Ricon River, Golfo Dulce
Up to the 19th century, the Osa Peninsula in the southeastern end of Costa Rica was the place where political dissidents were banned from the country. So remote was this region that its original name was the “Peninsula de Salsipuedes”, which in English translates to the Peninsula of “Get out if you can”. For over a century Costa Rica has been one of the most consolidated democracies in the western hemisphere, and it would be unthinkable to see any Costa Rican citizen be sent into exile today. However, the Osa Peninsula remains as one of the most remote regions of this small country and it can be reached only by plane or by boat. Thanks to its isolation, the forests of the region are still standing and are recognized by scientists around the world as one of the most dense biodiversity areas on earth. It is here where we woke up this morning.
After breakfast we had the choice of taking a walk along a rural road, or a Zodiac ride through the mangroves of Rincon River. The more adventurous decided to do it in a kayak. The sun was brighter than ever and that was good for birdwatching, but most mammals were smarter than us and decided to stay in the shade. However, we did have the chance to find a couple of two-toed sloths, and that was a real treat.
In the afternoon, we visited “Casa Orquideas” a beautiful botanical garden in the middle of nowhere. This garden was planted by Ron and Trudy MacAllister, a couple of North American expatriates who settled in Costa Rica some thirty years ago, and who welcomed us to their work of love. Most of the plants in their garden were found in the forests surrounding the property although there were also some exotic tropical plants from other regions of the world. Heliconiae, philodendrons, bromeliads, orchids and calatheas enhanced the trees and bordered the well-kept trails, which led to herb gardens, medicinal plants and orchards.
Up to the 19th century, the Osa Peninsula in the southeastern end of Costa Rica was the place where political dissidents were banned from the country. So remote was this region that its original name was the “Peninsula de Salsipuedes”, which in English translates to the Peninsula of “Get out if you can”. For over a century Costa Rica has been one of the most consolidated democracies in the western hemisphere, and it would be unthinkable to see any Costa Rican citizen be sent into exile today. However, the Osa Peninsula remains as one of the most remote regions of this small country and it can be reached only by plane or by boat. Thanks to its isolation, the forests of the region are still standing and are recognized by scientists around the world as one of the most dense biodiversity areas on earth. It is here where we woke up this morning.
After breakfast we had the choice of taking a walk along a rural road, or a Zodiac ride through the mangroves of Rincon River. The more adventurous decided to do it in a kayak. The sun was brighter than ever and that was good for birdwatching, but most mammals were smarter than us and decided to stay in the shade. However, we did have the chance to find a couple of two-toed sloths, and that was a real treat.
In the afternoon, we visited “Casa Orquideas” a beautiful botanical garden in the middle of nowhere. This garden was planted by Ron and Trudy MacAllister, a couple of North American expatriates who settled in Costa Rica some thirty years ago, and who welcomed us to their work of love. Most of the plants in their garden were found in the forests surrounding the property although there were also some exotic tropical plants from other regions of the world. Heliconiae, philodendrons, bromeliads, orchids and calatheas enhanced the trees and bordered the well-kept trails, which led to herb gardens, medicinal plants and orchards.
