Spotlight: Costa Rica - Aerial Tram Tour

Spotlight: The Aerial Tram Pacific Tour, also known as the Teleferico del Pacifico, is run by Rainforest Adventures. It promotes itself as the only guided tram tour in Costa Rica. The aerial tram is located in a lower elevation rain forest near the Pacific Ocean, hosting a different variety of plants and animals than those living in the cloud forests of Monteverde. The aerial tram offers visitors a unique view of the rain forest.

Location: The Aerial Tram Tour is located near Jaco, Puntarenas Province.

Cost: $60/adult, $30/students & children

Time: The tram runs at 7:30, 9:30, noon and 2:00 pm. The whole tour lasts one hour.

Description: The Aerial Tram Tour takes visitors above the jungle canopy so that they can get a bird's eye view of the rain forest with the idea of seeing animals that you wouldn't necessarily see from the ground. It is a good idea, and the aerial trams felt safe. Unfortunately, we didn't see many animals. We saw a couple of birds in the distance, but I was hoping to see a toucan. I didn't see any, but our tour director saw one. Unfortunately, he was on a different tram. We did see a sloth.

a sloth

Toucan

small waterfall

      After the tram ride, we did a small walking tour around the complex that included a Butterfly Garden, a Medicinal Plants Garden, and a Terrarium (with reptiles and amphibians). We saw turtles, caimans, snakes and poison dart frogs. Although the "poison dart frogs" aren't poisonous in captivity due to their diet, we did spot one in the wild while there.

iguana

pineapple plant

poison dart frog

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Don't go off the trail; there are poisonous snakes in the area, but they stay off the trails during daylight hours.
- The tour guides are bilingual. It is expected that visitors will tip their tour guide.
- Rainforest Adventures also offers a 5-in-1 package that also includes: zipline excursions, waterfall climbing, a sky bridge tour, and nature trail trek. There are other adventure packages available at their website.

Sky Bridge

Nearby: Jungle Crocodile Safari, Los Quetzales National Park, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Jungle Crocodile Safari

Spotlight: The Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour takes you up and down the River Tarcoles. The two-hour guided tour allows you to view enormous 4-meter crocodiles in their natural habitat. Although the main attraction is the crocodiles, you will also see iguanas and up to 50 different species of birds.

Location: The Jungle Crocodile Safari is located at Tarcoles - La Barca, 1, Puntarenas Province 61101 on the Rio Tarcoles.

Cost: The tour costs $30/person

Time: The 2-hour tour departs daily at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. You can also schedule a private tour if you have a large enough group.

Description: The Jungle Crocodile Safari is reminiscent of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland - but without the corny puns. Naturally, you aren't going to see nearly as many varieties of animals as you will see on the Disney tour, but the animals you do see are real. We saw lots of crocodiles and iguanas including a 17-foot crocodile lying on the side of the river. He even opened his mouth wide for a picture of the deadly rows of sharp teeth that lined his mouth.

baby croc hiding in a small den on the side of a bank

iguana cave

     As we floated through the mangrove swamp, we also saw a bunch of different species of birds including: egrets, herons, macaws, spoonbills, storks, ibises, hawks and swallows. We were each given a bird guide  pamphlet to help identify the different species common to the region.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - En route to the Crocodile Safari, you will cross the Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge. If you find a spot to pull over nearby, it is worth the walk across the bridge to look at the crocs swimming in the river below.

- The tour is wheelchair accessible.
- If you cancel at least 7 days prior to departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel within 3-6 days, there is a 50% cancellation fee.

Nearby: Crocodile Man Tour, Playa Guacalillo Bird Observatory, Carara National Park, Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Baldi Hot Springs Resort

Spotlight: The Baldi Hot Springs Resort claims to be the world's largest hot springs, with 25 thermal pools fed by hot springs naturally heated by Volcan Arenal. Whether you stay at the resort, or visit for the day, it is a fun, relaxing way to spend time in this oasis surrounded by volcanoes and rain forests.

Location: Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa is located at 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos warmed by the thermal activity of nearby Volcan Arenal.

Cost: The Baldi Hot Springs Hotel is a 3-star hotel that costs about $147/night (though you can find deals online). One day passes are available for $35 (adults) or $17.50 (children).

Time: The pools are open from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm daily. You can spend a few hours here or all day.

Description: The Resort features 25 thermal water pools - 10 indoor pools and 15 outdoor pools. There are two water slides that go into one of the larger pools. The pools are fed by continuously running waterfalls that add to the fun. The pools also have different features including swim-up bars, lounging benches, islands, etc. Each of the pools has a different temperature, so you can find the one that is perfect for you, or you can migrate from pool to pool enjoying the variations. The waterfalls vary in size and aesthetics from pool to pool.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - In addition to the pools, the resort has 2 restaurants, a spa treatment room, a sauna, a children's pool and a playground on site. Room prices include a free breakfast. All rooms have free WiFi, which is also available in select public areas.
- Baldi Resort is a smoke-free facility. There is swim-up bar in one of the pools.
- Day passes can be upgraded to include lunch and/or dinner for an additional price $22/meal (adult) or $11.50/meal (children).
- No food or drink or pets are allowed to be brought onto premises.
- The hotel provides robes, towels, slippers and a locker key for guests.
- Access to the SPA is for clients 12 and up.

Nearby: The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, La Fortuna Waterfall, Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Ziplining in Monteverde

Spotlight: There are several companies that offer adventure courses, including ziplining, in Costa Rica. Our group went to Monteverde Extremo Park. This park offers a variety of adventures including: the Zip-line Canopy Tour, bungee jumping, extreme swings, and buggy tours. If you want an adrenaline rush, you'll get it.

Location: Monteverde Extremo Park is located in Guanacaste Pronvince, about 2 miles northwest of Monteverde (which is in the Puntarenas Province).

Cost: Zip-line Canopy Tour - $53; Bungee Jump - $73; Extreme Swing - $42; Buggy Tour (single) - $70, (double) - $100, (family) - $200

Time: Plan on spending between 2-4 hours depending on which activities you do. The Canopy Tour will take about 2 1/2 hours.

Description: My group did the Canopy Tour. The Canopy Tour consists of a series of about fourteen zip-lines that zip you through the treetops of the rain forest at breathtaking speeds. Before leaving, the instructors give instructions to the group, including how to use the heavy leather glove that should be kept loosely around the cable at all times to keep yourself oriented correctly, and to slow down if needed.

     Although most of the lines are regular size, there were two extremely long ones, one of which required a minimum weight to ride single; but you could double up if necessary. The last, and longest zip-line is 3,400 feet long and 600 feet high. It passes through a valley to a spot on the other side too far away to see.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - If you want to take pictures, make sure you have zippered pockets or a secure pouch that your phone will be safe in.
- The harnesses will be very snug. Make sure that you wear clothing long enough to cover all the areas that the harness will touch to avoid chaffing.
- The family Buggy tour is for 4 adults with 2 bumper seats for children under 12.
- Their are a couple of colorful parrots that live at the park headquarters. They are extremely beautiful and "speak Spanish."

Nearby: Tree House restaurant, Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Bosque Eterno de los Ninos

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Spotlight: The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which covers 765 acres,  was created in 1992 through the efforts of various community groups, particularly those associated with the Professional Technical College of Santa Elena, Youth Challenge International and the Environmental Life Association. Since it is located along the continental divide, at a height of more than 5,500 feet, it is one of the few "cloud forests" in the world - a term used to indicate a rain forest located on top of a continental divide. Its unique climate makes it ideal to host hundreds of thousands of different organisms - both plant and animal - many of which don't live anywhere else on Earth. A single tree is an entire ecosystem in itself, with dozens of species of plants and animals growing on or living among its roots, trunk and branches. The forest is protected and managed through the funds that are generated through Ecotourism. Its vision is to be a model of participatory administration for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through ecotourism, training, investigation and environmental education.

Location: La Reserva Santa Elena is located in the Guanacaste Province, Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Cost: Self-guided tours: $15 adult/$7 student; General guided tours: $29 adult/$22 student; Private guided tours: $120 for 1-3 people, plus $29 per additional person (max of 6)

Time: Open from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm daily; plan on spending about 1-3 hours

Description: The Santa Elena Reserve has 5 separate paths you can take to view the vegetation and animals of the cloud forest. Of course, while the plants are always in view, the animals will likely see you before you see them. Although you will probably see birds and insects, you probably won't see any large animals, although jaguars, monkeys and sloths live there. If you are lucky, though, you may spot a quetzal or toucan.

millipede

poison dart frog

     One of the highlights of any tour is being able to climb the observation tower and look out over the landscape. In clear weather, you can see up to 4 volcanoes.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Guided tours are offered for up to 8 people, and are offered at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 1:00 pm

- Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.
- Dress for rain; after all, you are in a rain forest, and there is an average of 7 inches of rainfall per month during the rainy season (May-November). When you add in the moisture that naturally accumulates from the mist brought by the clouds, the annual "rainfall" is about 12 feet.

Nearby: Selvatura Adventure Park, Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 100% Aventura

Spotlight: Costa Rica - La Fortuna Waterfall

Spotlight: The La Fortuna waterfall is a powerful torrent of water that free falls 70-75 meters before pounding the pool below. The falls are fed by the Arenal River which flows through the rain forest on its way down to Lago Arenal.

Location: The La Fortuna waterfall is located at the base of the dormant Volcan Chato, 1.5 km south and 3 km west from the Catholic Church, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna de San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica.

Cost: $15 for adult foreigners, $5 for children

Time: The trail is open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; plan on spending 1-2 hours

Description: La Fortuna is probably the most popular waterfall in Costa Rica. Before heading down the trail to the base of the falls, stop at the overlook on the opposing cliff, where you can get a preview of what you'll see and take a few pictures.

     The hike down to the Falls consists of a series of staircases with more than 400 steps and takes about 10-15 minutes. The hike back to the top will take about 20-30 minutes. You can also take a horseback tour down a different trail.

     Once you reach the bottom, you finally get to appreciate the majestic grandeur of the waterfall. The water crashing into the pool sounds like a turbine as water and mist explode out from the point of impact.

     You can swim in the river below the falls, but it wouldn't be wise to swim underneath the falls themselves. The water is chilly but enjoyable. Further down the river, the water is calmer and better suited for children.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: -  Although you can see the falls from the overlook, you need to hike down the stairs to the base if you want to get a close look at them.There are more than 400+ steps to hike down to the bottom of the falls. There is no handicap trail, so make sure you can make it back up before heading down. I would recommend wearing something sturdier than flip-flops.
- There is another waterfall to the right of the La Fortuna waterfall. It would be impressive in its own right if it wasn't located right next to La Fortuna Falls. Due to its proximity, though, it rarely gets much more than a second glance.

- Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail. It was here that I got my first view of a howler monkey.

- If you do swim, wear sandals or water socks to protect your feet from the sharp rocks.
- There are facilities, so you can bring your swimsuit to change into there.
- There is a restaurant and souvenir shop at the trail head.

Nearby: Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Hike, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Bosque Eterno de los Ninos