Lush and green all year round, flora and fauna abound in Costa Rica. Over 200 mammal species rustle stealthily through the undergrowth, and whilst many are elusive, jaguar, ocelot, margay, puma, jaguarundi, sloths, monkeys, bats and armadillo are all waiting to be spotted, particularly during night hikes. Reptiles and amphibians also thrive in this ecological haven, with over 170 amphibians, such as colourful tree frogs and dart frogs seen alongside snakes, caiman, lizards and iguanas.
Often referred to as Costa Rica’s ‘Little Amazon’, Tortuguero National Park is one of the 'must-see' locations to explore on holiday due to its moist tropical rainforest and network of rivers, canals and lagoons that simply beg to be explored by boat. The primary means of navigating is via boat, and there are also hiking trails for those wishing to explore on foot. Containing a marine and land dual ecosystem, the park was created to protect the green turtle due to its perfect nesting ground. It is hugely important for conservation, as many endangered sea turtles lay their eggs here, including leatherback, olive ridley, green turtle, loggerhead and hawksbill.
Aside from turtles, a wealth of wildlife can be seen in the coastal rainforest such as caiman, river otters, tapirs, sloths and hundreds of bird species including macaws and toucans.