Another Costa Rica Trip - Orchid Board

Lars Kurth · #1 10-20-2011, 04:15 AM

Hi everybody,

I am planning another trip to Costa Rica in January (or maybe Feb) and wanted to go to some new places where I can see native orchids. I have been to Monte Verte and the Arenal area, but would want to go somewhere else.

Bought a few field guides and Orchid books, but none are specific about which plants grow where. Any tips and sufggestions where I should go to see great and unusual orchids in the wild would be great.

Lars

Connie Star · #2 10-23-2011, 10:29 PM

Hi Lars,
I'm planning my 18th trip there in late Dec early Jan. I'm an avid birder as well so some of my planning is around them. Have you been to Rincon de la Vieja? Poas? There is a beautiful trail at Poas- it's near to San Jose and is an easy day trip- it's chilly there as it is at a high altitude. I'm hoping on this next trip to visit Lankester Garden near Cartago.
We usually orient to the western side but we've only been to San Vito, never to the Osa Peninsula which we will do some time.
You might check out one of the aerial trams or walkways, rather than the "canopy tour" zip lines.
Another wonderful place, for plants as well as birds, is Tirimbina near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. It's near La Selva but less expensive and they let you roam around more.

Lars Kurth · #3 11-06-2011, 09:10 AM

Connie, looks like we will spend some time in Corcovado/Osa as well as San Gerardo and surrounds. I will try and build in a few days in San Jose, such that I can visit Poas and/or Lancaster.

Arenalbotanicalgarden · #4 11-06-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lars Kurth

Connie, looks like we will spend some time in Corcovado/Osa as well as San Gerardo and surrounds. I will try and build in a few days in San Jose, such that I can visit Poas and/or Lancaster.

You nailed it. Corcovado rocks. Hire a local guide or off duty ranger. Take ' the lake trail" if you are physically fit.

Connie Star · #5 11-13-2011, 09:06 PM

We'll be in Costa Rica from Dec 27 to Jan 10.
We haven't settled our itinerary yet but will be starting at our friends in Atenas. I'd like to go to Monteverde, and my husband is planning on looking for big trees. For the last couple of years we have gone to Sarapiqui to spend New Years eve with our friends' family. I doubt we'll get to Osa this time.

Arenalbotanicalgarden · #6 11-14-2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

We'll be in Costa Rica from Dec 27 to Jan 10.
We haven't settled our itinerary yet but will be starting at our friends in Atenas. I'd like to go to Monteverde, and my husband is planning on looking for big trees. For the last couple of years we have gone to Sarapiqui to spend New Years eve with our friends' family. I doubt we'll get to Osa this time.

Skip Monteverde.The Monteverde of 15 years ago no longer exists......unless you like Stromboli and fried chicken. Go to Tenorio National Park and rio Celeste. The water is up now so while in that area check out Cano Negro.

Connie Star · #7 11-16-2011, 06:25 AM

Actually we were there 2 years ago. We have some friends to visit.
I know it's not the same as it was 15 years ago, but it still has the reserves which I enjoy. I'm a birder as well as an orchid buff and an avid photographer.

realjunglekat · #8 04-07-2012, 12:24 AM

I love Monteverde. In 2000 I sold all I had and moved there for 3 years! A paradise for mini orchid enthisiasts!

Lordoftheswarms · #9 01-03-2014, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arenalbotanicalgarden

Skip Monteverde.The Monteverde of 15 years ago no longer exists......unless you like Stromboli and fried chicken. Go to Tenorio National Park and rio Celeste. The water is up now so while in that area check out Cano Negro.

This has me pretty upset.
We booked a tour of Costa Rica, I really wanted to see orchids, and I had only heard of Monteverde.

If I were to change it, what would your suggestion be?