I’ve been to my fair share of places around the world, but I’ve never been to a country as rife with life as Costa Rica. It seemed that no matter where we were in the country, every time we looked up, down, or sideways, there was another animal or insect wandering by. Some of the critters were familiar, but most of them were fascinating and new to me.
All of these photos were taken with a simple point-and-shoot camera with limited zoom so you can imagine how close we were to each of them. And aside from the gang of monkeys and their nemesis, a lone raccoon, facing off to see who could steal the most food, most of them left us alone or merely peered curiously. A most courteous welcome to Costa Rica from our critter friends.
Pizote that greeted us every morning during breakfast in Arenal
Crab on Playa Gemelas
Reptiles on Playa Gemelas
Monteverde centipede
Leafcutter ant
Crocodiles in the Río Tárcoles, viewable from an overpass
Capuchin monkeys on Playa Manuel Antonio- they suddenly appeared out of nowhere, ten of them in a line like a biker gang, and ran around making mischief and stealing people’s food and belongings
Raccoon on Playa Manuel Antonio
Boa constrictor just hanging out by the side of the road
Tree frog found during a guided night walk in the rain
Tree frog hanging out on our hotel grounds in Arenal
Deer in Manuel Antonio National Park
Red Land Crab in Manuel Antonio National Park- once we spotted one, we realized they were everywhere. Bright red and blue critters skittering around amidst the trees.
Not sure what kind of critter this is- anyone know?
Another unidentified critter (4-5 inches long!) spotted on the door to our hotel room in Arenal
Tiny hermit crabs in all shapes and colors on Playa Manuel Antonio
One perhaps glaring omission from collection? Birds, even though Costa Rica has nearly 900 species of them. There were over 200 species just around our hotel in Arenal alone. But unfortunately, I have a serious, irrational fear of birds so while I find them somewhat fascinating from afar, as soon as any of them got close enough for a photo, I was too busy running away!
Hope you enjoyed the photos- have a wonderful weekend, all!
September 29, 2011 at 2:59 pm
I went and visited costa rica this summer on a mission trip and I agree there were many different animals there. Also I was amazed at the different fruits there. Just the culture there is amazing and I would love to go back!
September 30, 2011 at 12:21 am
First off, you’ve got a great name for your site! Second and third…your photography is stunning as is the blog. As a result I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations! Go to this post to claim. http://youasamachine.com/blog/
September 30, 2011 at 9:47 am
Wow, what an honor- thanks for your kind words!
September 30, 2011 at 6:50 pm
I think this is a pretty cool site and really like your concept. As a result I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations! Go to this post to claim. http://thefourrooms.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/my-first-blog-award/
September 30, 2011 at 7:27 pm
That’s very kind- thanks!
October 1, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Let’s hear it for LIFE. Hurray!
October 5, 2011 at 11:15 am
I’m sold! Gotta go.
November 17, 2011 at 7:38 am
sorry i would not call these unexpected encounters. when i lived if Orlando and i squished a frog barefoot on my way to the bathroom at 3am that was an unexpected encounter.
but the pictures you took are amazing looks like an amazing trip
September 23, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Thanks! It does seem Costa Rica is quite popular these days- lots to offer for all tastes.
September 29, 2011 at 1:17 am
yop, with animals like that, i would certainly visit costa rica!!!
September 29, 2011 at 12:19 pm
The pictures are great, and I’m happy that you enjoyed your visit