Costa Rica is often described as a small country with an enormous heart, and nowhere is that heart more visible than in its rainforests. These lush, ancient ecosystems are not just beautiful landscapes; they are living, breathing treasures that define Costa Rica’s identity, its environmental values, and its place on the global stage. The rainforest is Costa Rica’s greatest natural treasure—older than civilization, richer than gold, and more vital to life on Earth than we can fully comprehend.
300 year old tree Costa Rica Rain forest Osa Peninsula
To understand the rainforest is to understand why Costa Rica has become a world leader in conservation and eco-tourism. Standing beneath towering trees that have lived for centuries, listening to the calls of monkeys echoing through the canopy, and breathing air heavy with moisture and life, one quickly realizes that the rainforest is not just a destination—it is an experience that changes the way we see the world.
“I Think That I Shall Never See…”
The beauty and power of trees have inspired poets for centuries. Joyce Kilmer’s famous poem Trees (1886–1918) captures a timeless truth:
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
Kilmer’s words resonate deeply in Costa Rica, where trees are not merely part of the landscape—they are guardians of life. In the rainforest, trees stretch skyward as if in prayer, their massive trunks rooted firmly in soil enriched by centuries of fallen leaves, rain, and decay. These trees shelter birds, mammals, insects, and plants, forming a world within a world.
“The Rainforest Is a Sea of Trees”
Costa Rica’s rainforests are often described as a sea of trees, and for good reason. Despite its small size, Costa Rica protects nearly 20% of its land mass through national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. This is one of the highest percentages of protected land in the world and a remarkable achievement for a developing nation.
Many of these protected areas are home to primary rainforest, meaning forests that have never been logged or cleared by humans. These ancient forests are found primarily in:
- Southern Pacific Costa Rica, especially the Osa Peninsula
- Northern and central regions, including areas near Arenal and the Caribbean lowlands
Primary rainforest trees are giants. Some are more than 300 years old, with massive buttress roots that can extend up to three meters wide. These roots stabilize the trees in shallow rainforest soil and create dramatic natural sculptures at ground level.
Life From the Canopy to the Forest Floor
Rainforests are layered ecosystems, each level hosting its own unique forms of life.
The Canopy
The canopy is the uppermost layer, where the tallest trees spread their branches and leaves toward the sun. This is where most of the rainforest’s wildlife lives. Monkeys swing effortlessly through the treetops, sloths cling to branches, and colorful tropical birds—such as toucans, parrots, and macaws—fly from tree to tree. For these animals, the forest floor is rarely visited; the canopy provides food, shelter, and safety.
The Understory
Below the canopy lies the understory, a dimly lit world where only a small amount of sunlight filters through. Plants here have adapted to low light, growing large, broad leaves to capture every available ray. Insects thrive in this layer, along with frogs, snakes, and smaller mammals.
The Forest Floor
At the bottom is the forest floor, where it is darker and cooler. Here, fallen leaves, branches, and dead trees decompose rapidly due to heat and humidity, returning nutrients to the soil. Although the soil itself is often thin, the constant recycling of organic matter sustains the entire forest.
The Oldest Living Ecosystem on Earth
Rainforests are among the oldest living ecosystems on the planet, having existed for tens of millions of years. They are found in the hot, humid tropics near the equator, where conditions allow life to flourish year-round.
Astonishingly, rainforests contain more than half of the world’s plant and animal species, even though they cover only a small percentage of the Earth’s surface. Costa Rica alone is home to:
- Over 500,000 species, representing nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity
- Thousands of plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth
This extraordinary biodiversity makes Costa Rica’s rainforests invaluable—not just for the country, but for the entire planet.
Why Rainforests Matter to the World
Rainforests are often called the lungs of the Earth, and while that phrase is poetic, it reflects an important truth. Rainforests play a crucial role in:
- Regulating the global climate
- Absorbing carbon dioxide
- Producing oxygen
- Maintaining rainfall patterns
They also serve as natural laboratories. Countless medicines used today are derived from rainforest plants, and scientists believe many cures for diseases remain undiscovered within these forests.
Threats to the Rainforest
Despite their importance, rainforests are under constant threat. Each year, large areas of rainforest around the world are destroyed due to:
- Deforestation for cattle ranching
- Logging for wood products
- Agricultural expansion
- Climate change, which causes droughts and disrupts rainfall patterns
Costa Rica once faced severe deforestation, particularly in the mid-20th century. However, through strong environmental policies, education, and eco-tourism, the country has reversed much of this damage and is now considered a global leader in rainforest conservation.
The Human Connection to Trees
Beyond their ecological importance, trees have a profound effect on human well-being. In our daily lives, trees offer comfort, shade, and tranquility. Sitting beneath a large tree can bring a sense of peace that is increasingly rare in modern societies.
Studies show that trees:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Absorb noise, making streets quieter
- Improve air quality
- Encourage slower, safer driving in urban areas
There is something deeply calming about being near trees, as if our bodies remember an ancient connection to the natural world.
If Each of Us Planted a Tree
Imagine if every person planted just one tree. Cities would be greener, air would be cleaner, and future generations would inherit a healthier planet. Costa Rica’s commitment to reforestation shows that change is possible when people value nature as a living treasure rather than a resource to be exploited.
Experiencing the Rainforest in Costa Rica
One of the greatest gifts Costa Rica offers visitors is the opportunity to experience the rainforest firsthand. Whether you walk through the untouched primary forests of the Osa Peninsula, explore hanging bridges high in the canopy, or listen to the rainforest come alive at night, the experience is unforgettable.
Rainforest visits can include:
- Guided nature walks
- Birdwatching and wildlife observation
- Night hikes to see frogs, insects, and nocturnal animals
- River and waterfall explorations
These experiences not only inspire awe but also foster a deeper respect for the natural world.
A Treasure Worth Protecting
Costa Rica’s rainforests are more than beautiful landscapes—they are ancient, complex systems that sustain life on Earth. They remind us of our place within nature and our responsibility to protect what remains.
As Joyce Kilmer wrote, “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” In Costa Rica, surrounded by towering giants and endless green, those words feel especially true.
Would You Like to Vacation in Costa Rica and Visit the Rainforest?
If you dream of walking beneath centuries-old trees, hearing monkeys in the canopy, and immersing yourself in one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems, Costa Rica awaits you.