Surely one of the most significant features of Rivera Cuale is the proximity of the Cuale River, which starts high in the Sierras and flows down the mountains, winds through the center of our town, and empties into the ocean at Los Muertos Beach.
At Rivera Cuale from your spacious terrace, or poolside or down on our river walk, not only can you be hypnotized by the ocean and mountain views, but you can enjoy spectacular sunsets every afternoon from our west facing property. It is a wonderfully restful way to pass the time. You can enjoy fresh breezes all year round, and the temperature near the river is usually a few degrees cooler than in town areas. You can easily find yourself entertained for hours admiring the variety and beauty of the wildlife. There is much to see on the ground while you are relaxing.
The Cuale River is home to some 350 bird species. Since the river runs in front of Rivera Cuale condominiums in our privileged location, it is not unusual to observe along its banks egrets, pelicans, great-tailed grackles (blackbirds), frigate birds, sandpipers, cormorants, swallows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, pygmy owls, turkey vultures, small green parrots, the list is endless. The great white egret is a graceful visitor that often perches statuesquely on boulders, waiting for the passing river to bring small fish, frogs and reptiles for a meal. In rainy season when the river runs full, fresh water shrimp (langostinos) can be found as well.
Recently nutrias have been observed making their home on the banks of the river as well. The nutria, also known as the river rat, is a large herbivorous, semi aquatic rodent, known in Latin America as coypu. It looks much live a river otter. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range. It had disappeared from our area for decades but most recently it appears to have moved back to the Cuale River. They can be seen burrowing in the river banks in the evening near where the river spills into the bay.
As well there are many varieties of iguanas, a genus of lizard, which live around the river, which is a natural habitat for these majestic and gentle natured creatures. They like to bathe in the river and relax in the trees. Their coloring helps them to blend into the vegetation as a means of camouflage from predators. They spend a lot of time in the sun to soak up heat, as they are cold blooded and don’t produce their own body heat. Since they are diurnal, awake during the day, we often see them nibbling grass beside our pool at Rivera Cuale, or sunning on a rock down on our river-walk. They move surprisingly fast, so usually by the time you spot them, they spot you, and slip stealthily away into the underbrush or behind the rocks at the river’s edge. They love to dine on plants, flowers and fruit, hibiscus being one of the iguana’s favorites. A similar sized lizard to the iguana is the garrobo, also seen around the river. It is scaly and gray to black, and more aggressive than iguanas. But also will sprint away when it detects movement nearby.
We also see many varieties of small lizards. Little geckos, locally known as ‘cuizas’ abound. With suction cup feet they can perch or hang anywhere. We have a few very curious lizards that come around the pool, and appear to be wearing a helmet. They are really amusing to watch.
And let’s not forget the turtles. We had one dinner plate sized turtle who took up residence in our aquatic pond, until we realized he was eating our resident fish. So he was placed back in the Cuale River.
Come and commune with nature at Rivera Cuale.
by Estelle Eisen, Rivera Cuale