Spa
Monkeys and Macaws, I
Costa Rica Will
Have You Howlin’
was off, on what was about
to be the most exciting of all
adventures. I was embarking on
a trip to Costa Rica, a country
considered small in size but
abundant in unique wildlife and
mouth-watering cuisine. Lucky for
me, monkeys and food are two of my
favorite things. So, my mission was
in place: a quest to find the best
vegetarian fare, while spotting the
country’s indigenous primates during
my wellness retreat.
By Rachel Weil
There is much to be said of the
exotic wildlife in Costa Rica.
Everywhere you look there is an
abundance of monkeys, birds,
tt r i
r ti
an a hi ian
And then there’s the sloth. I had no
clue what a sloth was until my guide
showed me a picture of the threetoed smiling-looking creature on the
Internet. I don’t quite know how to
describe them, except to say they
are interesting looking. After
learning they are considered to
be the world’s slowest mammal, I
decided to put them on my must-see
list, too. After all, if sloths are that
slow, how hard can it be to spot one?
I love experiencing the true culture
o a ity an in thi
a
y r t
outing to Costa Rica, my initial stop
was to a small, rural community
called Bajos del Toro, which is
approximately 90 minutes from
the San Jose International Airport.
It’s a thriving, yet relatively
unknown tourist destination with
lush landscapes, majestic waterfalls
and abundant wildlife. Whether
you’re looking for a peaceful place
to unwind, or are an avid explorer,
this is the place you’ll experience
the true essence of Costa Rica.
Eco-lodges are among my preferred
places to stay, and El Silencio Lodge
& Spa is one of my favorites. The
breathtaking luxury eco-hotel in
ao
Toro off r
t an array
of adventures, educational sessions
and relaxing activities. The lodge has
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