



News from the road – Costa Rica – April 2023
Our recent tour explored this gem of Central America. Not much bigger than Canterbury, Costa Rica packs in a lot with 30% of its land area protected in reserves and an incredible range of wildlife — 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
In the Central Valley we ascended an active volcano and were introduced to some of the country’s unique plants and animals — from vivid butterflies to striking jaguar. Then to the Caribbean coast, and a boat journey along a network of canals to our jungle lodge close to the Nicaraguan border. By day and night we explored the national park, returning to our comfortable lodge with its fine food and drink.
From there a hop to the centre of the country and Arenal volcano, where the effects of the latest eruption in 1968 are still visible. Hot springs, exploring the jungle canopy on hanging bridges and visiting farms — there was a lot to see while staying at a comfortable resort.
Later we visited the cloud forests of Monteverde — the green mountain — and enjoyed an extended stay on the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio national park for wildlife spotting, swimming, relaxing on the beach, kayaking and a catamaran trip.
Finally to the capital San José, with its rich Hispanic heritage as well as over 1,000 kg of gold ornaments on display at the impressive pre-Columbian gold museum. The national theatre would not be out of place in any European capital city!
Our tour group came away from Costa Rica impressed with the country and its welcoming people. This country, which not many New Zealanders know much about, is well worth visiting. We’ll be heading back there in early 2025 so email us if you are keen to get on the waitlist.
Participant feedback from this tour:
- Calder and Lawson Tours is a trusted and very reliable company that provides an astonishing variety of small group tours. Attention to detail is evident and they take great care of your needs. Before you leave home you know exactly what has been included in the tour and what is at your own expense. I’m keen for more with this company and I say that honestly.
- The whole experience was a success.
- The worst thing about this trip was that every other birding trip I ever do will never measure up to this one. Also discovering that I haven’t been keeping up with advances in camera technology. Otherwise I loved every minute.