Corcovado National Park and Caletas Beach on the Osa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park looked like an impossible destination with some of the biggest waves of the year. The surf separated us from one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, but the unbelievable skills of the seamen on board made our wet landings look easy. The patience to cross to the beach paid off as we went into an impressive forest where the tallest trees of the country are found. For thousands of years, trees have held life from their tall branches colonized by epiphytes and vines, providing animals with the many layers of food and home.
While some of us were taking the long walk, others went for a refreshing dip in the river on the waterfall trail. The wealth of water that keeps the river running during the short dry season explains the lush evergreen vegetation, which provides home for some impressive species. The white-necked Jacobin nestling was stretching its wings on a flight training session. A seven-foot boa constrictor hid under a log and the Central American spider monkeys timidly showed themselves claiming the canopy as their kingdom.
After repositioning the ship, we disembarked at Caletas for a barbeque lunch ashore. It was a nice relaxing afternoon for some, and horseback riding opportunity for others. Many joined different walks, where the endemic black-cheeked ant tanager was spotted and a three-toed sloth was seen hanging from the branches that had lost their leaves. With the heavy surf pounding on the shore, the last of us made our way along the coast for our rendezvous with the ship. A special Costa Rican dinner capped the day’s activities.
Corcovado National Park looked like an impossible destination with some of the biggest waves of the year. The surf separated us from one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, but the unbelievable skills of the seamen on board made our wet landings look easy. The patience to cross to the beach paid off as we went into an impressive forest where the tallest trees of the country are found. For thousands of years, trees have held life from their tall branches colonized by epiphytes and vines, providing animals with the many layers of food and home.
While some of us were taking the long walk, others went for a refreshing dip in the river on the waterfall trail. The wealth of water that keeps the river running during the short dry season explains the lush evergreen vegetation, which provides home for some impressive species. The white-necked Jacobin nestling was stretching its wings on a flight training session. A seven-foot boa constrictor hid under a log and the Central American spider monkeys timidly showed themselves claiming the canopy as their kingdom.
After repositioning the ship, we disembarked at Caletas for a barbeque lunch ashore. It was a nice relaxing afternoon for some, and horseback riding opportunity for others. Many joined different walks, where the endemic black-cheeked ant tanager was spotted and a three-toed sloth was seen hanging from the branches that had lost their leaves. With the heavy surf pounding on the shore, the last of us made our way along the coast for our rendezvous with the ship. A special Costa Rican dinner capped the day’s activities.
