A Tropical Sundown

When you want to wind down at the end of your day and relax, why not take in one of Costa Rica’s panoramic sunset views. There is something about this enchanting place that produces some of the most picturesque sunsets that you will ever see.

In fact, in some of the more laid back beach towns, the locals gather around to watch the spectacular show that Mother Nature provides free of charge just about every nightfall. In fact, if the conditions are right, the views are simply to die for, all up and down the Central and Southern Pacific coasts.

Just a wonderful way to top off your day!

Baby tree sloths of Costa Rica

The tree sloth an extra-terrestrial looking creature that spends their 40 year life span hanging upside down from branches and was once a common sight in Costa Rica are now under threat.

The sloth is not threatened as much by natural terrestrial predators (such as boas or cats) as much as it is threatened by logging and general deforestation.

Costa Rica’s wildlife may be enticing, but it is also disappearing. Certain species are now on the brink of extinction, either by hunters, poachers, or the disappearance of their natural habitat. Although the government is aware of this danger, and private conservationists are helping, in some cases it may be too late.

But thanks to places like this unique animal rescue center, which cares for over 90 endangered animals, wildlife organizations are making a difference

Giant iguanas pay us a visit

One of the most common groups of reptiles you'll see is the giant iguana. The giant iguana can grow up to two meters in length. They can be found living in trees and near water, into which they will dive if frightened.

Despite its menacing appearance the giant iguanas are strictly vegetarians and quite harmless. One of the favorite places of giant iguanas are the trees, where they sit for hours without moving.

It takes a sharp eye to see them camouflaged in the trees. For someone not experienced they are well hidden and very hard to find. You meet them not only on tours to the jungle or one of the river expeditions, but also at the beach and around the hotels.

Some will even get close enough so that you can feed them some fruit, like the two friendly iguanas in the photo below.

There is never a dull moment in Costa Rica!

The Stone Spheres of Costa Rica

In the 1930s, workers from the United Fruit Company, who were clearing land in the Diquis Valley of Costa Rica for banana plantations, began unearthing large numbers of almost perfectly round stone spheres. The largest of these apparently man-made balls was over two meters in diameter and weighed over 16 tons. No one is sure exactly when or how they were made, or by whom, or for what reason.

Numerous myths surround the stones, such as they came from Atlantis, or that they were made as such by nature. Some local legends state that the native inhabitants had access to a potion able to soften the rock. Another calls for the center of the spheres to contain a single coffee bean.

Today, virtually all of the spheres have been taken from their original locations. Many are now prized lawn ornaments across Costa Rica

It has been quite a rainy season!

Like many tropical countries, Costa Rica experiences two seasons: The rainy season and the dry season. And that translates into six straight months of some serious rain.

This year though, heavy rains, flooding, deadly mudslides and damaged bridges are affecting life in parts of Costa Rica as the country lives through one of the worst rainy seasons on record.

Heavy rains put emergency services on high alert across the region as rivers burst their banks and rain soaked hillsides collapsed, blocking roads across the region, which is prone to torrential storms and flooding.

The small town of Parrita on the western Pacific coast was also flooded when rain-swollen rivers burst their banks, as you can see by the photos below.

Yet, according to the NASA, Costa Rica has the best climate in the world. Visions of never ending rain during the wet season are often exaggerated, but not this year.

It’s been one for the records books…but hey, down here the Ticos are used to it and for them… life continues in the good old fashioned “pura vida” tradition.

Rare Leatherback Turtle in underwater Costa Rica

To explore some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous sceneries underwater, you have to dive along the coast off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay or visit the lovely Isla del Caño, home to some of the most fabulous underwater and marine life in the country. Along the Guanacaste Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula excellent snorkeling opportunities can be found at Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa.

And if all this is not enough, then do what I did.... try rappeling down some of Costa Rica’s beautiful waterfalls around the areas of Puerto Jimenez and Cabo Matapalo.

As you can see Costa Rica’s versatility not only extends to its landscape, but its fantastic adventure opportunities as well. So come on down to this gorgeous tropical country to experience Pura Vida or the ‘Pure Life’ and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Nature lovers paradise

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions, Costa Rica is by far setting itself apart as a prime destination for nature lovers. Although it is only 19,730 square miles in size, it is home to 4 percent of all flora and fauna on earth, and has more than 100 private reserves, which serve as a buffer zone for all the protected public and private parks. The countryside is a national treasure chest that includes everything from tropical rainforests, to five active volcanoes, seven that are dormant, a cloud forest, several mountain ranges and mangroves galore! Not to mention the Pacific Ocean on one coast and the Caribbean Ocean on the other.

Fresh water untapped

One of the many wonders of Costa Rica is the abundance of cool, fresh water that you see everywhere. This tropical paradise has literally thousands of miles of inland freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams that winds itself through this very small country. The interesting thing is that most of it has remained practically untouched and hidden in remote places, like this photo of a beautiful and captivating mountain stream tucked away up on a hillside.

Room with a view

These dramatic and spectacular jagged peaks provide the backdrop as you make the treacherous 120 kilometer drive from San Isidro de General, up the 11,000 foot high El Cerro de la Muerte highway. (The Mountain of Death). This is a trip that I have made plenty of times myself and in all kinds of weather. San Isidro de General sits at the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, and is by far the largest town in the region. The panoramic views make the journey to San Jose quite a scenic experience.

Beautiful landscapes

A picturesque view of the gorgeous Talamanca Mountain Range, in the southern part of Costa Rica. This area is home to one of the largest and most biologically diverse, protected regions in the entire country. With its wildlife preserves, superior bird watching opportunities, stunning volcanic peaks, and breathtaking tropical beaches, one can truly understand why Costa Rica has become the world's foremost eco-travel destination.

Children of Costa Rica

These beautiful Costa Rican children smile and pose for the camera. Children here are held in high esteem and adored by everyone, in a country where abortion is ilegal.

Untouched wilderness

Costa Rica's great biodiversity comes from its immense variations in altitude, climate and topography. The clear water seen in this mountain spring is a testament to the unspoiled wilderness that you see throughout the country.

Chirripó National Park

This cool and refreshing mountain stream is one on the many highlights you'll see as you trek through the National Park.

Mountain village of San Gerardo de Rivas

The small rural town of San Gerardo de Rivas is basically the starting point where one can explore the 49,000 hectare Chirripó National Park, the country's highest peak, at 12,530 ft. With its magnificent landscape, beautiful glacier lakes, and cool mountain streams, it is no small wonder that Chirripó National Park is part of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Welcome:

A photo blog updated daily with images through my cameras eye of life somewhere in this tropical paradise, spiced with a few snippets of information.


Costa Rica and its culture is quite unique in all of Central and Latin America. In a land where there is no army or military dictator, Costa Rica reigns supreme as one of the most peaceful countries in the Western Hemisphere, with at least 60 years of uninterrupted democracy. It is by far the longest span of tranquility ever seen in Latin America.

This same peaceful spirit can be witnessed in the people of Costa Rica as well, for if I could find two words to describe the Ticos, (as they liked to be called) it would be gentle and kind.

What I hope to share with you through this photo blog are scenes and images of the fascinating splendor of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

So...buen viaje y pura vida!

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.
- Ansel Adams