After several days of great activities and incredible sceneries, we were completely ready to visit one of most pristine tropical rain forests of Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park. This park is located in the Osa Peninsula and known for its biodiversity and its intact ecosystem. This park has very little access by road and the western side of the park can only be reached by boat or hiking across the entire park.
In the morning we visited a private reserve in the buffer zone of the park, as Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic like to support the local efforts of conservation. Some of us hiked through the jungle through an intricate muddy trail and exposed roots giving us a full experience while we enjoyed the sounds and sights of wildlife. One of the most exciting activities was the horseback riding, saddling up and heading along the coast for a real adventure.
Another very popular activity was to stroll along the coast for an easier search of wildlife while taking great pictures. Sure enough, the wildlife showed up: there were toucans, scarlet macaws, crested guans and a big gang of white faced capuchin monkeys that was the delight of the cameras and lenses. To make the morning absolutely perfect, a deluxe picnic lunch at the beach was prepared for us, what a great morning!
The afternoon was reserved for a walk in to the Corcovado National Park and of course, the expectations were high. A group of us went on Pargo Trail where the incredible spider monkeys displayed an aerobatic show for us. Others walked to the waterfall of San Pedrillo and had a different kind of reward: a refreshing dip in the swimming hole of the park. After a hike along the river dodging rocks and roots and breaking a good sweat, we finally refreshed in the river while feeling connected with the jungle.
We went back to National Geographic Sea Lion at sunset. As we returned on our expedition landing crafts, the emerald rain forest in the back and the silhouette of the ship in front along with the most beautiful golden sun light through the tropical clouds made the perfect closure of an incredible day in the tropical rainforest.
