While planning our trip to Costa Rica we were recommended to stay three days at the Tortuguero Nature Reserve on the North East side of the Atlantic coast, and it was indeed a wonderful experience. The tour was well arranged, bus from San Juan to the boat that took us to the resort. Our simple and quaint huts were located in the middle of the rain forest, wooden paths connecting them as not to upset the ecological balance. From the roofless shower stalls you could watch the canopy above your head and listen to the jungle sounds. Early in the morning we were awakened by a group of howling monkeys, quite a noisy alarm clock. Sleepy guests were out there to catch the spectacle on camera. Delicious meals were served buffet-style, always with fresh fruits, juices and salads next to grilled meats. The tour included a boat ride that took us deep into the less accessible tropical river world. Also a canopy ride which was a thrill! Our tour guide showed us places where rare bird species were known to hang out and we were so lucky to see a pair of usually shy Quetzals. We could barely make out their bright green plumage in the leafy tree tops. Walkways in the Reserve were marked for crossing leaf-cutting ants. They came in groups of hundreds after dark and went on their busy way without bothering with us curious watchers.
This trip made me feel like being caught in the middle of a National Geographic tour and I could have stayed on.