Friday, December 22, 2017, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

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Explore a lush network of natural waterways and man-made canals in one of Costa Rica’s unique coastal environments. 


Tortuguero National Park, stretching 14 miles along the shore, was created to preserve the nesting site of the green turtle. Today, its maze of watery passageways connects lagoons, deltas and even small villages. The park’s many eco-zones support a diverse array of wildlife, from manatee to howler monkeys, making it one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding nature experiences. You will drive with your guide to our dock. A canal boat takes you into the heart of it all, as the park is inaccessible by car. As you cruise, silent drifting along wide canals often affords up close wildlife viewing as all manner of birds, such as toucans and jacamars, dot the shoreside trees. As you traverse narrower canals overgrown with jungle, keep your eyes and ears open for white-faced monkeys. 



White Egrett




Blue Heron




                                                         Spectacled Caiman


The Caiman is generally shy and of small size (up to 2.5 m, about 8 feet). It is the most widespread crocodilian in the world and can be found on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes of Costa Rica.



Sloth

Sloths only climb down from trees two to three times each month to defficate, urinate, and have sex.  They are extremely slow moving due to their diet of green leaves.  This guy could care less we pulled the boat right up under his butt.





Black Eagle (we think - will need to take written notes in the future)





Green Iguana



Larry said best pineapple he had eaten since working in no longer existent Dole pineapple cannery summers of 58, 59, and 61 while attending University of Hawaii





This train was abandoned and none more used in Costa Rica since a 1991 hurricane destroyed and the government decided to use the money for education and health rather than rebuild the tracks.  At the same time they discontinued their military to focus on education and health.

Another wild animal

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