Mendez
(officially
named Santiago
de Mendez),
is a small
quiet town
whose houses
sport red
tiled rooftops
and neat front
gardens.
Places
to visit
Halfway
along the
road heading
East to
San
Jose de Morona
is
Santiago.
Here
you can rent
dug-out canoes
which will
take you to
Rio
Coangos
where you
can visit
the oil birds'
cave [La
Cueva de Los
Tayos].
The trip lasts
about 3 hours,
and with a
guide will
cost you roughly
US$35.00*.
Things
to do
Birdwatching:
The oil bird
is a
nocturnal
bird that
leaves its
home in the
caves early
in the evening
in search
of fruit.
They have
been named
oil
birds thanks
to their oily
and fatty
skin – a result
of their diet
rich in palm
fruits. In
addition these
birds have
great night
vision and
a highly developed
sense of smell
to help them
distinguish
the aromas
of various
fruits during
their nightly
search.
Getting
there
You
can reach
this area
in 2 hours
from Limon
via bus
or rented
vehicle.
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 27th
June 2006
