Corcovado, Costa Rica
Encompassing much of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park contains pristine Pacific slope lowland tropical forest. Access to the park is primarily via small boats landing on its few more protected beaches or by walking along the coast. There is one small airstrip in the center of the coast. This 108,000 acre park was created in 1975 soon after the formation of the country’s national park system. It was through the efforts of conservationists and then President Oduber’s negotiations with local farmers and loggers that we enjoyed this morning as we hiked the trails in the area of the San Pedrillo ranger station on the western end of the park coast.
Waves rolling in from the open Pacific were deftly handled by our Zodiac drivers, and we had to wade in only a few inches of water to get on the beach. Once ashore, there were three different options for hikes to choose from that gave us an opportunity to experience the rainforest environment. The long hikers set off first since they had the longest distance to travel. The long hike went on a trail leading steeply up to a ridgeline and then along the ridge for some distance where the forest presented the amazing diversity of animal and plant life. Although keeping a steady pace during the hike, there were numerous stops to see what flora and fauna presented itself and to learn from Fico about this unique ecosystem.
The medium hike had a waterfall as an end destination in addition to a freshwater pool big and deep enough for a refreshing swim. As the trail wound its way through the forest, the size and complexity of the rainforest could be absorbed. Additionally, the staff naturalists provided snapshots of information about the variety and diversity of life we were surrounded by. A third group ventured slowly on a level trail that paralleled the shoreline but inside the forest. As people returned from the various hikes, the common expression was amazing beauty and a fabulous experience.
Our afternoon was spent at a small private piece of shoreline property called Punta Caletas. From the landing beach, we immediately walked into a BBQ picnic lunch prepared by the ship’s galley and dining room crew. From this central location, people scattered to the swimming beach for horseback riding down the coast, or to just sit an relax in the tropical sun or shade. Some chose to finish the day with a steady walk down the coast to a small lodge or to soak up the last rays of sun on the Sky Deck sipping a special cocktail. We new the day was almost finished with sights and sounds when the last bit of the sun flashed a spot of green at the horizon.
Encompassing much of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park contains pristine Pacific slope lowland tropical forest. Access to the park is primarily via small boats landing on its few more protected beaches or by walking along the coast. There is one small airstrip in the center of the coast. This 108,000 acre park was created in 1975 soon after the formation of the country’s national park system. It was through the efforts of conservationists and then President Oduber’s negotiations with local farmers and loggers that we enjoyed this morning as we hiked the trails in the area of the San Pedrillo ranger station on the western end of the park coast.
Waves rolling in from the open Pacific were deftly handled by our Zodiac drivers, and we had to wade in only a few inches of water to get on the beach. Once ashore, there were three different options for hikes to choose from that gave us an opportunity to experience the rainforest environment. The long hikers set off first since they had the longest distance to travel. The long hike went on a trail leading steeply up to a ridgeline and then along the ridge for some distance where the forest presented the amazing diversity of animal and plant life. Although keeping a steady pace during the hike, there were numerous stops to see what flora and fauna presented itself and to learn from Fico about this unique ecosystem.
The medium hike had a waterfall as an end destination in addition to a freshwater pool big and deep enough for a refreshing swim. As the trail wound its way through the forest, the size and complexity of the rainforest could be absorbed. Additionally, the staff naturalists provided snapshots of information about the variety and diversity of life we were surrounded by. A third group ventured slowly on a level trail that paralleled the shoreline but inside the forest. As people returned from the various hikes, the common expression was amazing beauty and a fabulous experience.
Our afternoon was spent at a small private piece of shoreline property called Punta Caletas. From the landing beach, we immediately walked into a BBQ picnic lunch prepared by the ship’s galley and dining room crew. From this central location, people scattered to the swimming beach for horseback riding down the coast, or to just sit an relax in the tropical sun or shade. Some chose to finish the day with a steady walk down the coast to a small lodge or to soak up the last rays of sun on the Sky Deck sipping a special cocktail. We new the day was almost finished with sights and sounds when the last bit of the sun flashed a spot of green at the horizon.
