Rincon de la Vieja National Park , 1/13/2023, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Once more today, we had the privilege of waking up in this majestic place on the Pacific side of the North Pacific tropical moist forest. We observed an active volcano and enjoyed ziplining, horseback riding, hiking on forest trails, and waterfalls with swimming holes. We observed this incredible tropical forest and some of its inhabitants, including monkeys, black iguanas, and tropical birds.
Federico Chacón, or “Fico” as he is better known by his friends, started guiding one-day nature tours on weekends and holidays at the age of 18 right at the time he started studies at the University of Costa Rica. It was just a part-time job, that wa...
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National Geographic Quest anchored in front of the Curu Wildlife Refuge, a well-known place among naturalists for the wonderful wildlife sightings and the abundance of biodiversity density, and today was no exception. Our guests started the different walks with a troop of howler monkeys welcoming us and then as we walked throughout the refuge, more species were added to the list, including macaws, deer, coatis, and a white-faced capuchin just to mention some. In the afternoon, we repositioned our vessel in front of the beautiful Tortuga Island to enjoy our cocktail hour at the beach for a nice farewell to our guests.
An early rise was worth it to head to Hacienda Guachipelin at the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. We hiked to explore the mud pots and transitional forest, and to learn about the power of nature expressed by volcanoes, and the Oropendola and Chorreras waterfalls. Along the way we spotted spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, ctenosaur lizards, and a double-toothed kite: all signs of a healthy environment. We visited the fountain of youth at the hot springs, and zip-lined through the breathtaking gorge of the Rio Blanco; the traditional dances we enjoyed at lunch made our day. After a great day of nature and adventure we returned to National Geographic Quest to enjoy another social hour with a presentation: we learned about the Blue Zone of Costa Rica, and how a nation can reverse wrong practices and turn into a model of conservation.
During the night we arrived at the remote Santa Elena Bay. The ship anchored in the calm, turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dense tropical dry forest. Early in the morning, we set out on a panga ride to explore the bay and later the trails that wound through the forest. The scent of warm earth and blooming pink tabebuias filled the air. Loud howler monkeys called from the treetops, and colorful trogons darted between branches. The trail led to a breathtaking overlook, where the vast Pacific stretched to the border with Nicaragua on the horizon. In the afternoon, we kayaked along the mangrove-lined shore. The rhythmic dip of paddles echoed across the water as we glided past hidden coves and rocky outcroppings. Schools of fish shimmered below, and a sea turtle surfaced briefly before disappearing into the depths. As the sun set, we returned to the ship, reflecting on the bay’s raw beauty. Santa Elena had revealed its secrets, offering a glimpse into one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and untouched coastal treasures.
