Manuel Antonio National Park
Today was the last day in our expedition along the Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica, and we made sure it was full of adventure and discovery, as we visited two of Costa Rica’s most famous areas, Manuel Antonio and Curu.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but also one of the most popular due to spectacular beaches, mangroves and beautiful tropical moist forests that abound with wildlife. In order to make the most of this area, and get the park all to ourselves, our Expedition Leader and Hotel Manager organized a late breakfast. This way we could all get to shore beforehand, and enjoy the best time of the day in the tropics, from about six thirty to ten or so in the morning. Due to the cool conditions, everything looked fresh and awake, the monkeys and agouti were foraging whilst sloths were living up to their name even at this early hour. It is also the best time for birdwatching, especially on coming out of the forest and walking along the roadside, where scores of colorful birds fluttered around us. We had plenty of time to explore the area before a tropical rain shower hit as we returned for breakfast and lifted anchor: on northwards towards our next destination.
The Curu National Wildlife Refuge is found in the southern Nicoya peninsula, and is privately owned. It was particularly fascinating to visit, as climatic conditions on the Pacific coast of Central America change around here, become more dry and sunny, and the forest we explored this afternoon reflects that change. It was a relatively stark contrast to the moist forests we have explored up until now, as the tropical dry (or semi-deciduous) forests have an altogether different feel to it. Much of the vegetation is different, showing adaptations to seasonal drought, the trails were a lot less muddy, and the fauna was even easier to see. Our sightings included three monkey species, coatis, agouti and several spectacular bird species – truly an unforgettable last day in this magical part of the world.
Today was the last day in our expedition along the Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica, and we made sure it was full of adventure and discovery, as we visited two of Costa Rica’s most famous areas, Manuel Antonio and Curu.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but also one of the most popular due to spectacular beaches, mangroves and beautiful tropical moist forests that abound with wildlife. In order to make the most of this area, and get the park all to ourselves, our Expedition Leader and Hotel Manager organized a late breakfast. This way we could all get to shore beforehand, and enjoy the best time of the day in the tropics, from about six thirty to ten or so in the morning. Due to the cool conditions, everything looked fresh and awake, the monkeys and agouti were foraging whilst sloths were living up to their name even at this early hour. It is also the best time for birdwatching, especially on coming out of the forest and walking along the roadside, where scores of colorful birds fluttered around us. We had plenty of time to explore the area before a tropical rain shower hit as we returned for breakfast and lifted anchor: on northwards towards our next destination.
The Curu National Wildlife Refuge is found in the southern Nicoya peninsula, and is privately owned. It was particularly fascinating to visit, as climatic conditions on the Pacific coast of Central America change around here, become more dry and sunny, and the forest we explored this afternoon reflects that change. It was a relatively stark contrast to the moist forests we have explored up until now, as the tropical dry (or semi-deciduous) forests have an altogether different feel to it. Much of the vegetation is different, showing adaptations to seasonal drought, the trails were a lot less muddy, and the fauna was even easier to see. Our sightings included three monkey species, coatis, agouti and several spectacular bird species – truly an unforgettable last day in this magical part of the world.
