In Turrialba there is the Turrialba volcano, the Irazù volcano, the Pacuare river, the Pejibaye river & the Guayabo National Monument. There are also the countless natural reserves in the area such as Copal & La Marta.
A couple of weeks ago we went to a place that already has a great reputation among the foreign visitors to Turrialba, however none of us have
been there. So we checked it out!
Proyecto Viborana was born from Minor Camacho, who after working for the University of Costa Rica was looking to continue to educate the public about his passion: Reptiles & Amphibians.
Based just outside of Turrialba near the town of Pavones, this simple reptile exhibit offers a wealth of information about reptiles that many of us fear: venemous snakes.
Minor clearly has a passion & understanding for these friends, a general concern for their well being in Costa Rica and the effects global warming has on their polulation. His focus is on education and the prevention of harm to local plantation workers and children.
But the best part is getting the chance to see these snakes and frogs up close & personal.
For my son it was the first time he has actually held a sname (which took some convincing) and the beauty of being able to see such venemous species as the Fer de Lance (bothrops asper)
or the Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schleggi) and one that I have never come close to the Jumping Viper (Atropoides mexicanus). Don't get scared its not all venom!
Minor also has Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor), Green parrot snake (Leptohis ahaetull) and kids can appreciate the Brown blunt headed vine snake (Imantockes cenchoa).
Let's not forget the collection of frogs that Minor has: Poison dart frogs (Dendrobates pumillio) and the beautiful Red Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas). A beautiful frog if you can get up close to see the bright coloration.
Minors project though low scale, has an educational value beyond words and his message is clear: only through education will we understand the complexe world of the tropics and the reptiles and amphibians which share the little rainforest that is left in the world.
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