Surrounding Natural Habitat
The Harmony Hotel is located in the province of Guanacaste, which is made up mostly of tropical dry forest. This forest type typically experiences an annual hard dry season. The average rainfall is sufficient enough to promote growth of trees, but these tree and plant species must be able to withstand periods of low precipitation and moisture. Many of the tree species in dry forest are also deciduous. During the driest months these species will drop their leaves much in the same manner that northern deciduous forest species loose their leaves in the fall and winter. This dry season leaf-drop reduces the water needs of the plant, as there is no evapo-transpiration through the leaves. Much of the dry forests of Mexico and Central America have been converted into cattle ranches and planted in exotic grasses. These introduced plant species provide forage for livestock, but in turn, change the habitat, and displace native forest species. These native plant species are what comprise the forest habitat needed for both the plants and animals that form the dry forest fragile ecosystem.
In an effort to offset this effect, Harmony has started the Plant-a-Tree program, in which guests can contribute by planting their own native species in the 200 meter maritime zone, on the way to the beach.
Besides various native plant species, among the Harmony’s gardens you will find several attractive and characteristic animal species. Bright Green Iguana babies lounge in every surface, taking advantage of the morning sun. Colorful and restless Halloween crabs scurry across the hallways and landscape. Strident geckos will sing you to sleep from the walls of your room.