Hiking through Corcovado, it became clear why so many visitors travel so far to walk in this place. The heat of the day is soothed under the protection of the jungle canopy that towers 20 to 30 feet above our heads. Much of the wildlife in this region never leaves its cover. The cool, muted undergrowth is sparse here because sunlight rarely penetrates the leafy layer above. The nutrient wealth of a rain forest resides in its canopy.
Shrieks punctuate the other jungle sounds.
Four scarlet macaws crash though the foliage. Wings spread in full display, they glide through the air before landing on a strangler fig. Noisily they peer down upon us. Satisfied we are not a threat, they turn their attention to each other and disappear as quickly as they entered. Although large cats are seldom spotted in Corcovado National Park, tracks are quite common.