Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica

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06
Jan 2015

Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica – Piedras Blancas National Park

Some of the harder to reach locations in the southern region of Costa Rica are the most rewarding to visit in terms of wildlife. Focusing on the Corcovado National Park on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica offers travellers numerous species of birds to sight as well as many mammals, some of which are endangered. However, for the adventurous traveller who enjoys more elusive sighting opportunities, the Piedras Blancas National Park offers a challenging terrain that is home to a dizzying array of flora, fauna and birdlife.

A Protected Preserve

The Piedras Blancas National Park was originally incorporated into the Corcovado National Park, acting as a sort of gateway for the larger preserve considered by many as the country’s crowning jewel. However, in 1993 the Piedras Blancas was formed independently to protect the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the area, which is also the only remaining habitat of the endangered Jaguar. A wildlife holiday in Costa Rica is always rich with exotic sighting opportunities, but many species that inhabit the Piedras Blancas National Park are still being studied and remain an exciting mystery to researchers and visitors alike.

Lush and Tropical

The Piedras Blancas National Park spans over 14000 hectares and forms a protective barrier, with its neighbour the Corcovado National Park, to safeguard the biological corridor of the Golfo Dulce region. The geographical position of the forest means that the weather conditions, including over 200 inches of rain per year, keep the forest lush and tropical all year round. Consequently, the Piedras Blancas is home to a biologically diverse variety of animal and bird life. One could easily focus a trip’s entire attention on the Piedras Blancas National Park and come away highly rewarded.

Impressive Level of Biodiversity

Studies of the preserve have revealed an impressive level of biodiversity within the forest, similar to that found in Corcovado. Scarlet Macaws and toucans have benefited from rescue and preservation efforts, as have all four of the South American big cat species – all of which have been recorded in the area. Other wildlife frequently seen includes an amazing array of reptiles, including over 37 amphibian and 42 reptile species – such as the poisonous Coral Snake, the Pit Viper, the Boa Constrictor and numerous colourful frogs and lizards. Over 330 species of birds have also been sighted in the park, making Piedras Blancas renowned one of the best areas for bird watching and wildlife holidays in Costa Rica.

For amazing wildlife holidays in Costa Rica the Piedras Blancas National Park covers all interests. From the Bottlenose Dolphins seen along its coastline, to the magnificent birds that fly over the towering canopy, as well as the exotic array of reptiles and mammals that inhabit the dense, lush forest, even the most seasoned traveller will be thrilled with all this spectacular park has to offer.

 

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Spectacular Bird watching in Ecuador

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06
Jan 2015

 

Maquipucuna is one of Ecuador’s most pristine and exciting rainforest reserves and offers numerous opportunities for birdwatching. Ecuador’s vast hummingbird population along with other exotic inhabitants can keep nature lovers entertained for days on end. Maquipucuna, in particular, displays a profusion of flora and fauna and easily warrants more than just a day trip.

Paradise on Earth

Maquipucuna is a 6000-hectare cloud forest located only 45 minutes outside of Quito, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. Ecuador’s profusion of wildlife and bird species makes it an ideal country for beginners as well as seasoned birders. The reserve itself contains four different habitats, with dramatic climate changes due to the varying altitudes that range from 900 to almost over 2800 metres above sea level. Maquipucuna is home to 4% of the world’s bird biodiversity, which has led to its status as one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots.

Vast Array of Birds and Wildlife

Just a few of the birds found in Maquipucuna include the Cock-of-the-rock, Toucan Barbets, Red-headed Barbets, Golden-headed Quetzal and Esmeralda’s Antbirds. Many visitors also travel to the reserve for the pleasure of abundant opportunities for hummingbird sightings while birdwatching. Ecuador is home to over 132 different hummingbird species and they are easy to spot and highly entertaining to observe. The mammals that inhabit the Maquipucuna forest are also fascinating to see, and many people make pilgrimages to catch sight of these special creatures. South America’s only bear species, the Spectacled Bear, is found in the Maquipucuna reserve during fruiting season. Other mammals that are frequently seen are armadillos, pumas, anteaters and over 19 different species of bats.

Historical Value

Maquipucuna was believed to have been inhabited by the pre-Incan Yumbo tribe. Their burial sites and relics have been found in the reserve and pre-Incan trails have been found leading to the Chachillacta, known as the “land of the salt”. Before colonial times, Maquipucuna was the primary source for salt for the country’s capital city, Quito. Many of these ancient trails can still be followed today, and usually lead to lush watering holes and waterfalls throughout the reserve.

Of all the South American countries to visit, this one offers perhaps the best wildlife sightings and opportunities for birdwatching. Ecuador’s incredibly diverse population of birds is so condensed within a small geographical area that it is a superb location for beginners to visit to guarantee a fruitful experience.

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Italian Vacations: Spots to Avoid When Driving

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06
Jan 2015

 

Driving through Europe is no small feat. There are differences in traffic signals, few signs, and language barriers to contend with. At least in Italy they drive on the same side of the road as the United States. Weaving through traffic in cities like Rome and Milan can be difficult, but the countryside poses its own set of obstacles. When planning driving vacations, spots along the way can be tricky to navigate. But, if you’ve got your heart set on doing it yourself, don’t be discouraged!

If you’ve looked into driving around Italy, you have probably already heard horror stories about the streets of Rome. To start with, the traffic during peak times is bumper-to-bumper. There aren’t really “lanes” for drivers to adhere to, so everyone crowds into the streets trying to rush to their own destinations. This can lead to some terrifying bobbing and weaving. Before you go on green, you should look both ways a few times to make sure the coast is clear.

Rental car companies are very aware of the dangers of driving in Rome. If you do decide to rent a car in the city, you can bet your insurance will be almost twice the cost of renting the car. You may actually save money by taking taxis or hiring a driver.

Experiencing the bucolic countryside is a must for many tourists. While driving in the country is much easier than in Rome or even Milan, there are still things to be aware of. Maps of the countryside don’t provide much detail, and there is a general lack of signs in rural areas. You should give yourself at least twice as much time to travel than you anticipate. If you don’t, you could very well miss that wine tasting you booked or lose your spa reservation.

Staying in a beautiful villa in Tuscany is the pinnacle of many people’s vacations. Spots like San Gimignano, a medieval town nestled in the province of Sienna, are sure to be unforgettable. However, you can’t drive within the town walls. They do have parking areas, but they quickly become packed with daytime tourists.

Be aware of the facts before you plan out any European driving vacations. Spots like Rome will be a major hassle to get through and places like San Gimignano may not allow driving at all! With proper research and planning your trip could be the experience of a lifetime.

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