Manuel Antonio National Park & Marino Ballena Park
Welcome to Costa Rica! In our nation, peace, democracy, and conservation have been major foundations of our history. During the creation of our National Park system in the 1970’s, Costa Rica faced many challenges. One of our National Parks, Manuel Antonio, has a fascinating history. The former owners prohibited access to the locals, intending to create a restricted area within this beach and forest. In the end, initiatives taken by local authorities and government granted universal access to this site.
White-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, Central American agoutis, and basilisk lizards, among others creatures, were observed during our nature walks through the trails of this park. The precise dynamics of their behavior will take forever to learn. Nevertheless, we are sure that seeing them in their natural world will motivate us to follow the lead of many conservation efforts underway.
During the afternoon we headed south entering the waters of Marino Ballena Park. On our route, the mountain range of Talamanca witnessed our search for humpback whales. This location has been remarked to be an overlapping range for the different northern and southern populations of this species. Thus, they do not coincide in specific months but find, in these shallow waters, a safe place to protect their young from predators.
Today we found a spectacular sunset and a few dolphins, but no whales. Tomorrow the Osa Peninsula awaits us, and our own fascination to be in one of the remote corners of the world.
Welcome to Costa Rica! In our nation, peace, democracy, and conservation have been major foundations of our history. During the creation of our National Park system in the 1970’s, Costa Rica faced many challenges. One of our National Parks, Manuel Antonio, has a fascinating history. The former owners prohibited access to the locals, intending to create a restricted area within this beach and forest. In the end, initiatives taken by local authorities and government granted universal access to this site.
White-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, Central American agoutis, and basilisk lizards, among others creatures, were observed during our nature walks through the trails of this park. The precise dynamics of their behavior will take forever to learn. Nevertheless, we are sure that seeing them in their natural world will motivate us to follow the lead of many conservation efforts underway.
During the afternoon we headed south entering the waters of Marino Ballena Park. On our route, the mountain range of Talamanca witnessed our search for humpback whales. This location has been remarked to be an overlapping range for the different northern and southern populations of this species. Thus, they do not coincide in specific months but find, in these shallow waters, a safe place to protect their young from predators.
Today we found a spectacular sunset and a few dolphins, but no whales. Tomorrow the Osa Peninsula awaits us, and our own fascination to be in one of the remote corners of the world.
