The last day of our voyage began just outside of the second beach at Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla Sur. Bright and early our expedition leader made the call to go ashore. Our large group was divided into two major directions.
Our first option was Punta Catedral, or Cathedral Point, for those who had decided to take a long and strenuous hike for the last day while on board National Geographic Sea Lion. This trail leads us through a secondary growth forest on a piece of land that geologically was once a small rocky island. There are around twelve other islands that belong to the park, but this one has a particular characteristic. It was united to the mainland by a sedimentary small isthmus called a tombolo which allowed many animals and plants to pioneer onto it. About a mile long walk with literally 770 steps, Punta Catedral’s trail is a great way to end our week. We do some exercise and at the same time look for wildlife. Even better, after walking this trail there is always the possibility of walking part of the second trail, taking the lead and learning from our other group mates. We got the best of both worlds: some exercise and spot-cheating for animals that the others have already worked for.
The second option is the Sloth Valley Trail, so-called because of its high probabilities of spotting the acclaimed animal with the name. Sloth Valley is a nice and easy trail that allows for slow walking while concentrating mainly in spotting wildlife, and with our local experts we have an even better chance of finding something.
We were all rewarded with incredible views of brown-throated two-toed sloths, Hoffman’s three-toed sloths, mantled howler monkeys, white-throated capuchin monkeys, spiny tailed ctenosaurs, Central American agoutis, crab-eating raccoons, and birds galore. I do not know which was better, the walks or the refreshing, yet not easy, bath in the warm Costa Rican Pacific Ocean waters.
Going back to the ship turned out to be the most exciting and unexpected surprise of the week. Waves were strong and the currents shifted our vessels to and fro. With the dexterousness of our local drivers, though with one or two extra splashes, we all came back on board. Tired as we all were, a little free time in the afternoon was welcomed to relax, reminisce, and ultimately, pack.
Until our paths meet again on another Lindblad/National Geographic trip, safe travels to all.
