Guanacaste region, Costa Rica
On our second day in Costa Rica, a family of southern hemisphere humpback whales welcomed us. A nursing newborn calf slid about its mother in the pinkish glow of a tropical sunrise while a male escorts the pair. This unexpected sighting set the tone for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Anchoring off the small fishing village of Cuajiniquil, we proceeded inland through the tropical dry and moist forests of the Guanacaste Region. Our destination is a spectacular “Hacienda Los Inocentes” situated along the flanks of the Orosí Volcano. Long a working ranch, Los Inocentes has been making a conversion to ecotourism and research. Streamside vegetation is being promoted to allow habitat corridors for animals to travel between nearby park regions. To best enjoy the wilds of the spreading estate, most chose leisurely trail rides on horses now bred on the ranch.
Along one stream, we encounter a troupe of spider monkeys twittering like birds and brachiating with abandon through the treetops. Later, the thunderous roars of howler monkeys startle us. Three-toed sloth, tamandua (anteater), agoutis, and variegated squirrels are also observed in the forest canopy. A barbeque lunch is served amidst the expansive haciendas gardens, providing relaxing views of Scarlet macaws, aracaris, cotingas, magpie jays, and a host of tropical butterflies.
During the afternoon, we reposition to Bahia Santa Elena for kayaking and snorkeling along the pristine shoreline of this “Rich Coast”. As the clouds begin their sunset fiery glows, we realize how aptly named Costa Rica is.
On our second day in Costa Rica, a family of southern hemisphere humpback whales welcomed us. A nursing newborn calf slid about its mother in the pinkish glow of a tropical sunrise while a male escorts the pair. This unexpected sighting set the tone for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Anchoring off the small fishing village of Cuajiniquil, we proceeded inland through the tropical dry and moist forests of the Guanacaste Region. Our destination is a spectacular “Hacienda Los Inocentes” situated along the flanks of the Orosí Volcano. Long a working ranch, Los Inocentes has been making a conversion to ecotourism and research. Streamside vegetation is being promoted to allow habitat corridors for animals to travel between nearby park regions. To best enjoy the wilds of the spreading estate, most chose leisurely trail rides on horses now bred on the ranch.
Along one stream, we encounter a troupe of spider monkeys twittering like birds and brachiating with abandon through the treetops. Later, the thunderous roars of howler monkeys startle us. Three-toed sloth, tamandua (anteater), agoutis, and variegated squirrels are also observed in the forest canopy. A barbeque lunch is served amidst the expansive haciendas gardens, providing relaxing views of Scarlet macaws, aracaris, cotingas, magpie jays, and a host of tropical butterflies.
During the afternoon, we reposition to Bahia Santa Elena for kayaking and snorkeling along the pristine shoreline of this “Rich Coast”. As the clouds begin their sunset fiery glows, we realize how aptly named Costa Rica is.
