Quebrada Hedionda

Yesterday we sent off early to trek into the heart of the Corcovado National Park. This legendary part of Costa Rica has 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity (trees, plants, animal, bird and insect species). That is very high.

We had planned a 20km jungle and beach trek with the hope of seeing new wildlife including 5 species of cats (jaguar and puma included), ant eaters, armadillo, tapir and many new birds. We had one night booked at the remote research station which only has 20 beds. This had to be booked over a month in advance.

Our guide was great and in the morning we saw lots of wildlife (see photos) as we entered the national park. We stopped for lunch and a swim by a small waterfall which cooled us down in the heat of the day. Our progress was determined by the tide as we needed to pass a headland and then continue for an hour and a half on the beach.

Alas clambering over a rocky scramble I (Michael) felt a sudden pain in my calf a knew immediately I had pulled the muscle. This had happened to me once on a Munro and I was out of action for four weeks.

The guide went into rescue mode and an ATV was arranged to collect me. First I had to get back a painful half a km to before the rocks. Whilst waiting we did see an Ant Eater which was nice and a Black Hawk.

The ATV took us back to the trailhead and transport was arranged to take us the 90 minutes back to town.

A mixture of emotions. Very disappointed not to have another day and a half to explore this amazing wilderness. The hike had cost $$$ and should have been a top experience for Costa Rica.

But on the other hand very grateful that this happened in Costa Rica which had a rescue protocol (I was 6th rescue this year) and that we are both safe and relatively well.

After removing all the ticks from the jungle (!) and having a shower and hot meal we have reflected that we have been pushing it hard the last week or so and perhaps this is natures way of telling us to slow down, well I will have to as will be physically restricted for the next few weeks.Read more