. If there are numerous males in a particular area, they will compete for the females. This will cause them to lose physical condition since they rarely eat or rest during the rut. Females give birth to 1-3 spotted young, known as fawns generally in May or June. Fawns lose their spots during the first summer and will weigh from 44 to 77 pounds by the first winter. They normally form groups of 2 to six individuals, but there have been groups of up to 15.
Because humans and deer often share habitats, there can be problems for both of them. When a deer’s habitat becomes smaller often eat food from gardens. They also need to cross roads to look for food or water and some are struck by cars.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
They are also known as honey bear, because when tin captivity they seem to enjoy eating honey. Kinkajous are related with the raccoon and coati.
Studies have shown that 90% of their diet consists primarily of ripe fruit. They may play an important role in seed dispersal. Leaves and flowers make up much of the other 10% of their diet. Also they sometimes eat insects, particularly ants. An average adult kinkajou weighs 4-7 Pounds and an average adult body length is 40-60 cm. In addition to body length, average tail length is 40-55 cm. They normally live 23 – 24 years, but in a Hawaiian zoo they had a kinkajou that lived for 40 years.
An average adult kinkajou weighs 4-7 Pounds and an average adult body length is 40-60 cm. In addition to body length, average tail length is 40-55 cm. They normally live 23 – 24 years, but in a Hawaiian zoo they had a kinkajou that lived for 40 years. These nocturnal animals also have a short-haired, fully prehensile tail like some New World monkeys, which it uses as a “fifth hand” in climbing. Scent glands near the mouth, on the throat, and on the belly allow kinkajous to mark their territory and their travel routes.
The kinkajou’s peak activity is usually between about 7:00 PM and midnight, and again an hour before dawn. During daylight hours, kinkajous sleep in tree hollows or in shaded tangles of leaves, avoiding direct sunlight. Also, kinkajous do not have a specific season for breeding.
This arboreal mammal is not an endangered species, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. However, they are hunted for the illegal pet trade, for their fur and for their meat. They are forest mammals, native to Central and South America.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
Coatis are related to the raccoon. They have a long snout, an elongated body, and a long bushy banded tail. The Coati is also known as the White-nosed Coati and Coatimundi. It is diurnal and lives in both, the ground and in the trees. Their ankles are double jointed and extremely flexible, enabling the animal to descend trees headfirst.
Coatis feed on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, grubs, ants, termites, spiders, scorpions, and land crabs, and some other animals like lizards, frogs, small rodents, and some fruit. They will also feed on reptile eggs. The males are significantly larger than the females and may be more than 1.27 m long and may weigh up to 25 pounds. They can live an average of 14 years in the wild.
Coatis are generally active during the day. Males are typically solitary except during breeding season and are active during the night, but females and their young usually form small groups called bands of 4 to 20 individuals. The breeding season is in February and March. During this time the male is subservient to the female. The closest dominant males to a given band join temporarily. The dominant male breeds with all the females in season from in the band.
After the gestation period of 75 days 3 to 5 young are born. They are often very small, weighing 3 ounces. Their eyes dont open until the 12th day. At six weeks old they begin exploring the area and foraging with their mother. At four months they are completely weaned.
These guys live in a wide variety of terrain, such as the lowland rainforests, river woodlands, bushy and rocky terrain, though they are usually found in heavily forested areas. They range from the southwestern United States in Arizona to Argentina and Uruguay. Coatis are not endangered, but their numbers are reducing fast. They are hunted by humans for food and for damaging crops.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. !
Costa Rica is a county with a crazy amount of miles of coastlines but the Gulf of Papagayo has some of the most popular beaches of the country. I had heard so much about this area and I was dying to visit it.
We decided to visit this place but didn’t worry about making a reservation anywhere. So searching for a hotel was quite an adventure. Finally we found a hotel that looked beautiful and had space for us. The name of the hotel was Casa Vista Azul. It is located just 25 minutes away from the Liberia International Airport and within walking distance of Coco beach.
Let me give you a short description of the hotel:
First it’s important to say that it is on a hill side and overlooks the Gulf of Papagayo. The hotel offers 7 regular rooms, one with twin bed, the others have queen size beds. There are also 2 one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. All of the rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, safe-deposit boxes, a beautiful decoration and magnificent ocean views. Some other services that this great hillside hotel offers are: a swimming pool and maid service.
I had a great time in the hotel, the staff is very friendly and the place is great. The next morning I woke up by the howls of howler monkeys and as soon as I opened the curtains I could enjoy the most amazing views.
Back to Playa del Coco, this is a beautiful tranquil beach perfect for relaxing and romantic walks. The area has some great restaurants and stores. This beach is every traveler’s dream. I would highly recommend visiting this popular region of Costa Rica to anyone, from families to honeymooners. We all had a blast when we visited it!
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. !
For some travelers, the best way to cover a lot of area in the least possible time is through an ATV ride. This way, you get to see many of interesting sights in just a few hours. The ATV (all terrain vehicle) is an easy vehicle to ride, and can give you an unforgettable adventure! Costa Rica offers numerous ATV tours for you to enjoy and discover the different terrains, touristic spots, and sights.
Your ATV adventure will start with a short safety, security talk that will be given by your bilingual guide. Then you will get the chance to have a practice session before the real tour starts. You will be able to see flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
The adventure starts with the guide leads you through a rollercoaster between paths across rainforests, jungles, beaches, or volcanoes. Or you will find yourself navigating down narrow, unpaved trails past rocky paths, wild flora and fauna. Along the way, you can stop for a swim, to have some drinks and lunch, most of which are already included in the tour.
All necessary equipment will be provided by the company you choose. It is advised that you wear something comfortable for the ride, as well as trekking or hiking gear (footwear). Make sure to bring your swimsuit and towel too, in case you want to try out one of the many water formations and waterfalls you will pass through. And the most important thing of all that you have to bring along is your camera to document this exhilarating experience.
Here is a list of tour companies that offer good ATV tours:
The Monteverde ATV Tour is a great tour company that takes you through a lush countryside in the outskirts of Santa Elena.
Zip through the lush countryside in the outskirts of Santa Elena together with the Monteverde ATV Tours.
ATV Tours Costa Rica offers half-day and full-day tours in Cerros de Cedral, approximately 45 minutes from San Jose.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
I don’t know about you, but I love to be pampered! Yet, I’m kind of over the regular spas that have incense burning in a corner and new-age music playing in the background. I want something different and The Springs Resort and Spa by Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica has it.
I want something different and if you’re like me and my friends, you and your partners are going to love this place!
Arenal volcano is considered one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. Because of this amazing phenomenon the surrounding areas benefit from its rich soil and naturally heated springs.
Did you know that Volcano Arenal is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world? Because of this amazing phenomenon the surrounding areas benefit from its rich soil and naturally heated springs. The hot springs are a perfect combination of rain water, minerals and climate that make them a perfect way to relax.
I also love that every room here is beautifully situated with private terraces that overlook the Volcano. You can sway in the hammock, or percolate in a marble jacuzzi tub before spending the rest of the days going on exciting adventures!
For me it all starts with the room! Every room here is beautifully situated with private terraces that overlook the Volcano. So sway in the hammock, or percolate in a marble jacuzzi tub before spending the rest of the days taking full advantage of everything else!
Where to begin? The bar of course! Without becoming a bar fly in some dark lit room put on your bikinis and head to the springs. The Lost Springs is a series of naturally heated hot springs and cool pools. And right in the middle of one of the hot springs is Los Perdidos jungle bar serving up delicious drinks!
Before you know it, you and your friends are ready for a real drink and food!
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
Out of all Central American countries, Costa Rica is by far the most welcoming for gay travelers. Besides being one of the only places where same-sex couples are fully protected by the constitution, it is also full of gay-owned and gay-friendly resorts and cozy inns. Plus, Costa Rica is a multi-destination travel spot and we’ve got the inside goods on any of these popular spots: San Jose, beaches, rain forests, volcanoes and more.
So when you first arrive to Costa Rica I recommend you take a day or two to explore San Jose. I bet its nightlife and great eats will keep you fully entertained. You’ll enjoy staying at a number of small inns and guest houses that are gay-owned and very gay-friendly. Some are: Casa 69 or the very popular Colors Oasis Resort. The nightlife is one of the best attributes of staying in San Jose with a large variety of high-quality restaurants and trendy bars. Check out these popular clubs: Deja Vu, La Avispa, Club Oh!, Puchos Night Club and Why Not? After that it’s beach time!
Manuel Antonio is the mecca for gay travelers in Costa Rica. It has the largest selection of top-notch exclusively gay resorts. Here you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the crystal blue ocean with full service spas, superb restaurants, and a ton of adventure packed trips like: canopy tours, horseback riding tours, and sailing, to name a few. Then, at the end of the day you’ll be getting more of an adrenaline rush from the exciting club scene. The most popular resorts are: Hotel Villa Roca, Hotel Casablanca with its Sea Glass Spa, and Big Ruby’s La Plantacion. Also most of the restaurants are run by world-famous chefs offering all sorts of international and authentic cuisines in this area. However, to catch a stunning sunset and start the night off right, your best would be Tutu’s. And while you’re in Costa Rica, don’t miss out on a volcano adventure.
And while you’re in Costa Rica, don’t miss out on a volcano adventure. Arenal Volcano is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world and at the very foot of it are natural hot springs to simmer your bodies in while catching the lava flowing action. Tabacon resort is one of the hottest resorts here with thermal baths, swim up bars, and a restaurant that is built into the pools. Now for all you adventure junkies this is the place to be. What’s your flavor? Wind surfing, hiking, horseback riding, canopy tours, and/or white water rafting extravaganzas. There aren’t any gay-owned establishments here, but along with Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Palo Verde Resort is very gay-friendly with good food and a fun bar scene.
This is in case you prefer to stay in gay-owned or exclusively gay locations. But don’t dismay, if you want to go to another location there are tons of welcoming and high quality hotels scattered all over the country.
Note: If it’s not exclusively gay and you plan on bringing ‘new friends’ back to you room, find out the hotel policy before booking.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. !
There are many animal species in Costa Rica, 200 are mammals and out of the 200 species, 100 of them are bats and only FOUR are monkeys!
Maybe they’re not as common as squirrels in NY or black bears in Alaska, but they do like to show their cute little faces and smiley looks.
My suggestion to you is that whenever you stay in a super cool rain forest retreat/hotel wake up early and step outside and you’ll hear howlers in the distance or right in front of you. You’ll see spider monkeys hanging from branches with their supersonic tails and may be you’ll see Capuchins looking for food. Plus, when you go to the National Park, go a bit early and hire a guide, they will almost always spot the monkeys!
Here’s a list of those cute and silly creatures. This way when you do come face to face with a monkey, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at!
Capuchins
I bet you know exactly who these guys are! They’re the ones that dance around on leashes at different street fairs. They are omnivores and like to feast on leaves, insects, small lizards. They’re even known to steal bird’s eggs and nestlings. The best places to find them are inside Manuel Antonio National Park and Santa Rosa National Park.
These guys seem friendly; however, they are quite hostile and extremely opportunistic. They will take any opportunity to steal your food and run away.
Squirrel Monkeys
They are omnivores too and enjoy eating fruit, leaves, insects and lizards. They will look up at you with curious eyes. This is the smallest of all the Costa Rican Monkeys and is also known as the Titi monkey. They are very social and it’s not uncommon to find them in bunches of 30 or more. The best places to find them are in Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Spider Monkeys
They are one hell of an acrobat! You can see this monkey swinging from branch to branch, usually in groups. Their famous prehensile tails, are the size of their whole bodies and allow them to reach fruits and branches. Their tail also supports them in their movements.
Once they were a very abundant monkey species but unfortunately they have suffered humans’ violence and have been listed as an endangered species. And even worse, they are known to be tasty and are hunted for their meat! Even with that many obstacles they are still in some Costa Rican national parks.
Howler Monkeys
Gratefully, this monkey is the least effected by human intervention and can survive in many different types of eco-systems. You can hear these amazing creatures howl early in the morning hours or around the time the sun is about to set. Their howling can create a great impression among human because of how much noise they can make.
They are 100% herbivores, eating mainly fruits and leaves. They are also extremely sedentary. I have had the luck of seeing them often because they live practically everywhere near forests.
Keep your eyes open and I know you’ll have a close-encounter too!
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. !
