Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Resplendent quetzal
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Reptiles & Frogs
Green Iguana
The stocky green iguana is regularly seen draping its 2m-long body
along a branch. Despite their enormous bulk, iguanas are incessant vegetarians, and
prefer to eat young shoots and leaves. You'll see them just about everywhere in Costa
Rica - in fact, if you're driving, beware of iguanas sunning on or skittering across the
roads.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
The unofficial symbol of Costa Rica, the red-eyed tree frog has
red eyes, a green body, yellow and blue side stripes, and orange feet. Despite this vi-
brant coloration, they're well camouflaged in the rainforest and rather difficult to
spot. They are widespread apart from the Península de Nicoya, which is too dry for
them. You'll have a particularly good chance of seeing them at Estación Biológica La
Selva.
Poison-Dart Frog
Among the several species found in Costa Rica, the blue-jeans or
strawberry poison-dart frog is the most commonly spotted, from Arenal to the Carib-
bean coast. These colorful, wildly patterned frogs' toxic excretions were once used to
poison indigenous arrowheads.
Crocodile
Impressive specimens can be seen from Crocodile Bridge on the central
Pacific coast or in a more natural setting on boat trips along the Tortuguero canals.
Viper
Two serpents you'll want to avoid (and are unlikely to encounter outside of
vivariums) are the fer-de-lance pit viper, which lives in agricultural areas of the Pacif-
ic and Caribbean slopes, and the eyelash pit viper, which lives in low-elevation rain-
forest. To avoid serious or fatal bites, remember to watch your step, and look before
you grab onto any vines when hiking.
