José Calvo, certified photo instructor, and Rodrigo Moterani, staff
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Daily Expedition
Reports
22 Nov 2022
Playa Zapotal and Manglar Palmares, 11/22/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
After navigating all night, we arrived at the first stop of our Wild Costa Rica Expedition: Playa Zapotal, an idyllic, grey sand beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. Here we had our first taste of what the Guanacaste dry forest has to offer. It didn’t take us long to see our first troop of howler monkeys.
In the afternoon, we took Zodiac tours through the Palmares mangrove forest, where we saw numerous birds.
Rodrigo Moterani was born in Brazil, where he still lives. After spending his teen years playing with camcorders and VCRs, Rodrigo ended up working in the field of television journalism and video production in his home country. He graduated with a de...
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Our morning destination was Costa Rica’s first private refuge for wildlife, and the results of the area’s protections were apparent. Hikers ended up surrounded by calm white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) foraging in the leaf litter, mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) babies learning how to climb without help, Central American agoutis (Desyprocta punctata) chasing each other on the forest floor, and many other impressive animal encounters. In the afternoon we repositioned to Isla Iguana where guests were greeted with fresh coconuts, lounge chairs, and a classic tropical vista of turquoise water against white sand. The bar team of National Geographic Quest brought cocktail hour to the beach, and we stayed until sunset listening to salsa music and swapping stories from the week. The night concluded with an impressive display of fishing bats dipping in and out of light cast upon the sea surface from our ship. We leave the expedition feeling grateful for each other and for all that the country of Costa Rica has gifted us this trip.
Today, National Geographic Quest ventured deep into the land of Costa Rica, arriving at the foothills of the magnificent Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Our guests enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, each offering a unique experience of the region's natural beauty. Some took a guided hike through the lush national park, spotting spider monkeys and a variety of vibrant bird species. Others chose to visit the pristine waterfalls, where the sound of cascading water added to the tranquil atmosphere. For those seeking relaxation, the hot springs provided a soothing retreat. The more adventurous guests soared through the air on a thrilling zip line adventure, crossing the Río Blanco Canyon with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. After a morning of exploration, we gathered for a delicious lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin, where the flavors of local cuisine delighted everyone. To make the experience even more special, a lively performance by local folk dancers added a cultural touch to the afternoon. It was a day filled with adventure, beauty, and local traditions.
Today was an extraordinary day at Santa Elena Bay, filled with unforgettable experiences in nature. We began our adventure with exhilarating panga rides, gliding through the bay to witness the diverse wildlife. Guests were mesmerized by the sights and sounds of the natural world, setting the tone for the day ahead. Afterward, we hiked the famous dry forest trail, where guests had the rare opportunity to observe both spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys in their natural habitat. Along the way, the vibrant birdlife and breathtaking geological features of the area captivated everyone. The unique dry forest landscape, with its resilient flora and fauna, added to the allure of the day. In the afternoon, we ventured to the Junquillal Wildlife Refuge for a remarkable hike. Guests were treated to sightings of striking species such as the ferruginous pygmy owl, black-headed trogon, and more spider monkeys. black iguanas were spotted throughout the refuge, adding to the wild charm of the area. For those who preferred the water, the snorkeling experience was equally rewarding. The crystal-clear waters of the reef offered a refreshing escape, with vibrant fish swimming gracefully beneath the surface. It was a day full of adventure and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, leaving everyone with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
