Canoeing in Laguna Chocuaco

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“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order”. – John Burroughs

By my fifth day in the Osa Peninsula, I was finally beginning to fall into a rhythm. My rusty Spanish was improving and I could comprehend more. My body had adjusted to the high humidity and heat of the jungle, and I naturally began rising at dawn with the morning sun and singing of the birds. My soul was relaxed, and I finally felt peaceful and free. Sadly I only had three more days left of my epic adventure yet I was determined to make these three days as fantastic as possible.

There is something about a Costa Rican breakfast that makes me smile. It is almost always the same: Gallo Pinto. Black beans and rice from the meal the evening before, stir-fried with the magic Costa Rican sauce Lizano and then topped with queso crema, a homemade sour cream that has a tangy taste to it and complements the dish well. There may be a slight variation to the morning meal that includes scrambled eggs, freshly made tortillas, fruit or fried plantains. But the gallo pinto are always available and after my week in Costa Rica I grew to love it.

My incredible breakfast

For today’s tour, we would meet Carlos Villalobos at his family property in Rancho Quemado for a birdwatching canoe ride on “Laguna Chocuaco” their private rainforest lagoon. We said our goodbyes to our friends Alice and Enrique at Rancho Verde and were on our way.

Their property includes a farm with livestock (pigs, chickens, cows and horses), a vast pasture and field for growing trees and produce, a dormitory for tourists to stay in, and a large open-air eating area for home-cooked Costa Rican meals.

When we arrived at the ranch, Carlos’ brother was milking the cows and getting ready to lead them out to the pasture. We had a brief tour of the farm and then headed out to the pasture where Carlos showed us some of the trees that they raise at the family farm.

 

Carlos, me and Eytan
The property
A new lodge that is being built to host tourists
His brother milking the cow
Outside Carlos property, his brother leads the cattle out to the pasture.
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While many farmers cut down all the trees so there is more pasture for the livestock to graze on, Carlos and his family believe it is important to keep the trees for various reasons. The trees provide shade for the animals on the hot, humid days and fruit for the birds and to sell at the market. Lots of birds like toucans rely on the seeds and flowers off the tops of the trees for their diets. The trees also provide a lot of natural beauty to the landscape and a place for birds to nest in. The property has over 40 species of birds in which 20 species live along the low growing trees and bushes along the lagoon.

 

To reach the lagoon, we walk through the pastures
It is very lush filled with trees and other produce that Carlos grows on his farm
There are all sorts of different trees that provide shade for the animals
Carlos points out how they even use the trees for part of the fence
We even sample some fruit fresh off the tree

A toucan

We spent about half an hour exploring the trees and then headed along a wooded pathway to the lagoon for our canoe ride. The lagoon is named after the Chocuaco bird which is native to this part of Costa Rica. There are over two dozen birds that reside along the jungle sanctuary of the lagoon and make it their home.

 

The "walking tree". This tree actually slowly moves over time.
The thick jungle
The ants protect bird's nests from predators as they bite anything that gets in its way.
The start of the lagoon
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We reached the lagoon a little before noon, and it was so peaceful. There were birds singing and off in the distance at the edge of the jungle I could hear the infamous roar of the howler monkeys. It was quite an extraordinary place.  I couldn’t stop taking photos as it was so immensely beautiful.

Carlos pushes the canoe into the water

And we are off!

We were extremely fortunate to see a ton of Chocuacos. Carlos had never seen so many on a tour before and was a bit surprised at our luck especially since we had initially planned on getting out much earlier in the morning.

As we slowly glided across the calm waters of the lagoon, the clouds began to come in threatening rain. It was time to turn back. It would be hard to forget such a beautiful, mystical place.

What a day it had been. Now I wish so much I could jump back into this picture, into this one moment in time and be there. To feel so utterly relaxed and at peace with nature is a truly beautiful gift.

42 thoughts on “Canoeing in Laguna Chocuaco”

  1. scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
    scillagrace on said:

    Wow! Those reflections of the sky are breathtaking.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! These happen to be some of my favorite pictures from the trip. I loved the reflections too. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Janet! I loved the property. It was so beautiful.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Sally! I loved the reflections in the water and the birds. It was very beautiful.

      Reply ↓
  4. Madame Zenista – United States – Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans... madame-zenista.com www.sonalimanapure.wordpress.com
    Madame Zenista on said:

    gorgeous pictures- especially the ones with the sky!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  5. Pingback: Wish: Digital Photo | What's (in) the picture?

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply ↓
  7. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    The beauty of Costa Rica is no less than a heaven. great pictures, Nicole!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Arv! It is a beautiful place.

      Reply ↓
      • arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
        arv! on said:

        You’re lucky Nicole to be able to experience this heaven. And we’re lucky to have this virtual trip. 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Glad you enjoyed Arv! 🙂

      • arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
        arv! on said:

        Absolutely Nicole 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        🙂

  8. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    The peace and serenity of this place oozes out of our article and photos Nicole. Wonderful captures of the birds and love the reflections in the water.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Sue! I love Costa Rica. I’m getting excited to head back with the kids for Spring Break. Our first big family trip. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Just translated your comment into English. Appreciate it!

      Reply ↓
  12. Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
    Di on said:

    Hello Nicole!
    I can feel the tranquility as if I were there… it would have been amazing seeing the variety of birds and there is more ‘human life’ in a jungle than I would have imagined. Another beautiful post my friend 🌟🌟💕

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! It was such a magical place and no one was there except us. These are some of my favorite pictures too from the trip as I loved how the clouds reflected on the water. 😌

      Reply ↓
      • Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
        Di on said:

        Wonderful! And thank you for opening up a part of the world to me that I’ve never considered before, Nicole. Not long until another adventure for you with your family 🌹🌟

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        So glad you enjoyed it Di! Central America is probably pretty far for you! I’ve been to Australia and it took so long to get there but I loved it so much. A beautiful country! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Danke! Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  14. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Oh this reminded me so much of out time in the Amazon! We saw a walking tree there too, but no toucans. Instead we saw hoatzin birds. What a day you had in that beautiful place. That photo fourth from the bottom is gorgeous, and the chocuacos are wonderful.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I would love to go to the Amazon someday Alison. So many places I want to see!

      Reply ↓
      • Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
        Alison and Don on said:

        Yes me too 🙂

  15. What an adventure you are in! I have always loved padling among mangroves and in lagoons, and Chocuaco looks like a treat. Thanks for sharing. As always gorgeous photos.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Otto! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks! Wish I was there too again! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  17. Your photos are phenomenal! I almost felt like I was gliding along that lagoon with you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! It was really a remarkable place. So incredibly beautiful.

      Reply ↓
  18. chocolaterainbowminticecream – I'm Known yet a Stranger... People who knows me knows me, it's a bit of ironic but I never really hide my emotions... My mother always tells me to control my emotions and hide it... I'm a ticking time bomb that what's she always tells me... I find myself a failure... Yes that's my achievement... Failure...
    chocolaterainbowminticecream on said:

    I be living there soon
    😊

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful!

      Reply ↓

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