We are just beginning to plan our CR itinerary. Where would you guys say the best animal viewing would be? And what about flower viewing?

Let me suggest Tortuguero or Corcovado (usually) for wildlife. Lankester Gardens near Cartago or the Wilson Botanical Gardens are some choices for plants and flowers. But there are so many choices ...

Another good place to see a lot of animals is the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. You ride through on a slow boat and you'll see a lot.

While hiking, the most animals I've seen was on the trails at Playa Nicuesa in Golfito. Tortuguero is great and Corcovado too. As far as plants flowers -- they're everywhere.

Sandy

Sandy

Cano Negro is best in winter when water levels are lower but is an interesting place all year.

The Osa Peninsula [which I have not visited] is well known for abundant wildlife.

We have had good luck with animals in the Sarapiqui lowlands with sightings of Agouti, Tayra [big weasel], Coati [which are common country-wide], peccaries, Neotropic Otters, Mexican Porcupine, Tamandua [anteater], Sloths, Spider, Mantled Howler and White-faced Monkeys, Caimen and a couple of squirrel species. This is also a great area for poison-dart frogs and multitudes of birds.

Stream banks, clearings and roadsides in many places have plenty of flowers. One of our favourite locations for flowers and an excellent location for butterflies is the area in and near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

The one place I do NOT recommend for animal viewing is Manuel Antonio National Park. Animals there are stressed and far to habituated to people. You are better off visiting your local zoo.

cheers

Jerry

Hi, I would say that the Corcovado National park is the best wildlife viewing. We had a guide that was fantastic, Stayed at La Paloma lodge and spent 2 days hiking the rain forest and one day snorkling. It was the highlight of our trip. We also went to Arenal and Manual Antonio but the rain forest was the best.