Casa Orquideas and Rincon River
A long time ago, the Osa Peninsula was known as “Salsipuedes” which comes from three Spanish words meaning “get out if you can.” Such is the remoteness of this region. Most Costa Ricans have never visited the area since there is no other way to get there than by boat. During the 19th century this was the “Siberia” of Costa Rica were dissidents were banned from the country mostly for political reasons. The absence of roads helped save much of the forests of this area and preserve what is considered to possess some of the world’s richest biodiversity.
After breakfast we visited Casa Orquideas ¾ a tropical botanical garden planted some thirty years ago by an American couple from New Hampshire who still live there in almost total seclusion. The gardens are magnificent. Heliconias, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, palms and ferns of all kinds cover the whole property. Besides there is a section of medicinal plants, herbs and other useful plants and trees such as cacao, annatto or lipstick plant, and vanilla. We also had a chance to do some birdwatching. We loved the place but most of us agreed that it was nice to visit but did not have the temperament to make that a life commitment.
We had a nice pizza festival for lunch and then indulged in that wonderful Latin American invention known as the “siesta” to avoid the hot tropical sun and the humidity of the rain forest. Then came a lecture by Julio and by mid-afternoon, when the breeze made it pleasant to be outside, some of us chose to go on a Zodiac cruise through the mangroves. Those who were more adventurous decided to do it in kayaks and the real heroes took a hike and a well-deserved beer or soft drink at the end in a local “cantina” or bar. Whatever means we chose for the expedition we can say that no one was disappointed. Chestnut mandible toucans, white ibises, roseate spoonbills, royal terns, snowy egrets, little blue herons, whimbrels, long-billed curlews, mangrove hawks, green kingfishers and lineated woodpeckers were just some of the birds which made this first sunset in Costa Rica an unforgettable experience.
A long time ago, the Osa Peninsula was known as “Salsipuedes” which comes from three Spanish words meaning “get out if you can.” Such is the remoteness of this region. Most Costa Ricans have never visited the area since there is no other way to get there than by boat. During the 19th century this was the “Siberia” of Costa Rica were dissidents were banned from the country mostly for political reasons. The absence of roads helped save much of the forests of this area and preserve what is considered to possess some of the world’s richest biodiversity.
After breakfast we visited Casa Orquideas ¾ a tropical botanical garden planted some thirty years ago by an American couple from New Hampshire who still live there in almost total seclusion. The gardens are magnificent. Heliconias, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, palms and ferns of all kinds cover the whole property. Besides there is a section of medicinal plants, herbs and other useful plants and trees such as cacao, annatto or lipstick plant, and vanilla. We also had a chance to do some birdwatching. We loved the place but most of us agreed that it was nice to visit but did not have the temperament to make that a life commitment.
We had a nice pizza festival for lunch and then indulged in that wonderful Latin American invention known as the “siesta” to avoid the hot tropical sun and the humidity of the rain forest. Then came a lecture by Julio and by mid-afternoon, when the breeze made it pleasant to be outside, some of us chose to go on a Zodiac cruise through the mangroves. Those who were more adventurous decided to do it in kayaks and the real heroes took a hike and a well-deserved beer or soft drink at the end in a local “cantina” or bar. Whatever means we chose for the expedition we can say that no one was disappointed. Chestnut mandible toucans, white ibises, roseate spoonbills, royal terns, snowy egrets, little blue herons, whimbrels, long-billed curlews, mangrove hawks, green kingfishers and lineated woodpeckers were just some of the birds which made this first sunset in Costa Rica an unforgettable experience.
