We woke up early to finally go to Corcovado National Park. We took the "Collectivo" (similar to a military jeep with benches in the back and a tarp covering) at 6:30 AM for our bumpy two hour adventure fording rivers and dodging large dips in the road. It was a very exciting ride.
We were dropped off at a beach with nothing around but a concessions stand. I saw a sign indicating the national park was a few miles walk down the beach, but we would first have to cross a couple rivers. I explained the plan to Shelley and crossing the two 10 foot rivers did not seem as good as an idea to her. For a long time Shelley stood on the river bank and watched other groups pass through the river and go on their way towards the park entrance two and a half miles away. Eventually she agreed we should cross the river and she decided to take off her shoes and roll up her pants and cross the river. The river was rushing and about 3 feet at the deepest parts. We both almost fell a few times. Once across we started our journey down the beach towards the park.
Our first animal encounter was several Scarlet Macaws. A group was perched on
top of a tree right next to the beach. Several other groups walked right past
them without noticing. This was the first time either of us has seen Macaws
in the wild. They look beautiful in the natural habitat. The next animal we
spotted was a Jaguarundi. It was coming down a tree then went back into the
jungle as we approached. The Jaguarundi looks like a small black panther and
is extremely endangered. We were extremely lucky to see one. Next we saw a White-Nosed
Coati which is in the raccoon family. We also found many Hermit Crabs, Sand
Crabs, tiny toads, and interesting insects.
While waiting for the Collectivo to return we ate lunch and watched the rain.
On the way back to Puerto Jimenez our jeep was stopped by the police with their
guns drawn (I think they are always drawn). We had to show them our passports
and then they let us go. One traveler did not have his passport so they asked
him if he had drugs and searched his bags. I guess you can transport drugs as
long as you have a passport.
