Costa Rica - A Preview by Alpha Whiskey Photography

Better ice up a cold one. It's hot out here.

But the heat is the least remarkable characteristic of Costa Rica, paling into an afterthought behind its truly exquisite flora and fauna. A natural wonderland of incredible wildlife, from sloths to toucans, monkeys and iguanas, its inhabitants thrive in mangroves, lakes and under a lush rainforest canopy shrouded in cloud and mist.

A tropical paradise with no less than seven active volcanoes, Costa Rica manages to squeeze in around 5% of the planet's biodiversity on a mere 0.03% of its total land mass. With over 850 species of birds, 1000 species of butterfly, 9000 species of plants and 34,000 species of insects there is little excuse not to be enthralled by its vitality. Even more so as the country has dedicated over 25% of its area to national parks and wildlife refuges. With over 100 protected areas, Costa Rica is emerging from its past of deforestation and threatened inhabitants to now exemplify conservation and set a standard for others to follow.

Starting our journey in the capital city San Jose, we journeyed up to La Fortuna, crossed the Arenal Lake and ascended the clouded peaks of Monteverde, and then down to the renowned national park at Manuel Antonio. We were a fixated audience to the aforementioned sloths and monkeys as well as hummingbirds, snakes and a toucan or two. We enjoyed some samples at a coffee plantation and dined relentlessly on rice and beans (never had so many carbs in my life!), pina coladas and no end of meat and fish. A dip in the Pacific Ocean was both a refreshing respite from the heat and a prelude to leaping dolphins during a stunning sunset.

Marry all of the above to the company of terrific people who, much like some of our capuchin hosts, were playful, pastoral and funny, and one might just understand how rewarding an experience my visit to this beautiful country was. We were all grateful to the friendly and kind people of Costa Rica for helping us to amass so many wonderful memories.

Please indulge in the small appetiser of images below. Rest assured that more posts will follow in the coming days.

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Comments

BratFeb 25, 2016 09:15 AM

Simply AH Mazing!!!

Alpha Whiskey PhotographyFeb 25, 2016 09:27 AM

Thanx Brat! Wish you were there! :)

Margie HodesFeb 25, 2016 06:38 PM

Wow!!! Your photography is spectacular. It's like being there all over again, even better!

Marilyn McCFeb 25, 2016 09:59 PM

Wow your photos turned out famously! Especially love the hummingbird and the ants marching one by one! Thanks for sharing.

Alpha Whiskey PhotographyFeb 26, 2016 01:49 AM

Thank you Margie! Thank you Marilyn! Appreciate it! :)

ann jeffriesMar 18, 2016 11:07 AM

Hi there,
I'm off to Costa Rica next February. Your photos are just amazing!
I can't wait to get there.

Alpha Whiskey PhotographyMar 18, 2016 11:44 AM

Thank you Ann! You're going to have a great time there! :)

HansMay 16, 2016 11:33 AM

Amazing pictures, thank you for sharing! I love the close ups of the caterpillar and the ants picture. ... and that sunset, wow! Heading to Costa Rica myself in late July. Hopefully I can come back with a couple of shots half as good as yours ;).
-Hans

Alpha Whiskey PhotographyMay 16, 2016 11:51 AM

Thank you Hans! I'm sure you'll get some great shots! Have a terrific time in July! :)

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