By Claudia Langguth
Photos by Claudia Langguth
The Blue Estuary (Estero Azul) is a manmade channel running from the Sierpe River to an end spot near Finca 6, the known location of the new Spheres´ Museum.
The channel was built more than 100 years ago by the United Fruit Company, this organization planted bananas and plantains in the south of Costa Rica as well as other Central and South American countries. The purpose was to drain the swamps and to use the channels for fruit transportation.
Adventuring far into the estuary, we discovered an old railroad bridge. From that point, the train transported the bananas all the way down to the harbor in Golfito.
The channel is bordered with a dense bamboo forest, planted with the purpose of sustaining the waterway and as a cheap source for construction material. Today the Company is long gone; what they left is a paradise you can explore on one of our mangrove tours.
There are very few houses, for that reason many animals choose the estuary as their natural habitat. In the bamboo forest, you can observe groups of howlers and white-faced Cappuccino monkeys, squirrels and countless species of birds such as herons, parrots, ibis, and macaws. The crab-eating raccoon and the tree boas can be spotted. In addition to all the wildlife waiting for you, the landscapes are breathtaking.
We assure you an unforgettable experience!
