Selvatura Park

1 March 2009

We joined the tourists for a day at Selvatura Park. This is one of several major tourist developments on the other side of Santa Elena, near the SE cloud forest reserve. They offer a canopy tour (= zip lining), a nature path walking tour, butterfly garden, insect exhibition, hummingbird garden, and a reptile and amphibian exhibit, with separate charges for each. It is the Costa Rican analog to Disney World.

We did the walking tour (without guide) and the insect exhibit. The walking tour featured eight significant pedestrian suspension bridges. The path was (relatively) level and beautifully groomed. It even seemed that the grounds were maintained more like a garden than a nature park. (This last was probably just an illusion; however, see the top photo.) There were many nice photo opportunities.

The insect exhibit was remarkable. Reputed to be the third largest collection in the world, it was established by Richard Whitten. All the insects were dead and “stuffed,” but the collection was extraordinary and the exhibits were very well done. (Interesting side note: Both Whitten and his wife have become anosmics, I’m guessing because of the heavy long-term use of preservation chemicals in their work.)

Anyway, it was a nice day, even if too touristic for more than a small taste.