Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica - Piedras Blancas National Park

Some of the harder to reach locations in the southern region of Costa Rica are the most rewarding to visit in terms of wildlife. Focusing on the Corcovado National Park on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica offers travellers numerous species of birds to sight as well as many mammals, some of which are endangered. However, for the adventurous traveller who enjoys more elusive sighting opportunities, the Piedras Blancas National Park offers a challenging terrain that is home to a dizzying array of flora, fauna and birdlife.

A Protected Preserve

The Piedras Blancas National Park was originally incorporated into the Corcovado National Park, acting as a sort of gateway for the larger preserve considered by many as the country's crowning jewel. However, in 1993 the Piedras Blancas was formed independently to protect the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the area, which is also the only remaining habitat of the endangered Jaguar. A wildlife holiday in Costa Rica is always rich with exotic sighting opportunities, but many species that inhabit the Piedras Blancas National Park are still being studied and remain an exciting mystery to researchers and visitors alike.

Lush and Tropical

The Piedras Blancas National Park spans over 14000 hectares and forms a protective barrier, with its neighbour the Corcovado National Park, to safeguard the biological corridor of the Golfo Dulce region. The geographical position of the forest means that the weather conditions, including over 200 inches of rain per year, keep the forest lush and tropical all year round. Consequently, the Piedras Blancas is home to a biologically diverse variety of animal and bird life. One could easily focus a trip's entire attention on the Piedras Blancas National Park and come away highly rewarded.

Impressive Level of Biodiversity

Studies of the preserve have revealed an impressive level of biodiversity within the forest, similar to that found in Corcovado. Scarlet Macaws and toucans have benefited from rescue and preservation efforts, as have all four of the South American big cat species - all of which have been recorded in the area. Other wildlife frequently seen includes an amazing array of reptiles, including over 37 amphibian and 42 reptile species - such as the poisonous Coral Snake, the Pit Viper, the Boa Constrictor and numerous colourful frogs and lizards. Over 330 species of birds have also been sighted in the park, making Piedras Blancas renowned one of the best areas for bird watching and wildlife holidays in Costa Rica.

For amazing wildlife holidays in Costa Rica the Piedras Blancas National Park covers all interests. From the Bottlenose Dolphins seen along its coastline, to the magnificent birds that fly over the towering canopy, as well as the exotic array of reptiles and mammals that inhabit the dense, lush forest, even the most seasoned traveller will be thrilled with all this spectacular park has to offer.

Lombok Tour Package: Discovering More of Indonesia

The beautiful island of Lombok in Indonesia may not be as hugely popular as its much hyped neighbor Bali, yet it is just as worthy of exploration as any other travel destination. Especially for the most dedicated travelers, a good, satisfying travel experience does not only mean exploring the most popular places there ever is on the planet. It also means traversing the less popular ones for its own rewards apart from popularity, one of the possible rewards being that less known destinations may in fact offer a more unspoiled natural beauty, which, after all, is one of the ultimate goals of traveling around different places away from home. On this note, a Lombok tour package will definitely be a good option, both for its unspoiled natural beauty and as much as for its affordability.

Listed below are some attractions that makes this destination a good investment of one's travel time and resources:

Mt. Rinjani National Park
Mt. Rinjani National Park is a sprawling 41,330 hectares (159.6 square miles) of nature reserve and water catchment area and includes an additional 66,000 hectares (250 square miles) of adjacent protected forests. Mt. Rinjani as a whole is the second highest peak in Indonesia, and is increasingly becoming popular among trekkers and mountain climbers. Locals consider the mountain as sacred, and its Saganak crater is the venue for pilgrimage of thousands who believe that making an offering in the waters and bathing in the hot spring can cure illnesses.

The Gili Islands
Popular among tourists who are after a remote island experience, the Gili islands consists of three coral islands made naturally perfect and awe-inspiring by white sands dotted with swaying pine trees. The local government has prohibited the use of automobiles in the islands, and the means of transportation that is available is by horse cart called cidomo, or alternatively, by foot or bicycle. Superb coral formations, as well as the plethora of rich marine life, has made diving in Gilis a popular activity among visitors and locals alike.

Sekotong
Sekotong is a place of stunning beauty, dotted on the left with gently rolling hills and small rural villages sheltered under green valleys. On the right side is the ocean stretch, which paints the area a lovely blue color in the sunlight. In between Sekotong and Taun township sprawls a majestic arc of white sand and turquoise waters.

Senggigi Beach and Resort
Known as Lombok's most developed tourist area, Senggigi is home to facilities and conveniences such as bars, cafes, discotheques, and restaurants, most of which are found on the main beach road.

Kuta Beach
The south coast of Lombok is known as Kuta. Kuta boasts of a fabulous bay that is characterized by white sand, crystal clear waters, and excellent surfing waves. Kuta is less busy than other parts of Lombok, making it perfect for a quiet holiday. Various accommodations are available, ranging from the relatively luxurious hotel to the most affordable homestay. The most famous activities in the area include surfing, relaxing under the sun, and surfing.