This plant often has different shaped leaves... so don't be surprised if yours changes, over time. Here is a link that might be useful: Jatropha integerrima

Hi I didn't particularly try to spot reptiles on my visits but some that come to mind are the iguanas, they seem to be everywhere.Since they are so large they're easy to spot. Also the SW Crocodiles and Caymen at lower elevations.Ran accross a rather large Boa constrictor once which really startled me lol. Have never seen the Dart frogs. The most noticeable things in the forests are the monkeys and parrots.They make lots of noise.Another is the butterflies and forest crabs.They seem to be everywhere and are always out in the open. I suspect you'd need to specificly look for the dart frogs as they're so small. Another very noticeable creatures are the Hummingbirds.Any where thewre are flowers you'll see the little jewels. So beautiful!! On Monteverde I got to see a Quetzal.Unfortuneately out of color as well as a Sulphur breasted Toucan. A whole bunch of other specie that I couldn't identify. The secret is to sit down and be quiet.I guarantee within 2 minutes something will either run, slither,fly or hop by lol I always get involved in the plants.Particularly the orchids and ferns so I'm sure i miss at least half of the animals that can be seen. If you're a nature freak like me I'm sure you'll have a great time lol Gary

I went to CR four years ago and had a spectacular time. Flew to San Jose, went to Arenal / La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos / Miguel Antonio Park. In 9 days, I saw a volcano, hiked around the volcano and through the jungle and the rain forest, rode zip lines across the rain forest canopy, swam under a waterfall, went to the mountains, went to the beach, heard and saw monkeys, lizards, sloths, and many other animals, rode horseback through the mountains and across a river, took a three hour sailboat ride, went to the famous hot springs, got a reflexology massage in a grass hut, toured a coffee plantation, rode a bus with locals and their chickens, had great food, did a little shopping, went to a couple cool art galleries and musuems, wore a t-neck and jacket and 2 days later a swimsuit, learned a little Spanish, learned a lot about the country, people, and environment, and always felt safe and comfortable. I went on a guided tour with Gap Adventures (gapadventures.com) on the 9-day tour. I think it was called the Quest adventure. They have dozens of differenet tours in CR, guided and independent. THe one I did was great, because they arranged everything from hotels to transportation to entrance fees to reservations. They got you to an area, told you what cool things there were to do, and then arranged for you to do whatever you were interested in. It was not a tour where everyone does the same thing at the same time and you are kinda trapped and on someone else's time table. You get the same guide for the whole tour and she knew the areas well and knew everyone in the areas we went, so she could always point us to the right people and places for what we wanted to experience. I frankly do not think I would want to try to navigate and drive through the country without a knowledgeable guide-- it's not like AAA will come get you if there is a problem and there is no mechanic or tire store around the corner. The roads are VERY rough and not well marked-- it would make a heck of an adventure, but just think about if that is the adventure you want, or if that would detract from the adventure you really want. I thought the loosely-guided tour was perfect and would highly receommend Gap, although there may be others that are just as good (I am not connected with them in any way, just a happy customer.) OH! One word of advice for San Jose-- If a man pinches you on the arm downtown, just say "No!" firmly and move on. That is the customary way that a man tells a uh, shall we say "lady of the evening" that he is interested. Some men just pinch anyone they think is cute, hoping she's a "lady of the evening"! You'll only experience it right in the center of downtown by the square, though, and if you say no then they apologize and leave you alone. Frankly, you likely won't want to hang out much in San Jose. One day for a musuem or two and the flea market is plenty. It is literally hard to breathe in the city because of all the pollution. Hope this helps. I'd be happy to answer any specific quetions if I can. --A.

@Tina Marie those are Japanese fishing floats I found at an antique store many many moons ago. Not so funny story about our rocking horse. When one of my first cousins was born, my aunt asked Mom if they could use it. It wasn't being used by us anymore so off it went. A few years later, we were walking out of church past the nursery - and THERE was our rocking horse. My mother was not too shy to tell Ms Eugenia that we were taking it home with us. We had NO idea my aunt had gotten rid of it! Years later, when that cousin had their last child, my aunt asked if they could borrow it again. I was just beginning to have grandchildren anyway, but oh my! NO! The first Beanie Baby I purchased was a crow for Mom. I brought it to my house when she passed away. It's in my closet up on a shelf. Our younger two bought a good many BB, then donated them years later to the local chapter of Project Night Night.