A while back I promised more about some wonderful exotic vacations my family has been privileged to take over the last couple of years. Today, I find myself housebound due to the latest “snowpocalypse” to hit Massachusetts, and dreaming of those lush, tropical places, so it seemed a perfect time to reflect on one of these incredible journies.
American crocodiles on the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica
In March of 2012, we were treated to 8 days in the gorgeous country of Costa Rica. Our first of three stops on this trip was to the mid-Pacific coast, near the Tarcoles River, famous for American crocodiles, where we stayed at Villa Lapas (home of macaws).
Scarlet macaw from the balcony of our room.
Blue-grey tanagers. One of my favorites!
As avid wildlife watchers, we spent our time looking for the astounding diversity of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects in the region.
A leaf-toed gecko in our open air shower.
An anhinga drying its wings along the river.
Franklin weaves a grasshopper from a palm frond.
We took a boat trip along parts of the river, and one day, woke at the crack of dawn to visit Carrara National Park with our dedicated bird guide Franklin.
A stunning Costa Rican breakfast!
We enjoyed an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables (the pineapple was my favorite), really good coffee, and tremendously warm, wonderful people during our stay at Villa Lapas.
Ranier making us fresh Costa Rican coffee.
Stay tuned for more Costa Rican adventures. Next stop, Arenal volcano!
Creature Chronicles 
Nice post – especially on this icy, snowy day.
Rae, What a treat to see such lovely tropical photos when there is so much snow coming down! Thank you for taking the time to share them today.
XXOO,
Meg