As a traveler, you may no longer harbor ambitions to climb the summits of majestic mountains but that does not mean you have set aside your thirst for adventures and challenges. From river safari adventures to treks through the rainforests, there are plenty of adventures still to be had. No wonder, senior travelers flock to Costa Rica, an oasis of natural bounty – volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, wildlife and marine life.
When planning your trip to Costa Rica, be sure to mention that you are a senior when making travel arrangements, be they airplane tickets or hotel reservations. In Costa Rica, it is not a common policy to offer senior discounts but ask any way, who knows you may get lucky. Always carry some identification such as driver’s license to show proof of your age. If you are over 65 and needs to get a prescription filled, you are likely to get discounts. When renting a car, inquire about promotional car rental discounts on top of senior citizen rates. However, some rental companies will not rent out cars to people over a certain age.
You can choose from a diverse range of activities to do in Costa Rica. There are hikes in nature parks and visits to exquisite garden farms guaranteed to be so peaceful and relaxing.
First on the list is a visit to Poas Volcano. It is a giant active volcano that often spews lava from the center of its enormous crater. An excursion to La Paz Waterfall Garden will acquaint you with tropical flora and the largest butterfly farm in Central America amidst breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls.
Next stop is the Monteverde Nature Reserve. Get to experience the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest from the Skywalk, suspension bridges between trees and above gorges. You can also enjoy the view while seated in a slow-moving cable car. The reserve is also famous for its diverse life forms and the elaborate system of trails that wind through the park ensuring senior travelers to discover and learn about plants and animals in relative comfort and safety. Within the reserve is the Monteverde Butterfly Farm, home to a rich variety of butterflies. The Moteverde Ecological Farm has the highest biodiversity in Costa Rica. Trails lead to a lush forest. Small mammals, reptiles and different kinds of birds including the famous Replendent quetzal inhabit this farm.
While in Monteverde, you will surely take pleasure in bird watching. Bird watching is such an extraordinary experience. With approximately 800 species recorded to date, Costa Rica offers excellent birding in its protected areas which encompasses diverse habitats from dry forest, tropical rainforest and cloud rainforest. Because of its mountainous and hilly terrains combined with varying temperatures and levels of rainfall, a wealth of birds find sanctuary in Costa Rica’s rainforests.
The most sought after bird in Costa Rica is the Resplendent Quetzal which is easily seen at Monteverde as mentioned. Other bird species that can be found at Monteverde are the scarlet macaws and hummingbirds. Other good birding spots are the La Selva Biological Station in Northern Plains and the Tortuguero National Park.
Another destination for senior travelers is the Arenal Volcano Park, home of the towering Arenal Volcano and the world-renowned Tabacon Hot Water Spring. At the foot of the Arenal Volcano is the Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest lake. Watch red-hot lava as they flow down the mountainsides. Take a rejuvenating dip in the thermal pool. At La Fortuna Waterfall, plunge into crystal clear waters for an invigorating bath. The highlight for many senior travelers is the boat ride through canals passing through stunning scenery.
Senior travelers will enjoy the subtle pleasures gained from these Costa Rican “gentle” adventures.