Today National Geographic Quest anchored in Coco Bay. Guests shuttled to the beach on Zodiacs, and we boarded buses to begin exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Hacienda Guachipelin.
We had the chance to explore the Pailas Trail. We crossed the bridge over Río Blanco, observing a section of the “moist forest,” after which we reached an area characterized by dwarf trees, the result of soil conditions and strong winds.
We found several colorful birds busy with their daily foraging activities, including the Montezuma oropendola and the white-throated magpie-jay. We also observed spider monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
Meanwhile, other guests visited the thermal waters located within the hacienda. They enjoyed a very relaxing time in the various temperatures offered in the thermal pools.
A third group of guests got a dose of adrenalin while ziplining.
Midday, we all gathered by the main house of the hacienda, where we were greeted with a spectacular lunch that included a great variety of local dishes. A little later, kids from the community performed, giving us a sample of the numerous styles of dance in this region.
For the second part of the day, we visited a waterfall. Some guests rode horses to the site, while others preferred walking along a trail.
After a refreshing time in the waters of the Chorreras Waterfall, we returned to the ship.
