Costa Rica: A Conservation Success Story

By Rachel Foster, Development Officer, Annual Giving at World Wildlife Fund

Luck was on my side when I was able to join a recent Nat Hab journey to Costa Rica! As many in the conservation space know, Costa Rica has long been hailed as a conservation success story, and my trip to this Central American paradise only served to underscore that fact.

From its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream come true.

Upon my arrival in San Jose, I was immediately struck by the country’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Throughout our journey, we had the chance to explore some of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes, from the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the canals of Tortuguero.

10 Days in Costa Rica

The first half of our trip was spent adventuring through the steamy and tropical canals of Tortuguero National Park, followed by invigorating hikes in Corcovado National Park. (Fun fact: WWF helped create the park in 1975!)

We encountered an abundance of wildlife in both national parks, to the point that it would be simpler for me to mention what we didn’t see. But, of course, it’s more fun to crow about what we did spot. Among all the incredible wildlife we spotted, my favorites were the howler monkeys, toucans and wattled jacanas.

> Explore Nat Hab’s Costa Rica Wildlife Guide

We spent the second half of our trip in the mountainous region and cloud forests. With a considerably drier and cooler climate, we spent days immersing ourselves in knowledge about the local plants, wildlife and birdlife, and the Arenal Volcano.

Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of the trip for many in our group was the exhilarating moment when we spotted the rare and elusive resplendent quetzal. It remained perched for more than 30 minutes, allowing us to witness (and photograph) its presence in awe.

> Learn More: Project “Paraiso Quetzal” — Where Conservation Meets Development

Conservation in Costa Rica

Learning about Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy, reforestation and sustainable tourism offered optimism and hope for our natural world. As I bid farewell to Costa Rica, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for all that’s been done to preserve this beautiful biodiversity hotspot—as well as a deep sense of responsibility to continue the work that I do at World Wildlife Fund and inspire those around me to engage in our natural world.

I am confident that our experiences and adventures during this 10-day adventure will serve as a catalyst for continued conservation efforts while inspiring others to join us in safeguarding the precious places around our magnificent planet.

Experience Costa Rica with WWF’s sustainable travel partner, Natural Habitat Adventures! Browse all of Nat Hab’s Costa Rica adventures.