The Rio Coto winds its way past Zancudo, through a muddy mangrove forest whose innumerable channels turn to swamp at low tide. The mangroves and the river are home to a plethora of creatures such as monkeys, waterfowl, raccoons, crocodiles and caymans. You can tour the swamps by kayak or by motorboat, and you will see different animals depending on the time of day and the position of the tides. At low tide, for instance, you are more likely to see crocodiles or caimans resting on the riverbanks. For birders, some tour operators run trips focused exclusively on the waterfowl. Eladio Gonzales tours, Colosso del Mar, Zancudo Lodge and Los Cocos all offer mangrove tours.

Boating

By Laura Granfortuna

I've always had the travel bug - maybe it's because I've been traveling around with my family since I was an infant, but mainly I think it's because...