When we think of Costa Rica, it comes to mind: forests with dense green vegetation, rivers with rich waters, crystal-clear toucans, and spectacular Caribbean beaches. And it is no wonder, since this country offers all this and much more that you can discover during a volunteer in America.
Having two coasts, one that flows into the Caribbean Sea and the other into the Pacific Sea, it has the privilege of having many different marine species. Thanks to the difference in altitudes that its territory has and the tropical climate, this territory has great biodiversity, it has approximately 6% of the entire planet. In addition, it is considered one of the 25 countries with the most biodiversity in the world.
A large number of animal species live in Costa Rica, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Some of these are the puma, the monkey, the jaguar, the sloth or the armadillo.
Where can we find these species?
We can see these animals in various parts of the territory, specifically, in the Corcovado National Park, where we find great fauna and flora. The great vegetation in this area stands out, consisting of a humid and very dense forest with palm trees, oaks, laurels and almond trees. Furthermore, some of these species are endemic, therefore they can only be observed in this country. Reptiles, freshwater fish and more than 100 different species of mammals live in this forest, some of them are: monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, snakes and armadillos.
Costa Rica turtles
By covering part of the Pacific coast, during the months of December to March you can observe the nesting of leatherback turtles, this species of sea turtle is the largest that exists and can measure a length of 2.2 meters. If you are interested in the care of these species, Cooperating Volunteers has a specialized volunteering program in Costa Rica on the protection and release of sea turtles. We have a program on the Pacific coast and another on the Caribbean coast.
At the other end of the country, on the Caribbean coast we find the Cahuita National Park, this park protects a large marine area. Therefore, many species of fish live there, such as parrotfish, stingray, different species of sharks and more than 100 species of mollusks. Apart from the land area you can see raccoons, sloths, herons and otters. In addition, the beaches of this park are incredible, since they are surrounded by a green forest made up of dense vegetation.
The Celeste River
Another place that will surprise you is the Celeste River. It is located in the north of the country, in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, its peculiarity is that the water it carries is intense blue. This is due to the chemicals that come from Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste Cascade Tenorio Volcano. According to a local legend, this blue color is because, when God finished painting the sky, he cleaned the brush in this river.
There is a part where the Buena Vista River and the Quebrada Agria River meet where you can see how the transparent water meets the turquoise water, these places are called the Teñideros. It is spectacular how the water suddenly goes from having a transparent color to a light blue, and you can clearly see where the two waters meet. You can also visit the Celeste River waterfall, it is one of the most wonderful places in the park, since you can see how the blue water falls and flows into a small lagoon, surrounded by thick vegetation.
Don’t think twice and come discover this incredible country. We have only named some of the wonderful places it has, but there are many more, come and find them while volunteering in Costa Rica.