Manuel Antonio & Curu Wildlife Refuge
Our day started visiting one of the most important national parks in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio. Among the smallest national parks of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is in itself an oasis where many animals find sanctuary. We experienced a heavy rain that did not allow us to see as much as we would have wanted. Nevertheless the rain creates the perfect scenario for us to understand why these ecosystems are so fragile and diverse. After our visit to a couple trails, we left this impressive natural monument and continued on our voyage.
In the late afternoon, we arrived to the Curu Wildlife Refuge. This protected zone is a beautiful spot located in the inner part of Nicoya Gulf. Run by a Costa Rican family, this refuge was created mainly with the idea to protect primates. After awhile, however, it became the sanctuary for many other species including spectacular parrots, bats and even bigger predators like Tyras, which belongs to the weasel family Mustelidae.
We had the opportunity to observe scarlet macaws, as well as mantled howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys. While walking on the trails at low tide, we were able to see colorful land crabs actively digging holes on the mangrove’s floor.
While the day was ending, other animals became active, like insectivores and frugivores such as bats. Their amazing adaptations help them to, in seconds, pinpoint the location of their food. We saw many them concentrated in a small fig tree.
The day ended pleasantly with the sights, smells, and sounds of life crowning the semi-deciduous forest and all of its inhabitants.
Our day started visiting one of the most important national parks in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio. Among the smallest national parks of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is in itself an oasis where many animals find sanctuary. We experienced a heavy rain that did not allow us to see as much as we would have wanted. Nevertheless the rain creates the perfect scenario for us to understand why these ecosystems are so fragile and diverse. After our visit to a couple trails, we left this impressive natural monument and continued on our voyage.
In the late afternoon, we arrived to the Curu Wildlife Refuge. This protected zone is a beautiful spot located in the inner part of Nicoya Gulf. Run by a Costa Rican family, this refuge was created mainly with the idea to protect primates. After awhile, however, it became the sanctuary for many other species including spectacular parrots, bats and even bigger predators like Tyras, which belongs to the weasel family Mustelidae.
We had the opportunity to observe scarlet macaws, as well as mantled howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys. While walking on the trails at low tide, we were able to see colorful land crabs actively digging holes on the mangrove’s floor.
While the day was ending, other animals became active, like insectivores and frugivores such as bats. Their amazing adaptations help them to, in seconds, pinpoint the location of their food. We saw many them concentrated in a small fig tree.
The day ended pleasantly with the sights, smells, and sounds of life crowning the semi-deciduous forest and all of its inhabitants.
