Today was the big jungle day! All this week we have being hearing from the staff that the day will come when we get to the Osa Peninsula and visit the most beautiful tropical rain forest of Costa Rica and so we did. From National Geographic Sea Lion we could see an emerald ocean of giant trees and we could not wait to hike in it.
In the morning we stopped in a private reserve called Caletas and had three options to choose from. One was a horseback riding that went along the coast crossing streams and rainforest with the chance to observe beautiful scenery but also wildlife. Some others went on a long hike through the jungle in this private reserve located in the outskirts of the National Park of Corcovado.
The third morning option was a boat ride that took us to Drake’s Bay and in to the River Agujitas. As we were riding in to this peaceful corner of the peninsula, we spotted a troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys and right next to the capuchin monkeys there was a troop of howler monkeys that started moving and hanging from their tails to our delight.
In the afternoon, we repositioned in order to visit the Corcovado National Park. On the way the ship stopped to see a mother and its calf humpback whale. Camera clicks made it obvious that the memories were safe on the cards and vivid in the mind. The afternoon options were two hikes, one along the beach and another to the waterfall of San Pedrillo.
The Pargo trail along the beach provided views of many birds and a prehensile tail porcupine, the rest of us hiked toward the waterfall, walking over roots among giant trees. After taking pictures of the waterfall we went down to the natural swimming pool and after a mile hike in the jungle the fresh water was exactly what we needed. On our way back wildlife started showing up, first the spider monkeys, then the great curassow, and finally a crocodile to complete our jungle experience.
The evening on board was full of stories and great food, after dinner we had a very special presentation. Two musicians living in this remote region came on board and sang for us beautiful Latin American songs, there is not a better way to finish out jungle day than to the lullaby of Latin music and wine sips!
