Braulio Carrillo National Park

Quick facts:

- 117,842 acres of pure nature in the central valley

- 1640 ft. above sea levels

- established on April 15th, 1978

- named after the third Chief of State (1837-1842)

What to expect:

- lush green plants and trees (evergreen forests made up of 6000 species of vegetation)

- creeks, rivers

- a huge variety of birds (the Park is home to approximately 515 species)

- mammals ranging from coyotes over jaguars to howler monkeys and tapirs

But, as I have experienced it you need the greek godess of luck, Fortuna on your side to spot wildlife! I heard what sounded like hundreds of birds singing but got to see only ONE. Sadly I did not spot any mammal species either.

CEVICHE - Costa Rican Sushi

This traditional dish is a famous appetizer across Latinamerica. Even though the main ingredient (raw fish) is the same, every country has its own unique way of preparing it with popular local ingredients.

It is in fact pretty damn easy to make (cooking required only for vegetarian/vegan version required)

Recipe:

-  raw organic fresh fish (marlin, tilapia, ... ) 

- 7-9 organic limes ( depending on their size)

- 2 organic red bell peppers

- 2 middle-sized onions

- bundle of fresh organic cilantro

- gin

- salt, pepper to taste

For the vegan/vegetarian version substitute the fish with green bananas (Cooked for 7-9 min).

Instructions:

1. Cut fish/bananas in small cubes

2. Press the limes, combine juice with some gin

3. Cut onions and bellpeppers in tiny cubes, add to juice-mixture

4. Cut the cilantro and add too

5. Let fish/bananas marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge and serve cool with salty 

The original version ( does not look very delicious, however in my cooking class the vegan version was prefered )

La Paz Waterfall Gardens III

This is no joke. You can marry here. A bit loud with the rushing waters but definitely unique.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens II

Hummingbirds. My favourites. But incredibly hard to take a sharp picture of ( they are like helicopters).

Monkey in meditation-pose

Big cat with cub

Peacefully cuddling.

Sleeping ozelot.

Close.

Closer.

And the closest!

Ox-cart (for which the town of Sarchí is famous for)

The traditional house

Show-cooking in traditional clothes

Coffee-roasting and grinding mashine. 

Upper-right corner: the so-called coffee-sock which works like a filter ( hand-brewed is trendy! )

Fireplace

Sugarcane juice, corn-pudding and cheese ( the past tastes good )

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens can be depicted in one word. You really do not need more. TOURISTIC. 

That's fine. It's still worth the visit as you get to see a wide variety of Costa rican animals in clean and spacious cages. I positively remember signs indicating that this is not how these animals live in liberty but that their natural habits have been recreated as best as possible.

A replica of a traditional Costa Rican ox-cart and house portray in a lovely way how people lived some 70 years ago.

The gardens itself are in litterally impeccable conditions. Signs prevent anyone from getting lost. Pure nature is also included, as the gardens encompass the famous stairs-like "cataratas", which can be explored by a small hike.

The entrance 

Artifical lake

Sleeping parrots

Want a meeting with a toucan?

Mariposas or butterflies in English

With a little patience you can witness the unique transformation of this species