Evelyn Gallardo

I've taken the road less traveled for more than 30 years. It began with a 9-month trek through most of South America including Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Iguazu Falls, the Falkland Islands, and a month of hitching cargo boats up the Amazon. I've filled several passports with stamps from Nepal, India, Thailand, Uganda, Japan, China, Panama, Mexico and beyond. My lifelong passion for primates led me to Dr. Dian Fossey's Mountain Gorilla Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda in 1985 and to Borneo to work on the Orangutan Project with Dr. Birute Galdikas in 1984 & 1987. After leaving Borneo I wanted to have more of an impact on orangutan survival, which led to my book, Among the Orangutans.

This was all a prelude to my move to Costa Rica 5 years ago. I wanted to live on the beach and have monkeys in my yard. When my husband and I arrived in Manuel Antonio we found that and more. We knew instantly we'd found our perfect place. We purchased 2 properties and turned them into private wildlife sanctuaries where we also have 2 vacation rental homes. We move back and forth between our Discovery Beach House and the Monkey House depending upon which one is available. When they're both occupied, we travel. It's an unusual lifestyle but it works for us.

If you're thinking of coming to Costa Rica I highly recommend visiting Manuel Antonio where the jungle meets the sea. The area is rich in wildife, nature, actvities, services and a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-do.

Some of my best trips have been when someone who lived in the country took the time to show me around. That's what I'll do here for you through a series of articles. You'll get this insider's view about all the great things Manuel Antonio has to offer from nightlife to wildlife.

Visit my site at http://www.discoverybeachouse.com/