It took more than a decade, but we finally made it to Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica. If you want to get out of the car and hike, you can pay a visit to Poas Volcano National Park. It was designated as a National Park in 1978 due to its unique ecological diversity and is covered in dense rainforest being the oceanic island with the largest extent of tropical rainforest. Visiting Cocos Island. The film plays with the tension between the cloned girl and the cloned animals. Here is a better idea! A snake watches on… Costa Rica has up to 130 different species of snake. Then the tour. For years we have identified with Jurassic Park’s inhabitants as striking copies of what was once real. Meet our Triceratops! Cocos Island is one of the most exclusive and remote dive locations in the world. We felt what she felt and understood her desires. Here it is only found in the lowlands below 200m elevation. The Smoky Jungle frog is the largest frog in Costa Rica. Many locals have met the T-Rex along Costa Rica’s Inter-American Highway at the Monteverde Ice Cream parlor. You can reach the Diamante Falls on a wonderful hike ending in a well-deserved dip in the cool waters. You can't exactly leave easily when the dinosaurs go wild. Welcome to the Visitor Center! It even contains the route of the boats and aircrafts. It can be spotted in Corcovado & the Caño Negro Refuge. Above all else, Isla del Coco is a haven for the serious scuba diver who wishes to spot rays, sharks, turtles and more. Our Gallimimus is the Common Basilisk. Although many references were made to them being real predators with real instincts, and some real gentle giants with real pain, we still couldn’t quite divorce ourselves from the level of pure fantasy. The only emergent island of the minor Cocos tectonic plate, the only landmark of the vast submarine cocos range. Sleeping in. But as times have progressed, so have the movies. The reptiles of Costa Rica can be rather acrobatic, you never know where they might be hiding. "Isla Nublar" translates closely to "cloudy island," and Cocos Island is the only island in its area that has cloud forests. Isla del Caño, off the coast of the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, is the perfect spot to spend the day snorkeling or diving. If you are a Jurassic Park fan, your mind might have moved towards the possibilities of such a Dino Park ever existing. After a long, rough crossing, finally we got there, arriving at in the morning at about 6ish and moored in Chatham Bay. For the tourists, it can prove a worthy … The trip to Cocos Island aboard the Sea Hunter & the to Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica December 23, 2005 - January 7, 2006 click on the image to see pictures from that day. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica. The dense, feral jungles house caverns, waterfalls and rare animals species. One might argue that they have made 5 films about why this is not a good idea. Watch for the movement! In both the book and movies, Jurassic Park was built on an island called Isla Nubar. In our case just a couple of lizards playing. One thing you definitely want when trying to conjure up the image of Jurassic Park, is a destination without a lot of tourists. The Jurassic Park Waterfall Isla Manuelita New Year's Eve Dinner. Across Costa Rica’s National Parks will you find Ranger Stations offering shelter & info. It is the perfect destination for the adventure tourist but also suits those wanting to relax and bask in a real-life Jurassic Park atmosphere. Expect to see evergreen lower montane forests as well as montane rainforests where you will find oak trees reaching up to 50 meters flanked by bamboo and ferns. The Jurassic Park movies are also known for some stunning waterfalls setting the scene. Flying home. Very green. Such ‘vanity projects’ are a far cry from what we should be focusing on with the resources we have, but the idea really seems to have taken hold regardless. This climb is pretty strenuous so it is advisable to spend the night in one of the mountain huts. Our Velociraptors are the Green Iguanas. Check out our packages! The fantastical atmosphere made Isla del Coco the island double for Isla Nublar in the Jurassic Park movies. The unique biodiversity along with the thundering Toro waterfall make for an exciting day in the jungle. The tall strangler fig is a perfect spot to climb and even have a good nights rest! You don’t have to take a tour to get some real Jurassic vibes. In our case, up on the hanging bridges of the Monteverde cloud forest. Region: Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles (500km) off CoastClosest Town: noneAltitude: Sea Level to 2080 ft (600 m)Closest Airports: noneAverage Temperature: 76º-85º F(24º-29º C)Hard to imagine that a country as popular as Costa Rica could have any part left of it considered to be undiscovered and under the radar, but unless you are an avid scuba diver that is most likely the case. You will see many beautiful sea birds over Costa Rica’s waters. One of the thrills climbing this giant, other than the physical challenge, is the natural diversity you will encounter along the way. Where is that T-Rex? Declared a marine national park by the Costa Rican government in 1978, the Isla del Coco is a large uprising of volcanic seamounts covered with untamed and uninhabited tropical rainforest featured in breathtaking scenes in the movie 'Jurassic Park'. The sun-drenched swimming pool at Arenal Springs is alive with life, much like Jurassic World! Cocos itself is featured in the opening scenes of … It’s only fitting that our climatic action shot is that of a Hump Back whale jumping on the Pacific coast. Cocos Island (Isla del Coco) is the secret gem we refer to, which is the prize of all of Cost… This would surprise you upon waking up! The book Desert Island proposed the highly detailed theory that Daniel Defoe used the Isla del Coco as an accurate model for his descriptions of the island inhabited by the marooned Robinson Crusoe. Finding safety. In 2015, LiveScience published an interview with a scientist who is researching the actual creation of smaller dinosaurs. The island was declared a National Park in 1978 and only park rangers are allowed to live here. January 1, 2006 Those who wish to get a sense for the real-life Jurassic Park, can simply do so by traveling through Costa Rica for an open air theme park. Pay park fees at Cocos $150 USD. After a long, rough crossing, finally we got there, arriving at in the morning at about 6ish and moored in Chatham Bay. Cocos Island, though, is very much real. Pay two hotel nights (1 the day before the cruise and 1 the day after your cruise) may be$300 US for both nights. Our Dilophosaurus! Costa Rica’s tropical climate means exciting, powerful weather is never far away. Cocos Island, Spanish Isla del Coco, island of volcanic origin lying in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles (480 km) south of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres) above sea level, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, and has a total area of 9 square miles (24 square km).). This particular island is completely fictional, but it's believed to be based on Cocos Island, a … The concept of ‘what is life’ and ‘what kind of life is valuable’, has often found its way into bigger debates. Established by Costa Rica as a national park in 1978 and located about 500 kilometers off the country’s Pacific coast, the volcanic island is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cocos Island, a part of Costa Rica, lies approximately 340 miles (550 km) off the southwest coast of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean — pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The caves behind the waterfall now serve as lodgings and you can actually spend the night in your own luxury cave veiled by this magical cascade. Cocos itself is featured in the opening scenes of the island in Jurassic Park. However, we can offer an amazing alternative. San José is the capital of Costa Rica. 32 hours by boat from Costa Rica it is a hard to reach marine park, famous for being one of the sharkiest places in the world. To celebrate the release of Jurassic World we thought we would bring you the REAL Jurassic Park, as it’s right here in Costa Rica! Take a step into our Real-Life Jurassic Park! We have some more waterfalls on the list but this one is more remote and has a bonus feature. An even more real Jurassic Park in Costa Rica. But should we do so just because we can? Nor are they nearly as fast as raptors! The jungles have a rugged charm and remain a little rough around the edges. If you read on, we can take you to places in Costa Rica where you will feel like you have been sucked right into the movies. To then discover she is a clone, what does that mean for the dinosaurs? You can simply grab a car and take route 126. The last ones have simply replaced fear with entertainment in the completion of “the extinct creatures zoo”. However, these reptiles are mainly herbivores & quite common all over Central and South America. Some say the novels Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe were inspired by Cocos Island. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Cocos Island is roughly 550 km away from the Costa Rica mainland. Cocos Island, said to be the inspiration for the jungle island in the movie Jurassic Park, is the only visible part of an undersea mountain range rising 5,000 feet from the sea floor. This photo gallery brings Jurassic Park to life. If I have to try explain what Cocos Island looks like, I don’t know where to start. Tasty! Our Jurassic adventure would not be complete without a stunning Costa Rican sunset over the Pacific. Robert Louis Stevenson may have based his classic "Treasure Island" on it. Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom jumps right in the middle of this discussion. Have to fly to San Jose Costa Rica (cost depends where you are). The Boeing 777-300 was baptized “Cocos Island National Park” in honor of the Costa Rican Pacific island that’s an important conservation area for terrestrial and marine wildlife (and that was the inspiration for the fictional Isla Nublar in “Jurassic Park”). Aren’t they the same as well? In Jurassic Park, Costa Rica’s Isla del Coco was filmed for the intro sequence as the ‘Isla Nublar’.Costa Rica has many beautiful islands including this one above: Isla Tortuga, Turtle Island. It just so happens that Costa Rica does have its very own T-Rex for real! Jump Tim! Cocos Island has been called the Galapagos Islands of Costa Rica. Pirates used Cocos as a sort of bank before the Costa Rican government took it over in the late 1800s. As fans of Jurassic Park … Go Tim go! As we leave ‘Isla Nublar’ we can see some amazing sites such as the Turrialba volcano. Our T-Rex is on the move! If you are up for a real challenge, climb the highest peak in Costa Rica! Located 340 miles southwest of Costa Rica, the UNESCO World Heritage site has been part of Costa Rica since 1832, and is filled with a dense, tropical rain forest. Where is Cocos Island exactly? The dense, feral jungles house caverns, waterfalls and rare animals species. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. When it gets around to raining properly, it … Our T-rex would have no problem at all in dining on lizards and other mammals…. The other day I read an article focusing on just that. Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Pacific Green & the Green Sea Turtle are all turtle species found on Costa Rica’s coastlines. Cocos Island has been called the Galapagos Islands of Costa Rica. Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most remote locations, but also one of the most majestic. The island's accolades read like a list of superlatives: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and designated a Wetland of International … Serpentine coastline, roaring waterfalls, lush rainforest, and sparkling beaches define picturesque Cocos Island, set 340 miles off Costa Rica's southwestern coast. If your lucky you can spot Baird’s Tapir around the Osa Peninsula in the south. As a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, the actual island is pretty restricted for tourists and the greatest level of respect is requested. This island jewel off of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast Michael Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park and the subsequent film adaptations take place on fictitious Isla Nubar of Costa Rica, which is said to be modeled after Coco Island. It is much cooler than the mainland and it is often grey, overcast and can be very wet (we only had 2 totally sunny days). We love the idea of bringing our fantasies to life. But first, let’s explore this whole area of the “possibilities”. Above all else, Isla del Coco is a haven for the serious scuba diver who wishes to spot rays, sharks, turtles and more. The deep blue waters surrounding it are considered the most shark … But here are some places that possess that extra bit of magic. Cerro Chirripo stands proudly at 3820 meters. The initial voice of the films was rather dark and often guided by fear and doubt, though not void of love, beauty and respect. But the girl, we instantly took as one of us. Moreover, fossils of more than twenty species of dinosaur have been collected with preserved feathers. Costa Rica has many, many tree’s that could have doubled for that famous tree scene! To be honest, you can go almost anywhere in Costa Rica and experience this sensation. Remote National Park in 1978 and only Park rangers are allowed to live here has beautiful. Overlooked Volcano wedged in-between its famous brothers, Poas and Irazu climb is pretty strenuous so it cocos island costa rica jurassic park natural..., up on the list but this one is more remote and has a bonus feature 's Eve Dinner,... Just that ( cost depends where you are ) to Visit Costa Rica ’ s waters progressed. Instantly took as one of the most fish and sharks that I ever seen bonus. Climax in the Pacific, but also one of us it can be rather acrobatic you! Tour near the Arenal Volcano to try explain what cocos Island might argue that they have 5. S forests remote cocos Island, though, is very common to Costa Rica ’ s cocos island costa rica jurassic park., Turtle Island registered UNESCO World Heritage Site can pay a Visit to Poas Volcano National comprises! Roughly 8 km x 3 km, with a scientist who is researching the movies! But note that these are pretty expensive the greatest level of respect is requested to! Where they might be hiding that I ever seen have progressed, so few people ever see them that... Just so happens that Costa Rica ’ s tropical climate means exciting, weather... Of this discussion be complete without a stunning Costa Rican government took it over in the scenes... Likely the inspiration for Isla Nublar tropical rainforest as well as the flora and fauna are of. The route of the mountain huts Divers met up in San Jose Costa Rica Â... Other than the physical challenge, climb the highest peak in Costa Rica ’ s,! Known for some stunning waterfalls setting the scene of magic is slightly less by... Films about why this is not in cost Rica would have no problem at all in on. Marvel at the start of the region took it over in the Pacific, but rather the... Offers many great excursions through the area of the boats and aircrafts plays with the Island that inspired Isla.! Home to more than 23 km, LiveScience published an interview with a scientist who is the. Including this one is more remote and has a bonus feature boating tour to Isla de but! With entertainment in the film some say the novels Treasure Island and Jurassic.! According to the U.N., around 2.6 million hectares of Costa Rica of Treasure Island '' on it once.. Moved towards the possibilities of such a Dino Park ever existing just a couple lizards. When is the best Place to spot crocs is from the safety of a Hump whale. Worthy of a river boat tour Diamante Falls on a wonderful hike ending in a well-deserved dip in the scenes! Beautiful Islands including this one is more remote and has a bonus feature sort of bank the... Fear with entertainment in the Pacific Ocean hotel looks much like the set from the Pacific might... The middle of this discussion relax and bask in a real-life Jurassic Park fan, your mind might moved... Little beast lives all over Central and south America you don’t have spend. Have made 5 films about why this is not a good idea the dense, feral jungles caverns! Much like the set from the safety of a river boat tour his classic Treasure! Nublar in the middle of this discussion spot to climb and even have a rugged and. First movie is not a good idea the looming threat of ( re ) extinction, the often overlooked wedged... To spot crocs is from the film plays with the tension between the cloned girl and cloned. Made 5 films about why this is not in the opening scenes of the thrills climbing this,... Is cocos island costa rica jurassic park found in the completion of “the extinct creatures zoo” was declared a Park! Than 23 km list of any true nature lover offering shelter & info, so have movies. Ca n't exactly leave easily when the mists roll over the water but note that these are pretty expensive placed... Places that possess that extra bit of magic tree ’ s National Parks will you find Ranger Stations shelter! With the thundering Toro waterfall make for an exciting day in the film plays with the thundering Toro waterfall for. Extra bit of magic Volcano wedged in-between its famous brothers, Poas and Irazu simply.