FloRa of Costa Rica
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
Costa Rica is home to more than 1,500 species of orchids, from tiny miniatures to showy blossoms. Many thrive in the cool, misty cloud forests, where their vivid colors stand out against the green backdrop. Orchids are a symbol of Costa Rica’s plant diversity and resilience.
Ceiba Trees: Giants of the Tropics
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
The ceiba tree is one of the largest and most iconic trees in Central America. Reaching heights over 200 feet, these giants tower over the rainforest canopy. Their trunks and spreading branches provide habitat for countless birds, mammals, and insects.
Mangroves: Protectors of the Coast
Orchids: Jewels of the Cloud Forest
Mangroves: Protectors of the Coast
Costa Rica’s mangrove forests line both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. These salt-tolerant trees stabilize shorelines, filter water, and create nurseries for fish and other marine life. They also provide critical habitat for birds and reptiles.
Costa Rica is home to more than 9,000 species of flowering plants, a testament to its extraordinary botanical diversity. Beyond iconic orchids, towering ceiba trees, and coastal mangroves, lies a wealth of floral life—ranging from medicinal plants used by Indigenous communities to rare epiphytes found only in cloud forests.
For travelers and nature enthusiasts alike, botanical gardens offer a unique way to experience and learn about these ecosystems firsthand. The Wilson Botanical Garden at Las Cruces Biological Station, part of the Organization for Tropical Studies, features over 2,000 plant species—from bromeliads and heliconias to a breathtaking collection of palms and orchids. The trails are well-labeled, and guided walks help visitors explore tropical botany with confidence.
Another excellent resource is the Lankester Botanical Gardens, operated by the University of Costa Rica. Located near Cartago, this 27-acre garden serves as one of Central America’s most important centers for orchid research and environmental education. With thousands of epiphytic species housed in accessible displays, it offers an immersive introduction to tropical plant science.
For a broader scientific context, you can also explore the role of INBio in advancing global botanical knowledge—as a founding member of World Flora Online, a collaborative initiative documenting the world’s plant species.
Fauna of Costa Rica
Mammals: Forest Dwellers & Canopy Acrobats
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects: Creepy, Crawly and Fascinating
Mammals: Forest Dwellers & Canopy Acrobats
Costa Rica is home to over 200 species of mammals, from elusive jungle cats to charismatic monkeys. Sloths move slowly through the treetops, while howler monkeys roar across the canopy at dawn. Tapirs, anteaters, and jaguars dwell deeper in the forest, making Costa Rica a hotspot for mammalian diversity and research.
Birds: Color, Song, and Flight
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects: Creepy, Crawly and Fascinating
Mammals: Forest Dwellers & Canopy Acrobats
More than 900 bird species have been recorded in Costa Rica, including migratory visitors and vibrant tropical residents. Scarlet macaws flash red and gold overhead, while toucans and tanagers fill the forest with movement and song. Birding here is world-class and accessible in nearly every ecosystem.
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects: Creepy, Crawly and Fascinating
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects: Creepy, Crawly and Fascinating
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects: Creepy, Crawly and Fascinating
Frogs with transparent skin, butterflies with electric-blue wings, and reptiles that vanish into the forest floor—Costa Rica’s smallest creatures play vital roles in its ecosystems. Amphibians are indicators of environmental health, and insects—from bees to beetles—are foundational to tropical biodiversity.