Ecotourism in Costa Rica has been a successful industry for the country for decades. There are many local naturalists with a wealth of experience and knowledge and a genuine love for the natural world of Costa Rica.
While tourists may stumble quickly through the cloud forests of the Monteverde region north of San Jose, guides can reveal a quiet and mystical side of the jungle world at night. Guides track the same area of forest on a regular basis and know where nocturnal animals reside, where tarantula and snake holes are, and where birds like to perch when they sleep. Guides also use radio systems and scout an area before a tour takes place to make sure they find as many animals and sights as possible.
Sunset Hiking in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Most night hikes begin at sunset so that tourists may get acclimated to their surroundings and become familiar with their guides and equipment, such as flashlights. This is a beautiful time of day to be in the cloud forests. Guides allow time for tourists to view the setting sun and wander around before darkness falls
What to See on a Night Hike in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Once it is dark, the guides lead small groups of tourists, about six people to a guide, through the trails of the forest. They will point out sleeping sloths, monkeys, and birds in the trees. Also, because they are familiar with the area, they will take visitors directly to smaller habitats that they would have passed by on their own. These include tarnantula holes, ant hills, birds' nests, and spider webs. Also, because naturalists are trained to be quiet and observant, they are much more likely to spot the occasional butterfly, moth, or exotic species of beetle, such as the headlight beetle, all of which shine beautiful under a flashlight.
The Climate at Night in Monteverde, Costa Rica
For tourists unaccustomed to the tropical climate of Central America, night time in the mountains offers the perfect cool climate to enjoy the outdoors. The night is quiet and peaceful, breezy and pleasant, and the precipitation is often lighter, if any, than during the afternoons in the Monteverde area.
Night Hike Providers in Monteverde and Santa Elena, Costa Rica
Tourists can usually sign up for night hikes at the hostel, guest house, or hotel at which they are staying. A shuttle will come there directly to pick them up. The Hidden Valley Night Tour near Cerro Plano between Monteverde and Santa Elena is beautiful, well organized, and highly recommended. Travel companies specializing in packages, such asCosta Rica for Less, can also provide information and bookings for night hikes.
Laura Susan Henry - I am currently teaching yoga in Charlotte, North Carolina. I have been many places and lived many lives, but the threads of my life ...
