Costa Rican Rainforests
- Gabi García
- 6 jul 2024
- 4 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 10 dic 2024
Characteristics, importance and places in Costa Rica that you can visit to get to know them.
Costa Rica is a country with an immense natural wealth. It shelters about 6% of the world's biodiversity and is home to more than 500,000 species of flora and fauna. More than 50% of the country is covered by forests. Most of them can be classified as rainy forest, cloud forest and dry forest.
What you are about to discover...
Here you will learn about their characteristics, importance, tips to improve your visit to these forests and a recommendation of places you can visit to get to know them.
Characteristics of the rainforest
They are also known as humid or evergreen forests. These are characterized by constant and abundant rainfall, as well as a very similar average temperature throughout the year. It is estimated that rainfall ranges between 2,000 and 6,000 mm/year and temperatures between 22°C and 33°C. They are usually located between 0 and 1,000 meters above sea level. This makes it one of the most abundant ecosystems in biodiversity on the planet and therein lies its importance, as they are home to hundreds of thousands of species of flora and fauna, the most precious treasure of humanity.
It is estimated that these forests cover 47% of Costa Rica's territory. They are home to a large number of birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers and blackbirds. There is also a variety of butterflies, frogs, monkeys, insects, basilisks, iguanas, sloths, coatis, crocodiles, felines such as jaguarundi, ocelots, pumas, caucasians and jaguars. The latter are famous for having the most powerful jaw of all the felines in the world and their attack is usually direct to the head, while their relatives generally attack the neck.
More than 1,500 species of trees are known and a total of between 11,000 and 13,000 species of flora have been studied, including more than 1,300 orchids. There is also an abundance of vines, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, climbers, lianas, flowers, epiphytes, heliconias and palms. Many of the plants have wide leaves that end in points to facilitate the drainage of the water that falls abundantly and to avoid rotting. Little light reaches the soil and the leaf litter that forms is scarce. The nutrients released by the decomposition of organic matter are quickly absorbed by the trees.
Rainforests are considered the lungs of the planet thanks to their great capacity to capture CO2 and put it underground while emitting oxygen into the atmosphere. They also contribute to the maintenance and recharge of aquifers that supply water to cities. Part of their importance lies in the fact that they generate a lot of scientific knowledge, physical and spiritual health.
Along with the abundance of life, hundreds of smells, colors and sounds are perceived, so being there, you have to sharpen the 5 senses to perceive them.
What places to visit in Costa Rica to see rainforests?
Rainforests are found throughout the country. Do you want to know them? If so, I recommend you to go to: Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado National Park, La Amistad International Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest Reserve, Prusia Forest, Barbilla National Park, La Cangreja National Park, Los Quetzales National Park, Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Poas Volcano, Tenorio Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo National Monument, Barra Honda National Park.
Recommended clothing:
Tennis or closed all terrain shoes, booties or rubber boots, cape, light and fresh clothes for the day, very warm clothes for the night, change of clothes and shoes.
Tips:
It is recommended to bring water, fruits, dry seeds, binoculars, energy bars, camera, change of clothes, sweets. Always carry a bag to dispose of the garbage generated and then take it and deposit it in a suitable place.
Importance of rainforest conservation
Thousands of species survive day by day in complete balance and interdependence. The wisdom of the forest has allowed for thousands of years to maintain balance and life. However, in many places human beings have forgotten their role as guardians of the earth and have generated terrible problems. Indiscriminate logging has caused a great deal of deforestation, soil erosion and the drying up of rivers. Mining, pollution and urban sprawl have also displaced, fragmented and reduced these habitats. Hunting and species trafficking are still occurring. For all these reasons it is important to wake up and join regenerative initiatives that allow the development and growth of humanity but in harmony and respect not only with the earth, but with all living races whether animal or plant that inhabit and accompany us on this short and beautiful journey called life.
When you visit a rainforest, the most important thing is not the selfie in the most beautiful place, it is the experience of being able to walk and enjoy the wonderful landscapes and the thousands of living beings that inhabit it. It is to recharge your vital energy by reconnecting with the Earth. May you keep this experience forever in your heart, understand the importance of protecting these places and contribute to it.
Links of interest:
If you want to find the perfect place for your vacation, enter the following link and complete the form with your preferences and the system will give you options of national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges in Costa Rica.
You can also see the map of CR with the national parks and reserves by clicking here.
To know all the products we have with the "Forests of Costa Rica" click here.
If you want to talk to us by whatsapp click here.
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