Refugio Curu, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Sightings of monkeys, birds, and iguanas were just some of the exciting things that awaited our arrival early this morning. Refugio Curu is a small, family-owned wildlife refuge. This important facility rescues spider and howlers monkeys, scarlet macaws and other various fauna from poaching, providing them with a healthy environment where they can thrive, to then be released back into the forest.
We were fortunate enough to enjoy sightings of white-faced capuchin monkeys, black spiny iguanas and a myriad of other birds, as well as gain a better understanding of the dynamics at play in this unique ecosystem known as a tropical dry or deciduous forest. Superficially, the forest doesn’t look particularly different than the other places we visited in Panama and Costa Rica. That is because during the rainy season everything looks green. Upon close inspection however, it was obvious that many species of trees and animals are fully capable of living in conditions of seasonal droughts. Our naturalists pointed out some of the most bizarre adaptations of the organisms that call these forests their home.
Right after lunch, shuttles went ashore to a small and secluded beach, where kayaks were deployed, and beach chairs were set up. Some of us took to the water to enjoy a refreshing swim, while others explored the area by kayak and yet others enjoyed their last day of the voyage relaxing on the beach.
