Sloths in Costa Rica 6 Million Years Ago? Discovering Prehistoric Giants: Costa Rica’s Untold Tale of Ancient Fauna

Unveiling Ancient Secrets in Costa Rica’s South Zone

In a revelation that would make even the most stoic paleontologist giddy with excitement, Costa Rica’s National Museum at Finca 6 is showcasing a trove of fossils that turn the lush landscapes of the South Zone into a prehistoric wonderland. Here, an exhibition titled “Encuentro” is resurrecting a world where giant sloths, llamas, and an array of other colossal creatures roamed about 6 million years ago.

The Exhibition: A Portal to Prehistoric Costa Rica

Imagine a Costa Rica where the rustling of trees was caused not by the wind but by the ambling of massive ground sloths and where the distant thumping wasn’t a festival drum but the footsteps of giant llamas. The “Encuentro” exhibition, led by geologist Ana Lucía Valerio, presents around 30 fossils, including those of horses, armadillos, mastodons, birds, crocodiles, turtles, dolphins, and fish – all former residents of what is now a tourist paradise.

A Stroll Through Time at Finca 6

The Finca 6 Museum, an 8-kilometer jaunt from Palmar Sur Park, is not just a repository of ancient fossils but a bridge to a bygone era. Here, visitors can walk among relics of a time when the earth was a vastly different place, getting a glimpse of the incredible biodiversity that once graced the region of Coto Brus in southern Costa Rica.

How to Get There: A Journey Worth Taking

Finding this hidden gem of prehistory is as easy as keying in “Finca Museum Site” on Waze. And for those worried about visiting hours and admission fees, fear not. The museum caters to everyone from eager students to curious tourists, with a special year-end schedule and pocket-friendly prices that won’t fossilize your wallet.

Admission Details: An Accessible Adventure

For those keen on a prehistoric escapade, the museum offers affordable access. Admission is set at a modest ¢1,000 for locals and $6 for foreigners ($4 for student explorers). And in a heartwarming gesture of inclusivity, children under 12, national students, seniors, indigenous people, and residents of the Osa canton enjoy free entry.

A Journey Through Time and Nature

This exhibition at Finca 6 is more than just a display of ancient bones; it’s a vivid narrative of Costa Rica’s prehistoric past. It serves as a reminder that the land we walk on has stories buried deep beneath, waiting to be told. So, pack your bags, and maybe a handy time machine, for a journey that will take you millions of years back to when Costa Rica was the stomping ground of some of the most magnificent creatures that ever lived.