El Río Tárcoles offers an exciting adventure for expat retirees

As I have mentioned in prior articles there is a lot to see and do once you relocate to Costa Rica. The Río Tárcoles is just one example.

The Tárcoles River flows from the Central Valley through the coastal mountains and eventually drains into the Gulf of Nicoya. Unfortunately, the Tarcoles is the most polluted river in Costa Rica since all of the metropolitan area’s waste water drains into it.

Nevertheless, when the Tárcoles River is mentioned the first thing that usually comes to mind are its crocodile infested waters. Tourists and locals gather daily on the famous “crocodile bridge” where the Costanera (Hwy 34) crosses the Tarcoles river to observe these creatures. Dozens of huge American crocodiles can be seen in the mud enjoying the warmth of the sun along the banks and under the bridge.

In reality el Tácoles is much more that than a place to observe the crocodiles. The area’s neighboring wetlands and fauna are also worthwhile. The river basin with its mangroves is home to 50 species of birds including four types of herons, egrets, Crested Caracara, Panama Flycatche, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Warbler and a lot more. The Scarlet Macaw, can also be seen in this area.

A guided crocodile tour by boat is available. The tour guides have given the croc humorous names like George Bush, Danny DeVito, Osama Bin laden, Shakira due to their physical characteristics. The one with largest snout is called, Monica Lewinsky.