Rio Rincon & Casa Orquideas
We definitely were in the “Pura Vida” spirit as we started our first day in Costa Rica, the second country of the expedition. Our destination was Golfo Dulce, a gulf located east of the Osa Peninsula. We were greeted by a beautiful sunrise and calm waters, very well-deserved after a rough overnight sail. On this gulf the “costa” is “rica” indeed. Lush vegetation, deep green waters, breathtaking mangroves and rich avifauna were the highlights of the day.
Disembarkation into the warm waters of the gulf began with the kayakers, followed by zodiac riders. There, our eyes were drawn to the myriad red mangrove roots as we kayaked up and down the Rincon River. Birds such as Brown Pelicans, Bare-Throated Tiger-Herons, White Ibis, Snowy Egrets and Ospreys composed most of the magnificent wildlife that we found among the prop roots.
Later in the afternoon we arrived to a wonderful spot simply known as Casa Orquideas. Anyone with a passion for vivid flowers, exotic fruits and an array of colors should pause here for a visit. We dove and swam from the fantail while our younger travelers took a ride on the extreme banana boat.
After this refreshing dip in the water, we visited a tropical botanical garden owned by Ron and Truly McAllister, an American couple who have lived in the area since the 70’s. On our landing, Scarlet Macaws drew red lines in the sky and we admired the beauty of their place. Here countless epiphytes like orchids and bromeliads, hanging heliconias and spiny palm trees, adorn the trails. We were able to smell the flowers and try interesting treats such as the miraculous fruit that would turn any bitter mouth, sweet.
Our bird list keeps growing with sightings like a group of Chestnut Mandibled Toucans, Red Lored Parrots, Orange Collared Manakin, Cherrie’s Tanagers and Bananaquit.
As sunset signaled our departure time was approaching, I couldn’t avoid noticing big smiles on our guests returning up the trails. Some sat on the beach as we waited for the zodiacs, just admiring this beautiful place, a place dreamed of by many, but only experienced by few.
We definitely were in the “Pura Vida” spirit as we started our first day in Costa Rica, the second country of the expedition. Our destination was Golfo Dulce, a gulf located east of the Osa Peninsula. We were greeted by a beautiful sunrise and calm waters, very well-deserved after a rough overnight sail. On this gulf the “costa” is “rica” indeed. Lush vegetation, deep green waters, breathtaking mangroves and rich avifauna were the highlights of the day.
Disembarkation into the warm waters of the gulf began with the kayakers, followed by zodiac riders. There, our eyes were drawn to the myriad red mangrove roots as we kayaked up and down the Rincon River. Birds such as Brown Pelicans, Bare-Throated Tiger-Herons, White Ibis, Snowy Egrets and Ospreys composed most of the magnificent wildlife that we found among the prop roots.
Later in the afternoon we arrived to a wonderful spot simply known as Casa Orquideas. Anyone with a passion for vivid flowers, exotic fruits and an array of colors should pause here for a visit. We dove and swam from the fantail while our younger travelers took a ride on the extreme banana boat.
After this refreshing dip in the water, we visited a tropical botanical garden owned by Ron and Truly McAllister, an American couple who have lived in the area since the 70’s. On our landing, Scarlet Macaws drew red lines in the sky and we admired the beauty of their place. Here countless epiphytes like orchids and bromeliads, hanging heliconias and spiny palm trees, adorn the trails. We were able to smell the flowers and try interesting treats such as the miraculous fruit that would turn any bitter mouth, sweet.
Our bird list keeps growing with sightings like a group of Chestnut Mandibled Toucans, Red Lored Parrots, Orange Collared Manakin, Cherrie’s Tanagers and Bananaquit.
As sunset signaled our departure time was approaching, I couldn’t avoid noticing big smiles on our guests returning up the trails. Some sat on the beach as we waited for the zodiacs, just admiring this beautiful place, a place dreamed of by many, but only experienced by few.
