![Two mating zebra longwings (heliconius charithonia).](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F01-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two mating zebra longwings (heliconius charithonia).
![You should not lean on this: The sandbox tree is not only prickly, under the bark you find a very toxic white milky sap which was used by fishermen as fish poison.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F02-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
You should not lean on this: The sandbox tree is not only prickly, under the bark you find a very toxic white milky sap which was used by fishermen as fish poison.
![Cahuita. A brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) rises in into the air.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F03-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Cahuita. A brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) rises in into the air.
![Baywatch in Cahuita: Photographing sea birds (result see next photo).](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F04-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Baywatch in Cahuita: Photographing sea birds (result see next photo).
![It is amazing to watch Capuchin monkeys jumping quickly and precisely from tree to tree. At mealtimes they sometimes use their tail as a holding rope.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F05-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
It is amazing to watch Capuchin monkeys jumping quickly and precisely from tree to tree. At mealtimes they sometimes use their tail as a holding rope.
![In contrast to the multicoloured bill, the sounds of the rainbow toucan are rather monotonous. They are often compared to the croaking of a frog.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F06-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
In contrast to the multicoloured bill, the sounds of the rainbow toucan are rather monotonous. They are often compared to the croaking of a frog.
![Here we look at a 'moving biotope': Not only algae grow in the fur of the Three-toed sloth, but also moths, cockroaches, beetles and up to 40 other animal species live in it.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F07-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Here we look at a 'moving biotope': Not only algae grow in the fur of the Three-toed sloth, but also moths, cockroaches, beetles and up to 40 other animal species live in it.
![Selva Bananito: A great kiskadee in the early morning.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F08-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Selva Bananito: A great kiskadee in the early morning.
![What, already over!? Jürgen steers his gyrocopter for a butter-soft landing on a light green line in the middle of the 1,750 hectare sustainability paradise Selva Bananito.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F09-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
What, already over!? Jürgen steers his gyrocopter for a butter-soft landing on a light green line in the middle of the 1,750 hectare sustainability paradise Selva Bananito.
![A highlight of our journey: What a surprise! Far away from civilisation, Jürgen Stein conjures up a gyrocopter on a grass runway. Followed by twenty unforgettable minutes of flying over largely untouched primary rainforest.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F10-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
A highlight of our journey: What a surprise! Far away from civilisation, Jürgen Stein conjures up a gyrocopter on a grass runway. Followed by twenty unforgettable minutes of flying over largely untouched primary rainforest.
![Annette is enchanted by the many colours offerd by the eucalyptus tree.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F11-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Annette is enchanted by the many colours offerd by the eucalyptus tree.
![Together with Anselmo we explore Selva Bananito on horseback. A wonderful nature experience! Jürgens sheepdogs join us.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F12-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Together with Anselmo we explore Selva Bananito on horseback. A wonderful nature experience! Jürgens sheepdogs join us.
![](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F13-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
![Annette marvels at a giant West Indian cedar (Cedrella odorata)](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F14-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Annette marvels at a giant West Indian cedar (Cedrella odorata)
![In the bathroom of the rainforest.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F15-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
In the bathroom of the rainforest.
![Early morning over Selva Bananito, only about 10 kilometres inland from where Christopher Columbus discovered the 'rich coast' in 1502.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F16-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Early morning over Selva Bananito, only about 10 kilometres inland from where Christopher Columbus discovered the 'rich coast' in 1502.
![During our jungle hikes we walk through spider webs again and again. Some of the inhabitants, like this Golden Orb spider (Trichonephila clavipes), like to use it as a free ride.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F17-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
During our jungle hikes we walk through spider webs again and again. Some of the inhabitants, like this Golden Orb spider (Trichonephila clavipes), like to use it as a free ride.
![](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F18-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
![In the village Jamaikari of the indigenous Cabécar, Maximiliano and Ketelik look out of the window of their home.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F19-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
In the village Jamaikari of the indigenous Cabécar, Maximiliano and Ketelik look out of the window of their home.
![Nairi Awari: An unknown bug from the family of Heteroptera.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F20-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Nairi Awari: An unknown bug from the family of Heteroptera.
![The strawberry poison-dart frog mainly feeds on ants. The ants' poison accumulates in the frog body and is released through his skin. In captivity without ant food the frog remains poison-free.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F21-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
The strawberry poison-dart frog mainly feeds on ants. The ants' poison accumulates in the frog body and is released through his skin. In captivity without ant food the frog remains poison-free.
![Hike through the Nairi Awari indigenous area.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F22-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Hike through the Nairi Awari indigenous area.
![Evening view of the Arenal, the youngest of Costa Rica's five active volcanoes.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F23-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Evening view of the Arenal, the youngest of Costa Rica's five active volcanoes.
![An unknown weevil shortly before departure.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F24-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
An unknown weevil shortly before departure.
![Rio Celeste waterfall](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F25-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Rio Celeste waterfall
![Very poisonous, but not lethal, and perfectly adapted to its substrate: An eyelash viper on a tree root.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F26-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Very poisonous, but not lethal, and perfectly adapted to its substrate: An eyelash viper on a tree root.
![The indigenous people believed that gods coloured the sky blue and used the Rio Celeste to wash their brushes in it.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F27-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
The indigenous people believed that gods coloured the sky blue and used the Rio Celeste to wash their brushes in it.
![Agutis are rodents and are about the size of beavers. They feed on fruits, nuts, leaves, small branches and roots. I am lucky, because for a few seconds a ray of sunlight illuminates the coat.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F28-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Agutis are rodents and are about the size of beavers. They feed on fruits, nuts, leaves, small branches and roots. I am lucky, because for a few seconds a ray of sunlight illuminates the coat.
![National Park Guanacaste: This black iguana has left its tree sanctuary in search of a sunny spot.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F29-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
National Park Guanacaste: This black iguana has left its tree sanctuary in search of a sunny spot.
![This is my only picture of the wonderfully iridescent but shy Amazonian motmot. The sound of my camera shutter scared him away.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F30-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
This is my only picture of the wonderfully iridescent but shy Amazonian motmot. The sound of my camera shutter scared him away.
![Simply magical and 'lost world'-like: La Fortuna waterfall.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F31-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Simply magical and 'lost world'-like: La Fortuna waterfall.
![Probably the most touching moment of our journey: We discover a sloth drenched by rain on a tree. As she stretches out to climb another branch (and it takes time...), she gives a glimpse of her young. A very rare sight. We are deeply touched for a long time.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F32-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
Probably the most touching moment of our journey: We discover a sloth drenched by rain on a tree. As she stretches out to climb another branch (and it takes time...), she gives a glimpse of her young. A very rare sight. We are deeply touched for a long time.
![The beautiful red-eyed treefrog.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F33-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
The beautiful red-eyed treefrog.
![A bullet ant. Here you can see its biting tools. The sting is one of the most painful in the animal kingdom.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F34-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
A bullet ant. Here you can see its biting tools. The sting is one of the most painful in the animal kingdom.
![A trip through the rainforest is sometimes a bit like an obstacle run.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F35-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
A trip through the rainforest is sometimes a bit like an obstacle run.
![View of La Tigra Rainforest Lodge. At night, surrounded by a quiet concert of nature sounds, we slept very well.](https://www.malteclavin.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malteclavin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2F36-costa-rica.jpg&h=230&q=90&f=.jpg)
View of La Tigra Rainforest Lodge. At night, surrounded by a quiet concert of nature sounds, we slept very well.