Today, the last day of our journey, we woke up to the soothing call of howler monkeys and parrots as we anchored right in front of Barro Colorado Island’s (BCI) research facilities. Run by the Smithsonian Institute and formed by the creation of Lake Gatun during the construction of the Panama Canal, this 15-square-kilometer island is home to one of the oldest tropical research stations in the world. For more than 100 years, established in 1913, every year many scientists visit this living laboratory to study biology, ecology, evolution and animal behavior. We had the chance to explore it via Zodiac or walking the islands famous nature trails. Those of us, more birdwatching oriented, decided to take the third option, a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Center in Gamboa. The late afternoon and early evening, we spent crossing the last section of the Panama Canal, the Gatun Locks, which lead us into the Caribbean Sea.
2/26/2022
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National Geographic Quest
Osa Peninsula and San Josesito
Today, National Geographic Quest arrived in the gateway of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s most ecologically intense rainforest. Its diversity is unparalleled. In the morning, our guests enjoyed either a long hike or a walk along the coastline. In both activities, guests spotted scarlet macaws, their colors blazing in the tree canopy. Other tropical birds also displayed extraordinary colors. Among others, we spotted scarlet-rumped tanagers, bay-headed tanagers, and red-legged honeycreepers. We also observed land mammals, including white-nosed coatimundis, on the grounds of the coastal walkway of San Josesito Beach. Later in the afternoon, we repositioned to San Pedrillo, one of the stations of the national park and a highlight of our voyage. The chance to dip into a waterfall pool made every meter of the walk worth it. Along the hike, guests spotted American crocodiles and many types of tropical birds. The importance of this area is demonstrated by the size of its trees. The park, 80% of which is protected, maintains a good balance of the species that inhabit this gorgeous rainforest. The pargo trail was another option for hiking today, and guests enjoyed great sightings of spider monkeys, black-hooded antshrikes, dot-winged antwrens, and rufous pihas. After the afternoon activities, we headed back to the ship. We enjoyed the recap sessions, a great end to this day.
