Jungle River tour La Tovara Springs

On February 14th we hired a taxi van to drive 10 of us 2 hours north to La Tovara Springs at San Blas. Nestor, our driver, stayed while we did the 4 hour boat tour and then drove us back to Lo de Marcos.

Our son and his family, our neighbor and their friends experienced their first visit to this wonderful area. Vic and Bev had last visited the area in 2012.  The cost to take the river tour this year was $200 pesos/person

We traveled up the river slowly spotting birds and crocodiles hidden in the vegetation and mangrove roots along the river. Our grandchildren counted 23 crocodiles lying on logs and the banks along the river!

Maxine and Alton enjoying the ride and taking in the jungle sights.

Vulture on a pole.

Lots of crocs...

Bev and Warren waiting for lunch.

At the start of the estuary we got out to visit the Crocodile Sanctuary which not only had crocodiles but also pecarries, cuatis, deer, a lynx, a jaguar, ducks.  The cost to visit this area was an additional $20 pesos per person.

After visiting the sanctuary, our tour guide took us to a little restaurant along the river.

Finally it was time for our 2 hour drive back but the adventure had been enjoyed by all.

Hiking to see the Petroglyphs

On Jan 31st we joined the local hiking group for a 4 hour hike up the hill on the north side of Lo de Marcos to view the petroglyphs and surrounding area.  We had hiked the hill on our own several times before but had never seen the petroglyphs.  No wonder -- they were on the back side of boulders along the trail!

The petroglyphs are easier to find now as a new housing development is underway and the petroglyphs in various areas have been surrounded by barbed wire to prevent vandalism.  Unfortunately we won't be able to enter the area much longer as they will be on private properties.

There were beautiful views from three different stopping points.

Marina construction for new Mandarina development

Our guide Oliver Cruz taught us about local vegetation, fruits and nuts plus pointed out many of the birds along the trail.

an Ibis along the river

A photo of the group of hikers on this excursion.

A map of our route: