At the biological crossroads of the Americas, Costa Rica hosts one of the widest varieties of plants in the wold, with habitats ranging from tidal mangrove swamps, and lowland rainforests, to dry tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica is a must-have reference guide for beginner and expert naturalists alike. It provides a thorough survey of more than 850 plant species, each entry accompanied by color photos and a concise yet detailed narrative description. Plants are conveniently grouped by the different types of vegetation: palms, tall trees, shrubs, woody vines, herbaceous vines, herbs, grasses and ferns. Along with 1400 color photographs, the guide also includes an illustrated glossary of plant parts, five maps of Costa Rica, and laminated covers for durability in the field. With so much readily accessible information, this book is essential for exploring Costa Rica's common and conspicuous flora from the plants growing along the roadside to the best natural parks.

At the biological crossroads of the Americas, Costa Rica hosts one of the widest varieties of plants in the wold, with habitats ranging from tidal mangrove swamps, and lowland rainforests, to dry tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica is a must-have reference guide for beginner and expert naturalists alike. It provides a thorough survey of more than 850 plant species, each entry accompanied by color photos and a concise yet detailed narrative description. Plants are conveniently grouped by the different types of vegetation: palms, tall trees, shrubs, woody vines, herbaceous vines, herbs, grasses and ferns. Along with 1400 color photographs, the guide also includes an illustrated glossary of plant parts, five maps of Costa Rica, and laminated covers for durability in the field. With so much readily accessible information, this book is essential for exploring Costa Rica's common and conspicuous flora from the plants growing along the roadside to the best natural parks.

The first field guide to the orchids of Costa Rica and Panama, this book is lavishly illustrated with 240 stunning color photographs and 229 line drawings. It contains keys to all the orchid genera in the region and most of the orchid species. To enable nonbotanists to identify at least the genus of orchids, Robert L. Dressler emphasizes features that can be readily seen with the naked eye or a hand lens. Written in a friendly and accessible style, this guide begins with succinct descriptions of the geography, climate, and vegetation of Costa Rica and Panama, and includes appropriate comments on the peoples and cultures of the area. A discussion of orchid structure and ecology follows. The identification keys are preceded by instructions for use, and a general key directs the user to the appropriate chapter, where condensed descriptions and additional keys narrow the choices for the plants identity. Dressler avoids complex terminology and supplies a glossary of technical terms that will he helpful to those unfamiliar with botanical vocabulary. A short appendix describes how to prepare orchids for study, and summarizes laws that affect plant collectors, and another lists the authors of species names used in the guide. Reflecting the autor's deep and broad knowledge of the orchids of tropical Latin America, this field guide is certain to prove valuable to botanists, field biologists, orchid hobbyists, and tourists interested in natural history.

At the biological crossroads of the Americas, Costa Rica hosts an astonishing array of plants and animals—over half a million species! Ecotourists, birders, and biologists come from around the world to immerse themselves in the country's unspoiled rain forests, mountains, and beaches, drawn by the likelihood of seeing more than three or four hundred species of birds and other animals during even a short stay. To help all of these visitors and local residents identify and enjoy the wildlife of Costa Rica, this field guide presents nearly three hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, and other invertebrates. Carrol Henderson, an experienced wildlife biologist, traveler, and tour leader in Costa Rica, has chosen the species that ecotourists are most likely to see, along with a selection of rarer, sought-after animals. He gives a general introduction to each group of animals, followed by individual species accounts that highlight identification features and interesting ecological adaptations for survival. His stunning close-up photographs and distribution maps complete each entry. In addition, Henderson includes a wealth of data about Costa Rica's natural environment, as well as a trip preparation checklist and lists of conservation organizations, wildlife tourism sites, and wildlife vocalization tapes and CDs. With so much information so readily and readably accessible, this field guide will be essential for planning and enjoying your time in Costa Rica.

Whether you're zip-lining through cloud forests or swimming with manta rays, uncover the real pura vida with Moon Costa Rica. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries for La Fortuna, Monteverde, San José, the Osa Peninsula, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and more, with suggestions for families, backpackers, couples, adventure travelers, and beach lovers Eco-friendly outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and scuba-diving: Swim under a waterfall, raft over rapids, explore mysterious caves, and cliff-dive into river pools. Hike to the summit of Mount Chirripó, snorkel with sea turtles in warm turquoise water, or soak in a volcanic mineral pool Unique and authentic experiences: Admire the forest floor from a hanging bridge, or take an aerial tram to lake, volcano, and ocean views. Relax on a pristine beach and watch the sunrise with a cup of flavorful local coffee. Fill up on fried plantains and shop at a neighborhood mercado Insight from Cartago local Nikki Solano on how to experience Costa Rica like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Background information on Costa Rica's landscape, history, and cultural customs, as well as volunteer opportunities Handy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, packing suggestions, and travel tips for disability access, solo travelers, seniors, and LGBTQ travelers With Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience Costa Rica your way. Planning a short trip? Check out Moon Best of Costa Rica. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

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Climbers, such as lianas and vines, are important constituents of tropical forests and perhaps the single most important physiognomic characteristic differentiating tropical from temperate forests, occurring on nearly 50% of forest trees in Central and South America. Despite their widespread nutritional and medicinal use, lianas remain poorly understood ecologically. Tendrillate Climbers offers comprehensive coverage of all of the tendrillate lianas of Costa Rica and most of the tendrillate lianas of Central America. This unique reference provides Excellent keys to families and separate keys to genera and species State-of-the-art nomenclature and lists of synonymy when other scientific names have been published or used informally Each species illustrated by the author’s hand-drawn line art An invaluable addition to our understanding of tropical forests, the book offers new information as well as information brought together from dispersed publications and unpublished lists and reports. In these times of habitat fragmentation and species loss, this data is a significant contribution to the biological research that is thriving in Central America, especially Costa Rica. Tendrillate Climbers fills a major gap in the botanical literature. Its high level of scholarship and comprehensive coverage will astonish the tropical botanists, forestry scientists, ecologists, biologists, and horticulturalists who will want it as a reference for their continued work on this neglected group of plants.

Whether you want to spy elusive jaguars in the wild, savour a world-class cup of coffee or walk through cloud-drenched tree canopies, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Costa Rica has to offer. An ecotourism haven, Costa Rica is unmatched in biodiversity - here you can help sea turtle hatchlings make it to the sea or wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys. But this Central American country doesn't just offer wildlife in abundance. In the capital of San José, characterful food joints serve up tasty local cuisine, while on the laid-back coasts, surfers and yogis unwind beside the beaches. Our updated guide brings Costa Rica to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. Our updated 2023 travel guide brings to life. DK Eyewitness Costa Rica is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Costa Rica you will find: - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Costa Rica's must-sees and hidden gems. - Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day. - Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money. - Colour-coded chapters to every part of Costa Rica, from Guanacaste to Northern Nicoya, the Caribbean to San José. - Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay. - Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently. - Covers: San Jose, Central Highlands, Central Pacific and Southern Nicoya, Guanacaste and Northern Nicoya, Northern Zone, The Caribbean, Southern Zone. About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.

Insight Explore Guides: pocket-sized books to inspire your on-foot exploration of top international destinations. Experience the best of Costa Rica with this indispensably practical Insight Explore Guide. From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like the Arenal Volcano, to discovering hidden gems, including the remote Osa Peninsula, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking routes will help you plan your trip, save you time, and enhance your exploration of this fascinating country. Practical, pocket-sized and packed with inspirational insider information, this will make the ideal on-the-move companion to your trip to Costa Rica Enjoy 12 irresistible Best Routes to walk, from the capital San Jos to the cloud forest of Monteverde Features concise insider information about landscape, history, food and drink, and entertainment options Invaluable maps: each Best Route is accompanied by a detailed full-colour map, while the large pull-out map provides an essential overview of the area Discover your destination's must-see sights and hand-picked hidden gems Directory section provides invaluable insight into top accommodation, restaurant and nightlife options by area, along with an overview of language, books and films About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as phrasebooks, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has captured the attention of biologists, conservationists and ecologists and has been the setting for extensive investigation over the past 30 years. This provides information on this ecosystem and the biota.