An early rise was worth it to head to Hacienda Guachipelin at the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. We hiked to explore the mud pots and transitional forest, and to learn about the power of nature expressed by volcanoes, and the Oropendola and Chorreras waterfalls. Along the way we spotted spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, ctenosaur lizards, and a double-toothed kite: all signs of a healthy environment. We visited the fountain of youth at the hot springs, and zip-lined through the breathtaking gorge of the Rio Blanco; the traditional dances we enjoyed at lunch made our day.
After a great day of nature and adventure we returned to National Geographic Quest to enjoy another social hour with a presentation: we learned about the Blue Zone of Costa Rica, and how a nation can reverse wrong practices and turn into a model of conservation.
