SIMBIOSIS TOURS

 This region offers visitors the opportunity lo live unforgetable experiences, such as whale and dolphin watching, also a variety of reptiles can be seen.  All this is presented within an atmosphere of exuberant mangrove swamps and landscapes which are typical of the humid tropical forest.  Due to this type of ecosystem, beach activities can be done: sportfishing, surf, professional scuba diving.  But you can also find a lot of entertainment out of the water: walks through paths in national parks and the best of all, energy walks to Cerro Chirripó, 3.820 meters ( 12.530 feet).  It is considered the highest mountain in the southern part of Central America and is among the classics of people who love adventure and sports, since it offers a great challenge that, at the same time, is rewarded by the majestic scenery (botanic gardens and astonishing waterfalls).  It offers a combination of relax and oxygen, ideal for mental and energy balance of the body…say goodbye to stress and seize the day!!!

You can enjoy the great eco-tourist attractions of this region at Sierpe-Térraba Wetland, Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, Marino Ballena National Park, Isla del Caño Biologic Reserve and Corcovado National Park.

But beach tourism is also an important aspect for this zone.  Some excellent options are: Dominical-Piñuela, Platanares Beach, Zancudo and Pavones, the last two mentioned are recognized among surfers.

But that is not all, Corcovado National Park, called by National Geographic, “the place of greatest biologic treasures of the planet,” is also part of this magic place, together with the Biosphere Reserve established as Patrimony of “ La Amistad.” 

Undoubtedly……spectacular!!!

Weather:

Rainfall: the annual average in the mountain range is 5500 mm and 3500 on the coast.

Hot, rainy and very humid.Hot,

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

Corcovado National Park is formed by an extension of humid and cloudy forests of low altitude extended for more than 40.000 hectares of lagoons, swamps, rivers, waterfalls and a little more than 40 km of beaches.  Due to its astonishing biodiversity of the last virgin region of Central America, it is considered naturalists worldwide favorite. Part of the animal population that belongs to this ecosystem is formed by: 6000 insects, 500 tree species, 367 bird species, 140 mammal species, 117 amphibians and reptiles and 40 fresh water fish.

It offers excellent options for walks and camping areas.  The recommendation is to go with a guide. For the less adventurous visitor boat rides are offered or they can also get to the Sirena station by plane. Whales, limpets and many other endangered animals are some of the hosts that will receive visitors in this magical paradise.  Because it is a protected zone, regulations are strict and keep the place at very natural and rustic levels.  However, there are several services offered:  information, park ranger stations, paths, signals, bathrooms, drinkable water, runway, camping area, radio communication and rustic lodging.

CHIRRIPÓ NATIONAL PARK

“Place of eternal waters” is the indigenous meaning for its name “Chirripó” and in some way it describes the mysticism of this unique and “high” natural place.

Those who decide to go all the way up to the top, will feel they can touch the sky, from the beginning of the journey, for the splendorous landscapes, surrounded by rough peaks, rocky formations and lakes of glacier origin offer a unique and inspiring experience.

Cerro Chirripó is the tallest in the Talamanca mountain range, with an altitude of 3.820 meters ( 12,530 feet), and it is the highest mountain in the southern part of Central America.  Its extension as park covers 43.700 hectares.

It is the ideal place for those who like to work out and combine sports with nature and open areas, since this park offers numerous paths, which are taken care by supervisors and park rangers.  A lot of biology, geology and meteorology students also visit the park.

As experts and park authorities mention, this park offers extremely varied and interesting natural resources: paramos for biologists, lakes of glacier origin for people who study geology, and an important aqueduct system for the study of hydrology, dramatic temperature changes from day to night for meteorologists, magnificent landscapes for all visitors and many rocks for those who enjoy climbing.

For those who decide to visit this challenging place, it is important that you follow some recommendations:  use sunblock, at least factor 45, take water with you because you will need it during the whole walk (you can fill the bottles in the Tilari River), take warm sweaters and raincoats.  The food should not be so heavy and it should be easy to prepare.  Gas stoves and kitchen utensils can be rented at the camp.  Take the less things possible because at the end you will have to take them with you again down the mountain.  For those who are in good shape and are healthy, but are not used to long walks, we recommend you to take a training program during the three previous months, at least.

Reservations to enter the park must be done beforehand, preferably three months before or during the dry season, from December to March.

ISLA DEL CAÑO BIOLOGIC RESERVE

This biologic treasure is located in the Pacific Ocean, in front of Corcovado Nacional Park in the Osa Peninsula.  The area is 200 hectares on land and 2.700 on the sea.

During the pre-columbian age, the island was used by the natives as a cemetery, that is why it is archeologically important.  Cultural materials are residues of ceramic and handicrafts, including the Diquis typical spheres.  Furthermore, since it protects tropical forest flora and fauna and some important marine environments (coral reefs that are home to many fish, invertebrates, alga and mammals such as dolphins and whales) it is considered a very important natural center.

The amazing nature is the host of the island's visitors: trees that reach 50 meters and the milk tree, called that way because it produces a white liquid that you can drink.  Other common species are: guapinol or stinking-toe tree, cacao, higueron, caucho and guarumo, where bromelias grow…and a lot, lot more.

The fauna is limited, around 10 bird species, the most common ones: the heron, the haw, the fishing eagle, etc.  Regarding mammals there is the four eyed fox, the  paca, some rat and bat species.  And talking about reptiles, small snakes can be seen: boa, frogs and lizards.                         

The main entertainments for tourists are: paths, viewpoints, archeologic sites and scuba diving areas.

MARINO BALLENA NATIONAL PARK

The hunchback whale, 16 meters long and endangered, is the star of this fabulous setting (most southern part of their migration).  The main objective of the creation of this park has been the protection for coral reefs and Bahía Coronado’s rocks, as well as the migration of whales, which can be observed from December to April and from August to November.  This represents an invaluable treasure for those who enjoy scuba diving.  It also presents an environment that attracts colorful birds.

This protection assures the reproduction and spawn of many turtle species, and the preservation of productivity of biologic communities that live in the zone, which gives it great value for environment and tourism education.

The park offers the following services for visitors: information, paths, signals, bathrooms, drinkable water.