Jurassic Realism: Costa Rica’s Prehistoric Wonderland & Leaves as Big as Umbrellas

▲The setting of the "Jurassic Park" novel—Costa Rica’s hidden wonders include leaves bigger than umbrellas, offering an extraordinary “prehistoric view.” (Photo / Robert Schrader /Instagram @leaveyourdailyhell)

By Lin Yuying / Compiled report

The "Jurassic Park" film series is globally renowned. Although director Spielberg shot the movies in Hawaii, the original novel is set in Costa Rica. As such, travel guru Robert Schrader recommends two“Jurassic hidden spots”in the country where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in an extraordinary“prehistoric vista”,including leaves as big as umbrellas, nicknamed the “poor man’s umbrella” by locals, which were historically used for rain cover.He said, “This place is truly Jurassic World—just without the dinosaurs!”

0? Recommended: Bajos del Toro Waterfall

▲Bajos del Toro is Costa Rica’s largest waterfall. (Photo /qcostarica.com)

Bajos del Toro is Costa Rica’s biggest waterfall, standing nearly 100 meters tall—taller than Niagara Falls’ 50-meter drop—and its thunderous roar can be heard from afar. However, it's a protected national site, requiring an entrance fee of around $10 USD, and usually closes around 5 PM. Robert says,after hiking a quarter of the way along the forest trail, you’ll find the scenery growing increasingly reminiscent of the “prehistoric era”; visiting near closing time, when the area is deserted, makes this feeling even more intense.

There’s also a plant known as the “poor man’s umbrella” (Spanish: Sombrillas de Pobres), with leaves as large as umbrellas. It was used by indigenous people for rain protection, given the region’s frequent rainfall.

0? Also Recommend: Poás Volcano

▲Poás Volcano features an emerald-green lake, which Robert describes as “like a cauldron of witch’s brew!” (Photo /anthonyjohncoletti.photoshelter.com)

Poás Volcano is about a two-hour drive from Costa Rica’s capital, San José, and even closer to Alajuela Province in the central region—which also has an international airport, making it a potential departure point. Within the volcano lies an emerald-green lake,which Robert describes as “like a cauldron of witch’s brew!” and adds, “The views here are truly surreal and otherworldly.”

Meanwhile, Bajos del Toro Waterfall is also roughly a two-hour drive from Poás Volcano. Interestingly, the two appear quite close on the map, so he cautions, “Don’t be fooled by the map.” If you plan to visit both hidden gems in one day, Robert believes it’s definitely worth it, but also advises“to rent a 4WD vehicle, as regular cars might not handle the terrain.”Also, “don’t fully trust Google Maps”—and if you encounter forks in the road, “go with your gut and choose the path that looks safest.”

▲Travel expert Robert Schrader loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, with a particular passion for “hidden wonders.” (Photo / Instagram @leaveyourdailyhell)