Costa Rica Adventure

By Mary Elisabeth Pitz

Our four-wheel drive stops abruptly. The driver leaps out, quickly opens the door while pointing to an overhanging branch. There, some 20 feet above, a mother sloth and her baby contentedly recline.

Mama sloth doesn't take her eyes off us. A minute later a Costa Rican family on the way to town jumps out of their vehicle to have a look at the sloths. What's unusual is that this is the norm-in Costa Rica, where the national sport is animal and bird spotting.

Outside of the capital, San Jose, the country is rich with wildlife. If your clients are en route from one hotel to another, they can expect to see wildlife, especially in Capeos, Tambour, and other areas. Even dedicated beachites get excited seeing macaws, toucans, and monkeys. The key is having a good driver or guide. The best driver/guides contract with top tour operators.

Opportunity
By the time "city eyes" begin to spot birds and animals, valuable time is lost. Seeing wildlife immediately sets a positive tone and adds instantaneous excitement to a client's trip. A good guide or driver/guide will happily point out birds, animals, trees, and flowers; plus, he will teach your clients how to "spot" effectively in as short a time as possible.

Eco-tourism or soft adventure
Dan Conoway of Elegant Adventures says, "Costa Rica's culture focuses on nature, being outside, and being active. It's the country par excellence of soft adventure."
Soft adventure covers everything from body surfing-Costa Rica has the best long, left waves on the planet-to gourmet meals. Since the country appeals to a far greater audience than just the ecologically attuned, you have a large potential client base. There is a great deal to do: nature trails, hiking, bird watching, river rafting, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, body and wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and biking are some of the choices.

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