Vegan Nature Tour in Costa Rica.

In February 1999, fourteen vegans and vegetarians gathered in the Central American country of Costa Rica for a Vegan Nature Tour. Club Veg, a vegetarian education group, organized the trip to give participating vegans a stress-free vacation focused on nature.

Our home base was the enchanting Bosque de Paz (Peaceful Forest) Lodge, a 1700-acre private biological reserve nestled high in the lush Cloud Forest region, which acts as a natural corridor between the Poas Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco National Parks. From there we embarked on our tour, led by experienced naturalist guides, to the places that make Costa Rica a nature lover's paradise!

Upon arriving at Bosque de Paz, we were greeted by the sounds of a rushing stream, the smell of dean mountain air, lush vegetation, and views of green, mist-shrouded hills beckoning us to breathe deeply and relax. Just outside the comfortable lodge we observed dozens of iridescent hummingbirds visiting the nearby flowers and feeders. Over 300 species of birds have been seen at Bosque de Paz, including the Resplendent Quetzal and Ornate Hawk-eagle. Later we had a wondrous nighttime hike and experienced the evening sounds and activity of the rainforest. On our days there we explored firsthand the centuries-old trees brimming with orchids, bromeliads, and mosses.

We enjoyed some new and incredible vegan culinary treats. Our hosts, the Gonzales', prepared the most delicious foods on our trip. In addition to the vegan versions of traditional native favorites, we enjoyed tropical fruits and plentiful fresh fruit juices. We also dined at a couple of open-air restaurants that served really incredible foods. At one of these restaurants we had a feast that was a delight to the eyes: eight huge platters stacked with food served buffet-style. But if it was a delight to the eyes, it was even more so to the palate.

Costa Ricans really know how to do rice and black beans. It was a regular breakfast item that we enjoyed many mornings and nobody tired of. Plantains were another food we were served frequently and no one could get enough of. We enjoyed them in salsas, as a dessert served with molasses, fried, and even mashed to create an "omelet" filled with refried black beans.

We spent two memorable days at the famous Tabacon Resort and hot springs at the base of the active Arenal Volcano. We soaked under a series of waterfalls and natural pools created by a stream that rushes down from the volcano and through the resort. If you are lucky enough to get a cloud-free night, you can watch the volcano erupt, as it does every hour or so, and see the red lava spew into the sky. A hike toward the base of the volcano gave us plenty of opportunities to watch vegetarian leaf cutter ants (vegetarian ant species are rare). We also enjoyed seeing lizards, iguanas, turtles, monkeys, parrots, and hundreds of other birds on our trip.

The mountains of Costa Rica can get quite cold, and at night we were glad that we followed the recommendations to bring long underwear, gloves, and a hat. How- ever, at the Tulemar Resort on the Pacific coast, it was hot all the time, but we weren't complaining. Icy fresh fruit drinks were available at the beach and at mealtimes, and they kept us cool. Tulemar has an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and provides the chance to observe birds and monkeys jumping around in the trees. This is the kind of place people describe as "Heaven on Earth!" Sea kayaks are also available (no extra charge). Each pair of tourists had their own private octagonal bungalow with a spectacular view of the Pacific.

Another great experience we had was a visit to La Selva--Organization for Tropical Studies. This is a biological research station where most of the world's tropical biologists have either studied or taught. While there, we saw brilliantly colored toucans, and peccaries (wild pigs). The trees and other foliage were magnificent. It was interesting to see so many plants we recognized as house-plants growing in the forest!

Our trip was a vegan nature lover's dream come true. Our hosts and our guides, Willy and Frederico Jr., made us feel so welcome and at home in their country. We felt like part of their family, and in fact, we'll be visiting our Costa Rican family again next year!

For trip information and
reservations
Sawtelle Travel
Rick Marsi or Lori
[phone]
[e-mail]

For information or concerns
about food
Club Veg
Amie Hamlin
[phone]
[e-mail]

Amie Hamlin is a vegan educator living on Long Island, NY. She is the Director of the regional vegetarian education group, Club Veg, based in Binghamton, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.