We spent our second day at Golfo Dulce, the beautiful, pristine bay on the southwest coast of Costa Rica. We landed on Playa Blanca for an immersive experience with the “Ticos,” as Costa Ricans are called. Today we had the opportunity to experience a little bit of the Costa Rican culture. Some guests headed off to learn how chocolate and vanilla are cultivated–and eaten! Other guests learned about heart of palm, and some tried their luck with gold panning (no luck this time). While experiencing all this, we had wonderful encounters with white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, and several bird species, such as the spectacularly colorful scarlet macaws. Indeed, today was a very meaningful and complete day.
3/19/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
We arrived last night at the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, bringing us to the heart of coastal Costa Rican life. After breakfast, we disembarked and were greeted by families whose lives are intertwined with this fertile land. The rainforest enveloped us. First, we visited a traditional sugarcane mill where families demonstrated the ancient process of extracting sweet juice using horse-powered grinders. Their hands moved with practiced precision, transforming the raw cane into rich molasses. Along a shaded stream, we joined Don Juan who taught us the patient art of gold panning. Water swirled in wooden bowls as tiny flecks of precious metal caught the sunlight. The journey continued to cacao groves, where Alex proudly showed us their cultivation methods. We tasted the raw fruit before seeing the meticulous fermentation process. Nearby, the delicate vanilla orchids climbed trellises, their beans carefully tended by the skilled farmers, it was a cathedral of biodiversity where our guides pointed out medicinal plants their ancestors have used for centuries. As dusk approached, we returned to our waiting ship, carrying memories of these resilient families whose traditions flourished in harmony with this bountiful landscape.
