At each turn, the Costa Rican adventure exposes us to something new. Our Costa Rica journey took us deep off the beaten path and straight into the heart of the rainforest as we made our way to El Copal. If you are looking for a place where you can truly disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and authentic spirit of nature, this is it! From navigating rustic mountain roads to spotting incredible wildlife hidden right in front of us, El Copal delivered that pure Pura Vida magic in every possible way.

A Visit to the Local Supermarket

Before our actual arrival, we stopped to stock up on some snacks and get a true taste of everyday life in the region. Stepping into the bright, busy store would be a fun contrast to what waited in the woods!

Walking down the wide aisles under the bright yellow signs gave us a great window into local culture and daily food traditions. We explored everything from shelves stocked with local coffee brands and native spices to displays of local staples like plantains, yuca, and fresh beans. It was a wonderful opportunity to see how local families shop and connect with the community beyond the trails.

Heading Off the Grid to El Copal

Leaving the more familiar roads behind, our journey to El Copal felt like stepping into an entirely different world (think Jurassic Park). Nestled at the edge of the Tapantí National Park reserve in the Cartago region, El Copal is a remote, community-managed reserve and field station perched high on a lush hillside.

The drive up was an adventure in itself! As our van climbed the steep, winding, unpaved mountain track, the surrounding forest grew denser, and the air grew noticeably cooler and damper. Before we even arrived, sweeping views of emerald rainforest ridges blanketed in shifting mountain mist greeted us -a breathtaking reminder of just how high up into the cloud forest we were traveling.

Life at the Field Camp: Simple Living & Warm Meals

When you arrive at El Copal, you immediately notice the charm of its traditional architecture. The main lodge is a raised wooden building nestled right into the slope, reached by a narrow, mossy concrete walkway with green handrails. The open wooden verandas and large framed windows look directly out into the surrounding canopy, making you feel completely surrounded by the forest.

There are no fancy frills here, and that is precisely what makes it so special (and challenging)! Life at the field camp centers around community and simple, delicious, traditional meals cooked with local care and the work of being here for field work.

Three times a day, we gathered around the wooden dining tables together where we enjoyed a wonderful spread of authentic Costa Rican fare:

• Freshly prepared gallo pinto (the classic Costa Rican rice and black beans)
• Scrambled eggs and fried plantains
• Plates of vibrant, fresh tropical fruit including papaya, watermelon, and bananas

In the evening, we could sit together on the wooden porch, listening to the rain on the roof, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or cold fresh squeezed juice, and look out over the endless green treetops was the perfect way to recharge and take in the tranquility of the mountain environment.

Exploring the Rainforest: Finding Hidden Treasures

After fueling up, it was time to pull on our boots, grab our cameras and binoculars (bug spray, raincoats, notebooks, etc.), and hit the trails. Hiking through the rainforest at El Copal is a rich sensory experience. The damp earth underfoot, the smell of fresh rain on broad tropical leaves, and the constant chorus of forest sounds accompany every step.

Because tropical forests are so dense and lush, finding wildlife requires a sharp eye and plenty of patience. Our trail hike delivered two absolutely unforgettable wildlife encounters:

While scanning the branches along the trail, we were treated to a rare and thrilling sight: a perfectly motionless Eyelash Pit Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). Sergio caught it and “saved it” for later so that we could take photos.  It was amazing to learn how to take photos of these beautiful creatures so that they are featured as well as the local surrounding foliage.  He was set that night on a mossy, orchid-laden branch where we all learned more about this snake. Instead of the bright yellow color morph many people imagine, this individual featured a beautiful mottled green-and-brown pattern that blended seamlessly with the moss and lichens around it. Looking closely, we could clearly see its distinct triangular head and the signature “eyelash” scales above its eyes as it waited patiently in an ambush pose.

Later on as dusk fell and the forest shifted into its nighttime rhythm, we spotted one of Costa Rica’s most iconic amphibians: the Red-eyed Tree Frog. Resting quietly under a broad green leaf, its vibrant green body blended right in, but its bold red eyes and bright orange toes gave it away! Seeing one up close in its natural habitat is always a highlight.

Experience Field Checklist

• Local Supermarket Exploration: ✓
• Arrive at El Copal Reserve: ✓
• Enjoyed Traditional Meals: ✓
• Hiked Deep into the Rainforest : ✓
• Found interesting (and somewhat venomous) animals: ✓ .

From the serene, cloud-draped mountain views at El Copal to the excitement of finding incredible creatures hidden along the trail, today was an unforgettable journey into the authentic beauty of Costa Rica.

Until next time, keep exploring and enjoying the journey!