Along the road to Cedeño is the turnoff to Punta Ratón, where a nice beach can be found if you can get a ride out there and back. Punta Ratón is also home to a local sea turtle conservation project. During the months of August, September, and October, sea turtles land on the beaches nearby to bury their eggs, which then hatch in October and November. Those tiny hatchlings that survive make their way out to sea and begin the cycle again.

The sad truth is that a large portion of the turtle eggs end up as appetizers in this poor region. However, a local group has organized a project to gather eggs after the mother buries them, protect them while they gestate, and put them down on the beach by the water when they hatch.

Volunteers are welcome September 1–25 and can stay for no charge at a very bare-bones cabin—with mattresses, water, and electricity—in exchange for their assistance. (A charge may eventually be applied as a way to upgrade the accommodations.) Contact the mayor’s office (alcaldía) in Marcovia (tel. 504/787-4001) for details, and ask for Roni Umansor.