Eco Travel Heaven: Costa Rica
By Katy Pollock
Filed Under Green Living |
Just south of a tiny surfing town of Domincal, in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica, is a haven of nature unlike any other. Abundant wildlife fills the jungle and primary rainforest soars over secluded beaches along the world’s first and only marine national park that protects both land and sea, Morino Ballena National Park.
At the northernmost tip of the preserve is Playa Ballena (ballena is Spanish for whale) which, in my opinion, should be added to the “wonders of the world” list. At low tide, the sandbar peeks above the surf and displays a natural phenomenon resembling a whale’s tail. It’s a 30-minute walk to the end of the “tail” where you can snorkel and swim with all sorts of majestic sea creatures.
Established in 1990, the marine park protects nearly 100 square miles, spanning roughly ten miles along the coast and ten miles out to sea. The park is home to the largest coral reef in Central America’s Pacific coast and a variety of mangrove species. Each year the area welcomes nesting sea turtles and migrating whales.
One of the best places to view the great expanse of the marine park and learn about its history is from La Cusinga, an eco lodge and private reserve. The owner of the lodge, Jon Maranon, is an active conservationist and is responsible for lobbying the Costa Rican government to establish Ballena National Park many years ago. An American, he first arrived in Costa Rica in 1973 as a college student studying Biology and Ecology. The “gringo” fell in love with the country and nearly four decades later is continuing efforts to preserve Costa Rica’s environment and local communities.
La Cusinga Eco Lodge is as sustainable as it is beautiful, all electricity is generated on the property from either solar or hydropower. The food served is incomparably tasty and most of it’s organically cultivated on the property, the rest is purchased from nearby organic farmers.
From the lodge, you can hike through the jungle down to the beach, a fairly steep twenty minute descent. Accessible only by rugged trails, it’s an untouched piece of paradise surrounded by primary rainforest. You’ll likely spot howler monkeys, coatis, toucans, blue morpho butterflies and more.
If you’re able to visit La Cusinga, read The Gringo’s Hawk before you go. A memoir written by the owner of this beautiful eco lodge, The Gringo’s Hawk is a compilation of his journal writings spanning thirty years. He grapples with issues of conservation and development, nature vs. humanity, cultural similarities and differences, but most of all, he shares his deep appreciation of Costa Rica…pura vida.
Posted on May 16, 2008 |
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I can not wait to experience this place!