Manuel Antonio National Park & Refugio Curu
Our last day started with a spectacular sunrise behind Cathedral Point. We were already excited about going hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park. This park was created in 1972 and since then it has been one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica. Rich in wild life and beautiful beaches, our visit to this park was the best way to begin the day.
Right after breakfast we gathered on the stern to start loading the Zodiacs. Once on the beach, we divided into several groups for the hikes. One group went for an exercise hike around Cathedral Point, an islet that was united by a “tombolo” to the main land. The rest decided to walk along “Sloth Valley.” The first thing that caught our attention was the “rush hour” among the blue crabs walking over the dry leaves looking for food. We could also see the footprints of mammals on the sand. “What are we going to see?” was the most common question. Well, the answer came by itself. A troop of white-throated capuchin monkeys was one of the first sightings. While we were fascinated by their behavior, they didn’t mind our presence and kept looking for food. They checked the dry leaves for insects and stared at us in between chasing each other around, all which gave us the idea that their life is just “monkey business.”
The other sightings were outstanding also. It was the gathering of the sloths. Both two toed and three toed sloths were on the move. It was their hour of changing from one tree to another. Each one was so active and we could clearly see the differences between the two species. While admiring these animals, one of the naturalists gave voice of the best sighting of the morning: squirrel monkeys! The smallest monkey of Costa Rica, squirrel monkeys have a range which extends from Manuel Antonio National Park down to the highlands of Panama. Since the photographers were so interested in taking their pictures, one squirrel monkey decided to get close enough and peer into the cameras.
After the walks, some enjoyed a short swim from the beach. It was hard to say good bye, but the last destination was also awaiting our visit, Refugio Curu. This private refuge was also a spectacular visit. Some went kayaking along the shore, enjoying the rock formations of the bay, while others went to hike along a dry forest trail. Beautiful birds like the long-tailed manakin, turquoise-browed motmot, white collared magpie-jay and many others were there to give us the best farewells.
Our trip had come to the end, but what we had lived and experienced in the past seven days will remain in our minds and our way of thinking will be: “come, see and help preserve the biodiversity!” instead of the common thought: “come and see before they all disappear!”
Our last day started with a spectacular sunrise behind Cathedral Point. We were already excited about going hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park. This park was created in 1972 and since then it has been one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica. Rich in wild life and beautiful beaches, our visit to this park was the best way to begin the day.
Right after breakfast we gathered on the stern to start loading the Zodiacs. Once on the beach, we divided into several groups for the hikes. One group went for an exercise hike around Cathedral Point, an islet that was united by a “tombolo” to the main land. The rest decided to walk along “Sloth Valley.” The first thing that caught our attention was the “rush hour” among the blue crabs walking over the dry leaves looking for food. We could also see the footprints of mammals on the sand. “What are we going to see?” was the most common question. Well, the answer came by itself. A troop of white-throated capuchin monkeys was one of the first sightings. While we were fascinated by their behavior, they didn’t mind our presence and kept looking for food. They checked the dry leaves for insects and stared at us in between chasing each other around, all which gave us the idea that their life is just “monkey business.”
The other sightings were outstanding also. It was the gathering of the sloths. Both two toed and three toed sloths were on the move. It was their hour of changing from one tree to another. Each one was so active and we could clearly see the differences between the two species. While admiring these animals, one of the naturalists gave voice of the best sighting of the morning: squirrel monkeys! The smallest monkey of Costa Rica, squirrel monkeys have a range which extends from Manuel Antonio National Park down to the highlands of Panama. Since the photographers were so interested in taking their pictures, one squirrel monkey decided to get close enough and peer into the cameras.
After the walks, some enjoyed a short swim from the beach. It was hard to say good bye, but the last destination was also awaiting our visit, Refugio Curu. This private refuge was also a spectacular visit. Some went kayaking along the shore, enjoying the rock formations of the bay, while others went to hike along a dry forest trail. Beautiful birds like the long-tailed manakin, turquoise-browed motmot, white collared magpie-jay and many others were there to give us the best farewells.
Our trip had come to the end, but what we had lived and experienced in the past seven days will remain in our minds and our way of thinking will be: “come, see and help preserve the biodiversity!” instead of the common thought: “come and see before they all disappear!”
