Corcovado National Park and surroundings, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
As visitors to the tropical rainforest, we cannot cease to speak of the incredible biodiversity. Countless species of plants, insects, mammals and birds have found their defined niche, their role in this rich environment. Every step translates into a new discovery, a new finding. However, one of the greatest experiences inside these cathedrals of nature is finding inner peace and our very own abilities to leave everything behind and breath life at is fullest. No place exemplifies this more than Corcovado National Park.
We began the morning with the classic Costa Rica wet landing, though a generous high tide exempted everyone from getting their feet too wet. The group was divided into arduous trails, short and long, in search of howler, white-faced and spider monkeys and the endless species of birds that inhabit Corcovado. Meanwhile, another group was on their way to the infamous waterfall and swimming hole. The muddy and sloppy trail followed the banks of the San Pedrillo River, also the name of the ranger station that served as our base of exploration. Each turn revealed colossal vines, fields of bromeliads and tree roots big enough to exercise the proper use of walking sticks. It’s humid inside the forest, but as we reached the swimming hole, we realized that every step taken was well-rewarded by the opportunity to swim in a water hole, secluded and surrounded by a thick, high canopy. We disconnected and relaxation usurped our very thoughts as the water cascaded over our heads. Oh yes, upon our return we encountered spider monkeys, feasting on tropical delicacies high above our heads.
We then returned to the ship and repositioned to another beautiful area called Playa Caleta. Our Sea Voyager crew even set up a delicious BBQ under some mango trees. Entertainment is never lacking, and this time, it was our Zodiac driver Richard, climbing a coconut palm to the top and tossing coconuts to the ground for dessert! The afternoon was completed with more nature walks and horse riding along the coastline. Sloths, macaws and white-faced capuchins were all above our heads as we rode our horses along the magical coastline of Playa Caleta. Enough cannot be said about a day that combines wildlife, swimming holes, BBQs on the beach and horse back riding. It was a day to remember.
As visitors to the tropical rainforest, we cannot cease to speak of the incredible biodiversity. Countless species of plants, insects, mammals and birds have found their defined niche, their role in this rich environment. Every step translates into a new discovery, a new finding. However, one of the greatest experiences inside these cathedrals of nature is finding inner peace and our very own abilities to leave everything behind and breath life at is fullest. No place exemplifies this more than Corcovado National Park.
We began the morning with the classic Costa Rica wet landing, though a generous high tide exempted everyone from getting their feet too wet. The group was divided into arduous trails, short and long, in search of howler, white-faced and spider monkeys and the endless species of birds that inhabit Corcovado. Meanwhile, another group was on their way to the infamous waterfall and swimming hole. The muddy and sloppy trail followed the banks of the San Pedrillo River, also the name of the ranger station that served as our base of exploration. Each turn revealed colossal vines, fields of bromeliads and tree roots big enough to exercise the proper use of walking sticks. It’s humid inside the forest, but as we reached the swimming hole, we realized that every step taken was well-rewarded by the opportunity to swim in a water hole, secluded and surrounded by a thick, high canopy. We disconnected and relaxation usurped our very thoughts as the water cascaded over our heads. Oh yes, upon our return we encountered spider monkeys, feasting on tropical delicacies high above our heads.
We then returned to the ship and repositioned to another beautiful area called Playa Caleta. Our Sea Voyager crew even set up a delicious BBQ under some mango trees. Entertainment is never lacking, and this time, it was our Zodiac driver Richard, climbing a coconut palm to the top and tossing coconuts to the ground for dessert! The afternoon was completed with more nature walks and horse riding along the coastline. Sloths, macaws and white-faced capuchins were all above our heads as we rode our horses along the magical coastline of Playa Caleta. Enough cannot be said about a day that combines wildlife, swimming holes, BBQs on the beach and horse back riding. It was a day to remember.
