On to the
highlight of 2022; our trip to Costa Rica, a big one on the “bucket list”. We
used a travel agent this time, she suggested small group tours & after much
research we chose G Adventures –Costa Rica Upgraded, a 14 day adventure!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvhQB4Clmhw9HMRyMmAc5YrU19h_2M8oZI9lJQWwRZDCWgfSzG8DVGIDUk0zCIPDnpTTGtYNTEyy1ByW-Zx8O56ji_PErMVwVsOvNt3tzHIv6DwY089iWv3_BYwzM7qcjQ2sfF5AfD0zvY9zfuzBNM9uV0XqfS1cZ2OPWjpxwVB2hFVQUPSA-8bo5FnQ=w225-h400) |
map of our route |
We flew February
27/22 with Air Canada & despite having a short layover in Toronto it was a
good choice. We arrived to San Jose, spent 2 hours weaving our way through
airport lines to make our way outside to our first taste of Costa Rica’s hot,
humid weather. A private transfer to our hotel, the Radisson – not much to look
at & in not a great area but the room was nice. We ventured walking to the
central area of town to check out the sights & to find an ATM – withdrawing
250,000 colones – seemed like such a huge amount of money (but just $500).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhLz_Wi8ajGmoW8KRaoQgrOeK6yXaxzarmlMdtbMevt--xWZfE12UUtYyq5PMxMcPki_j50bLAkOnWWz_5RsHWe4VHhclm_CtC-bBC-_-kVTkGhvbm-wiT8zroMfsrGGU56rX1A2L_NCI_pQtgxhlcbrfIyJly-dYYFpDwx_w9hWoT-sXj8ICLMB04Cw=s320) |
pretty fancy - dispenses hand sanitizer & takes your temperature! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj__X9T9_83Z5u9ve9UfMXgdkWxfwQLvrZgSY7bG4CaEg0TrY5uRfm1gm1z8KS2Eivd9S3RAobny3hGq51UecMb2LsBXz2QwhlVokmruemLG-FVijstwjZHldqeieBx7XDkdOV0SZE7JF5OCcvz2EUroThFK42fnmmj4mbYb1Ef3xzZSjCo6ie08cRfTA=s320) |
cost Rican beer |
We met our
guide Dorian & most of our fellow travellers that evening – 14 of us in
total, all from the UK except one French woman, one Irish woman & us. We
were 4 couples & 5 women travelling alone, ranging in age from mid 20’s to
early 70’s – a perfect mix!
February 28
We started
off early, 6:45; to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast in a comfy small van that
held us & our luggage (no porters, we handled our own luggage). We passed
acres of banana plantations, stopped for a traditional breakfast, picked up a
local guide & arrived to the boat that would take us down the canals to our
hotel ( this area is only accessible by boat). We saw caimans, iguanas, turtles
& birds; got stuck on a sandbar (too much luggage perhaps) & we were
there – Turtle Beach Lodge.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEf3su417B_db1N5KTpHDu96OUiY0pTy97BJSkcU3_Xm9TV6bJG2KAiKgP2qaKbmfNT6SrIXePEYQpJkxAQyEW1FcSWrIgeFXCvITR2vIhKx9v8OoeMr689VOW6eeOKfcoct8Oliaki8ufRxi7OD-o4PB-zjAk2PikE-v2VDCpQD-HtFpLNQU9Gb8Oyg=s320) |
banana plantation, bunches covered in plastic to speed ripening |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXrNI6ehz-sbwI2cMJJPBmr41UZZ68Q-mKXXlyxyShdKfzOdF1GQVgL46Mn9g-ZYxubP3tweZ9vV8Ny_ZmoH_CakQcyHDVGqwOcVMiLxO0mSqw6nNdAZcXrFtmTORqKk20cWjEv-WiWrd3d9TDYEQ0JOTVPosZf_H7-wvDlXgOZxBfjmV3hz1WK640iQ=w400-h300) |
our transport down the canals |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn683htQ22VRnpPoaGiC7XsfsYsFh4_nJeAteZ8cOauwQWMS0SsKWpFmJXNIHuORiu2qt1a7yNwBUVvonYSjEk2OKmAWIbYbFIKBDM4Lni940X1Mu3_83-Y-L5OXqTHFXH2Ge9pFEuUBvVFYh2bSOSMoDNseza0b6VT_xdhXoRQrt3BcgNOMInvYXJGA=w269-h400) |
green iguana posing for photos |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiENG05IJRmrwD2leJb8Rx8HxcTdQ5swNaTHgFmrB2Zp3hVY1R7QPoJRFpW1P0yXikhLS4CTzWYUgOLy4fueIETNy1hB9QFPWi3KGhOWPW3BN1fG2PR2hzx4Ty1WHVcpluzt2-2q1aaG2SYluapMio4BbuYzd-REFSTk8JlQaOMGojL6J9LA7FiinyU5g=s320) |
stuck on a sandbar |
Large rooms
with screened windows, close enough to hear the ocean, the beach went on for
miles & no one there! But they had a bar, a pool & good food – and
monkeys swinging thru the trees!!! White-faced capuchins & squirrel monkeys
scampering thru the trees, at times taking a bite out of water apples, then
throwing the remains to the ground.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6PZysxr2IhWYQFpnEdcoRiOJ275wdrU820oLuhOECrEVQ0Tl5_knlvFRJ2O2ZvOjaWg3-uGmm7O6IEP6OxT0hBQm5AFYjxAIcIlSZeA0eWHniRnh4KiBK2t0xvWtuSANcTxxCWpo4i5-p3n7uLHzqEaiqQQvsC9wW7-wsWrp4Cn18dMmNearnH4No5Q=s320) |
our room |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLEHG23BsyBvZzpmarGTlr8FmhJY4ngLbVE871TbY2_CnyCVllALNvuTJrhf4y65XpzJ7FJcZYj1bSGcwe9jcKEPPi79xBmt9YcvFawomtkjxeBabpv-V0L76uBD6mCJQz8PMfFgpznsIl6Or4aMzf37pYEDi6owRw5NtStLydgK8F2otOvR4CT1L4Og=s320) |
from the outside |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDQ0H97yppS6YsWc55H_bs7SNroLWze386mV0pLAdOf-vCGgiPxg4iMHwzofr05EYi8FWWkAFDIZFkVaUtqLCftU9paZ057Z_FKqwKPWwFtUC1IY0SDmnrci6nwiX5BUfiwck6ajFYZGAoHI2jhgFJ0gfAsEsw5aR92655UYxiVF8QxBmyU2CTIZM5KA=s320) |
Tortuguero beach |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh26J6j6fMAfuMXm37dGmVweJREyHihZI6GHuFeJFDLF8gl8oBNgzZrarQSy7UnGlUCN7T9CHFLHpvzQJwm-gvySTmLPuD2XvFvlqRCQDemEx47T4nBiPAn-qkQLz-ig-5bCQt7fyEbvMEGx3FaGD546S_su4lldC-G97EpsGaXo6P6GmvCuG22lMDZ8g=w309-h400) |
white faced capuchin |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUC4qUumtLBb2Tdv9QbwkFCvbzLCT5rOTnX0XrVTkACDaYB1TSc246Rd6HSkQYSCV9HN9EblIB2RzBcJNk8WhZAxpJSW6aoxGct03TFHlNdjgvUigdJH6HSeSxGG5kaLdJ9E_FLzpvWZTMwQMUMw37AKwm9oNcXntRhSb9Pfs4gF7uyvL5zQnlEfRq-Q=s320) |
the pool in the rain |
We had
several boat trips in the area – a tour of the village of Tortuguero & of a
turtle conservancy (the area is known as
a prime sea turtle hatching area, which occurs from March to October) & a
night boat tour (pitch black, loud unknown jungle noises & the guide could
spot the eyes of a tiny frog far in the distance)!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm8UgSvBia5W0p4WyrKnGnDTnqL0jhGa-euG-XMuxgmwdiy3M90uhjnpATPd3M40NvUdNk6cf2hkbyBaxnAtbu6dcGf1bAC2YfFgpra_ab_0L_dYE4D5gmZ_Wy_V7AMcUFhTkPJvCnO1m4bB5ENklPguKZEpMCBB3HU-TtXhGRP7XPqOr596jTFUh9PQ=w300-h400) |
a caiman |
peaceful trip down the canals
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdhvp3-NhEAQ2lwSx8Pc27-rOCakr2j6Sk_NWno5Yj-Yxuq0gtULAWVDONYgYq6os7T21Tvsj5Dz1lcJOQuqPE3EWLPh0LLSuX6EFTqsAPmxvoTFcDdN7DjbNthQlwdcXMk915HRViVFWr2ZaMs_Yr-QIrw-qR9UA2QQcjSFSD-SpPcP9nRpI_xNblwQ=s320) |
transportation in the town of Tortuguero |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgahM_u8rzz46MIdM_YrrZz0W4RlBB8AgdpXO0VwPJ4MXerPR0qhPEGOr-wloQiLWkZUbqq4iq99eareLP7_6fthmCDzHiKtc1Oe1uj9P1j_2kK-7sQ06DCMqBLGjybgXuVkflrUwuLAH_Oj87M3OXD7EOsehe7lpvfFa7vfjdODF9XxhsRH_zM3y9EXA=s320) |
very pretty money depicted on towels |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieqhmsOSI-6pFf4DWA0ZwjNc5TL8ifexz0T0OlXDtCl0cfXCMYBNo9XILKbWwCszdLaknFPrnV9X-3LcobAc5bYNVGprdGXW39VFcTTbtgF26PDNys9xo_2BYZXDcw1X9J8BxI_rSNppWyOxHFxfrIz0ePFfVt8H9SYJrmxV2p6TF5Qx0uvrVWZRDq-w=w300-h400) |
route travelled by green sea turtles after nesting at Tortuguero beaches |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHJyb4uoijeIb_y5ARn3TptMQ8jk2kmS05YVzlq4zrxn6U-WFm_vVA_UsRYI0AjC5pD-V_pqtJdKmDkQHS-kN5NjGhOlUEjR_IFlBuzns7vMy_XXKW3FDCqqFfMTS1hgNfOdvO3iyoL64czzrtL0CWdLHXcHY9TBWy1RvsOcbPyQx1wXDvGjvw2oin3Q=s320) |
in Tortuguero |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv797BOefGSGkIKYvfXTeGTvnPsHVhQXaFgmt5TDfR0eyg8gtXyR8azofGUWUHcT8QFyPv6V5-xgtVQiIU7QIByX5kGNXHdYjUcfOQY0JBdOQstymPbgSmFsMYq5-mz4d_qbIfTWfzj_mVPr9GNS4vYeQWxfFJp-Oq2Bv1POYNu8Z8zpz5Ej9T-mWrhg=s320) |
river turtles |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMPMkXFwn500yQQjfqkT3F5_VSKDc2BBHimlAagwMEdtihy0gniEZv5vS5zkD9S-F20O0xRLTxjNp1Z2hAoa3JxgIOUsp3WZu4U3zgTg4y_LM7plMBdpD1Kt5v_YpK5eRP3Avwl6YYNIIpQeXWO0JwMqNAkrRDxFQ0-rq51KH7tCMcynhETX-y15xmDw=s320) |
tarantula seen on the night tour |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ihW_mzbyPuZpioLnMHqe97x3r28yGzL21h5l98SdmC-SL2SkWxGhuRlKzdsuwyFV15fqym9llBz2fFlGAV4pX-SJVQtmD-zG54zrFwM3IhfyUq8COmyawbeslCLID0G3iAx8DBnyKwX7YPIu_GFrzcQzhBwjxxWYfAm8PVV6MWhw69vHTIn_30lBeg=w400-h266) |
herons |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFBM_ddm5ImsTPsKLdb9G1p78O9pfTn4bTx_X97MGDlBKNQE3htJiijKcrUfP-B_aHTrmGr0MuvDoIUbFCcEyq8LWZ2VHWOVUZh6-TGjZPniXVesWhzY3d5IIhCIUl7CY4PHNkg48rMjlFA-vkxUaAoeRN8Z-SKYATwZqXQfTQU6_0RiYBiYeHZVSG0A=s320) |
tiny bat, also on night our |
A walk in
the jungle, complete with rubber boots (provided) to see more tiny frogs, leaf
cutter ants, boat-billed herons, butterflies & lizards. Then free time – a
walk on the beach, a short lie down in a hammock & drinks by the pool. Hot!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipzodJPkKdBY5yBvrV5BEnYE7T8RZA9gustyqfY2Ru1HP5Tc7ZbpNOVRET7Zt5PMlI45U_th4eGcGbRRfoEkRIR67UEmwmVYg9xpP9fdPBL6rSKvHxsWwR6rH2cZqTy8NT5dduORFKAl48-k_FFY6pCybqVCsz-mYAXxYYN0ZbKpJcv3z_4UPLA0yNMg=w258-h400) |
Aracari - kind of toucan |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZR2yRANLAV65jiuyeIXLXsme3FHvKDZfqeHEChAsWBXyqzxa-mKycSPktfSqDx6q6bUgihl7NZfPzsUIo9PtuxqkIaZaN7PtIrUkGHGJOtLRm9WiwdJ_cqdRVi6oHGxaJrtIWoycFW32WsrdKtx9vMeIOSyf-cEDXbM7z8Le0cDeXlUR__bKhF0ilZg=s320) |
boat billed heron |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrq-kDNmJ3QZtIgriDAx_02nzF-nER3tABHInratfiLp8oHZFFeXoUyzByr64oNJ3EGovEglzRzTyuhLjZFEV5FicvpYGVUcqcD_wJRgd049VCUAtai5vB7Q9dB0JfCIin4m7pM3hfiwUUewOw_Tw4gJa2AJcyb3tjW6uuc9l6ba83YKzClyPM_afzZA=w240-h400) |
a very large spider |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRSM2txcnK8A_0Nyjvwup03ocQHskpa27bmjatrWqnNsSrMY-jOX9HyPxMady_5RRwzGrs_VUkUlhGaCGuK1cRcIkANYjUH79hT2DzRcFok5g9p1Hdafk9M5J1IwjGvKQFUQyfkita2pByWJriqhZp2Gi80gQUD9QLBSZ_UgNc-a2meKZk065_ioMjIQ=w284-h400) |
tree frog, climbing up the tree |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIKOzGmbB2I29l2rDihvFNsUeQ3oU6008FGSMgfvz5ojxhaJhpriJ1cAxy8xy8oVcAFoxkm_KW4gR8wlV22zJpjwmKGs94EIqiCVYeRSu_uHC9QUnTbXa1SJMtBNd8OiyUZ-f84rIH2aGrzkfHr1mitDcavaaqT5MO6JMKbCUHIH-LWfHKDkFd6aWNng=w300-h400) |
our group |
March 2 –
Left Tortuguero, another 1.5 hr boat ride, then the van – stopped at Mi Casita
coffee cooperative for a tour, tasting & casado lunch (typical meal – rice,
beans, salad, plantain & choice of meat).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVbpppDq12P1fajHIDwNkbsOjbFjpWG5wDraPS-UPROJa5oiYkdJhZhpxsfqvqJ_G6dcGPTbcDYaXq9AkxGEB_EtXhIDKVWDTAqnM3K7yzecsuw68cTmYd0mdoA3rQ9k6iVpsvCNTBg0DQK_A0zItXcqXUN8tnz50tfBwDh05abt3AHEBGIMxlXkOC7A=s320) |
Mi Casita coffee tour |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6wrb2B7yZ3nvRL8R9GL7YRt3GQ8AzVvFnDfa6idivlOFVldz3jymwjp8S-s9EtW-CfGv-8nxN7C0ZcpJotHTg1Pt7jBZMBsaEf6ggy-r9ATpr6mCxBFVcbuxkYMMmlnSLQZOgyenvQ0wXtCsH7v44YQd5Acu4OcG19FQrUhXnRvxKS6sZG7HLkk___A=s320) |
our trusty van |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh51lS8Fkh8vfPuObhuZDYLG8KOzDKg1Qzjs7UI2s1nZ6Iu-Qu_AmNbEHMLu9rDucP7djqzIEqewkIgVKeiOs5UFk8pXamKK4RAHcqehp3qAE0pPJx-yyZnM7fXRc_C0qfRrhLSb1F6zSLdFz-nBgBIIPnNLQdJRW8c_f4waKOe1cB_ZfA95T4LRYpdqg=s320) |
Slaty-tailed Trogon |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQJ8L5VmGWI2lEcLpRGJd6CO5OPsb2sT1tpToPgdaDeUlRzjKZ-UPjqRKEKQ8_jv0XEWnil88ZLw6R_kL5WYqlctKyi7Iy5-PKUIBMs1xa3BL8R4dcP-Uwi_L6FPSWtjN0R0-0s4bN9FQ6mp1-sYdVYbTqCGqpcstHBx_l6j6gkShFIK-1xlPPwDyn7A=s320) |
Kingfisher |
On to La
Fortuna - known for the nearby Arenal volcano & the many fancy hot spring
resorts. Unfortunately we encountered rain & cloudy weather but did get a
view of Arenal before we left. We passed on taking in any hot springs & did
a hike to Rio Celeste in Volcan Tenorio National Park instead – an amazing
color of blue river & waterfall (from minerals in it). A difficult hike
(13,000 steps & 36 flights of stairs) but well worth it! Saw howler
monkeys, toucans, sloths, hummingbirds, white-faced coatis & colorful
birds. All of our guides travel with spotting scopes & will take photos
with our cell phones so got some great shots.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-r4LfhHCXsmoXks3Gf08-ThsSOeviGOPy46goG7fp3LeK04fYC4XgNh0HrdJVuCECA27p804DzmJdrii6w4TsGndLBhdVx8O55CLjSsFRRgQo6L357Exeevp30rG6wQ3V8HManSaw6shrt3fDTJNoUVQNLHubFloH8vRYiSKV4MxS6BHbYH41yU-oNA=s320) |
Toucan |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgGrzmC2VFmcdKymv5hsd7zpsmJBsGnGvQDvPNLsq8CQE4jm6HMF5dpuvRbdhuabF_9M3MjbtZu3zvPfrLRV6wRbVsZViHM3q9ir-q8I8p6t_wrtnvVlYDHPnTg5ubA1LnukmYvRSg9zxETrj6HpbqfAhNYzUWYdd-Uyqk3_ETc6WI-TnaUdzl0785jQ=w400-h300) |
Rio Celeste hike |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcMDtlJAoaYKGnD3GfLb1pV6iP-ScBvCABSCgqEYVubuXS4A9p8EeFPsV9DxoOF3RA_msVzmQgS6YxzzBfMrlW0u8QFQNbBpcjkxYoXkBtMLa5THY82CnmORKeZ5XVaNw97ZNT6gw-LQ6IrQAcsc-H6atXYzAjNsnuh2oyx0s5uUHBpaKVJA3Xc53UlA=w400-h300) |
Rio Celeste waterfall |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmwulbii1ef_a6t60n3paMR_RVIpyRMP3jSIH0CNxoyJ9bGbAPRZjzIyb0v4eBLETXA31PfjJd2WvwIG8Asih25_zEljZqP8EuKVrS89RbGYs6xVyU3b-iGgq5hsQbe5spgfEzriXCN7OLBnRIA6s3iTMdMg1tpw97nlLxeKgK0CKD8Mv2PaOAXz_yfQ=s320) |
the forest/jungle |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCvaQqpvVMXC87yfFGHgCEEogH8QS_U-DJm35kVOm-HOUa-i3K16dVuljXwwFP10PXxtPr3u6tWiykwKZe0476StIpEdO9-f06xCVDbW-YGJuS-gPS54UPIT7OletW-KQsA4xKMogSYohj1_7TQCx7zUWupl5p_RUl4qZkKXqLy7njARRJBkzCNzczzQ=s320) |
one of the 52 different hummingbirds in Costa Rica |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPx-W_vogsl-GPF38M0_WOxj3eUXO80MgAoJPSWoAlFNHQvG2Drlw--Yr4Xm9_s5BgbqQxAsrRR6-VY4FT8l0Ar8h-DRuePiUoL9ddGbLr2ZzuvwtAYGohzPWkHPB1exCLjVxfJ719zvj7wrx1LbiTnvuuBjdaZyKIt88OdKHUVGeNN-ZqfPFTr298BA=s320) |
where the Rio Celeste meets another river & the 2 colors mix |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieS1Vg9NYzXOisaCeu1F4-XmRusYzWVfDjWGzr9azFD_zVUWMZKLO1QV3HT6_gsgKX958IzyUoFAZXu6PYXHXYSY8hFuT7lR40B_sTGBS1ajIbPutQZ8znunR3RYeuPMAbEoLkZ858oWEN0YhWZEDstJbeVREQJgg5NTri0fnvhsg9a1ldXIE7BtSzQA=s320) |
white faced coati |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2bN7dS4b6glVvN63ZpXx008manQyISlgb4xlXZ45EGgE6_jcpEAwqv0mZ7rQC2eWMAK3vl1xvfEdes5wXSMHFwJXKB7UUMyJBEPVs-JwhaTng8huHVbHMbjcXzJzyb-7bHvtgzGmHISF7iJ-eQItBuWCDsqPz9F3tMlUs3nvFQW7PIQcw7VxuIrBmFw=w400-h225) |
3 toed sloth with her lighter colored baby on her chest |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMnBvbu7S0vn69i2XpYTYJraIBqqAcXvH3XggCapl1YheLbXtE8yvbrEK_0b5ipqAWF8GCXRccZFZbBx1jH_PBVPQjvaEW5X9VzShIyDyCxzJGispd5_y7UzOIHSRWKBpvFMP3NEIMdK9UUQUmwgErjpQSb1--MHMeP4yElkC1pcGQSkppvma4u2QHPg=s320) |
roadside fruit stand |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgquZ1FH_ABM_gFhBNBWZtBba7gFs9T4qkTTrBYvUx7DuOFUQ8AielTLLXDHRDCxy2y2tIO3nNXp5ekCLa4hj0kdGsS0zycqvnXsx0VeBOZZlz7fR5pBzezReLOC-d5m69nok5zPOdRib-_7lNmFm-iXofaB7jmj1l0z4Zyt9nG_zYHpSoyJXRDbq4IGw=s320) |
the pool & restaurant at Monte Real Hotel
|
In the
evening we travelled to the local home of Dona Mara for a lesson in tortilla
making & a traditional meal cooked on a wood stove. Excellent!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZXiPPythgM2vbjyhtoe1QTZ-fMgzipe0zPB6inMeEE5EvzsF0iISrC60GbwMiKwvp_C1cRlv75bn2dz86MXAly8LJr8DOgAp3mAq-YG-nbC9ygQFbE5YByIoItEpMlGxTugIEBK_HLE1GMq3Ye3XuH9IJA1D_0cF6n8vxcGL1a1qhgWU4pkrvCzNgwA=w400-h180) |
we had to wear aprons & hats! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_e_cfN14Tf69zVW7kfoyGZdJ5NKR5IYR7Zpf4qyLrU_wyioNXHVEansbr5OamWRfJLfGGaSpFASTmbp14d27y2WUBz8T73DYsS3dajqbaIiydTNCPJTk44DsBikE0i9dK9xQ13uUIrvN_qHTIYkJiz9_X_Tlps4D3GHWxLMZKjkEjogTDar1UwtDDMg=s320) |
Dona Mara's kitchen, wood stove in the front |
March 4 – We
opted to do a hike on the 1968 lava flow of Arenal – done entirely in a howling
wind & rain; we spotted an Eyelash Palm pit viper on the way & stopped
for photos. Shopping for souvenirs in La Fortuna rounded out the afternoon. We
stopped at an ATM for more cash – an armed guard outside the bank - checking
bags, locking up anything sharp (a utility knife), ensuring everyone washes
their hands & scanning with a metal detector!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpeKt-r-61SlL1IRtC6GNWixf5xICy4TE_BE1DEb3lJGLC2LHOQ5bjrJDSDLaE2xuHJ9zeOYq3vaNPLXrb1G7yULy39Xf2pPZxiM2LMtzcfC8HJAvDx4WxN3_Lmf2rKRNqoUsB3PbD05X638qONkjIvz95iGRpfMHn4fCQ-dlYne-3X3ubr-5a48UiQg=s320) |
Eyelass Palm pit viper |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBi4kDSC-Sb9L-kieg6JKuHIu_y3T5sc78ICXZ4i-1OGJmzVWtsccuMin9Go-ZSvgin1fiCb4qHzKboiG0Fio3ZEQ1q1ylr7jzXcbMlpFV8lMJL__BCCKv7iTPMd7kmrEpr990ANlbGEEzpf4ZKQEwkY2pY0WzELsSASDw5rdEU7hY4vZRNhZhHKYBIA=s320) |
along the lava flow |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_X4sorjrucO0zJRf0HzGAIxhV-X3_G27RNE80-lqIzpGEIGlwzNcujcIrVL28B6st-fHylP-EqWjT--Kk6Hmf1_w8nRkGSkn-V9gqtmvzuB_X831cRwipBGtZUUNZVdaG3327iTwcCUQC3fZUO0dFwQZpgHiSikr3BGYtmLzpRg7mdpsZ0JK3U5wkg=w300-h400) |
heading off in the rain to the 1968 lava flow |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjekEl4pGLrTOLOBZVJsRNqna5o8nFYRRDEzy31LwT_AsTa0UntYGoeBceqs3YUmC6zZDjXjNNCrWfgg1pfUO5F_Rr3OTonloZ90SKd-erC_5uVLQ5jlWaby6JWJ60S0ust2XLi11Hq9AEP-wYIKVODkMJ3T314gh_m00o75jEd1_zeMxjzpE1YsNjesg=w400-h300) |
Our Arenal Volcano hike - the volcano wasn't visible so we improvised! |
March 5 – On
to our next location which included a boat trip across Lake Arenal & our
first good views of the volcano. Windy, rough, narrow roads – the van
overheated & we had to stop at a farm for water! We arrived to the
Monteverde area & our “home” for 3 nights – El Establo Mountain Hotel which
took our breath away! A wall of windows overlooking the valley & on to the
Pacific ocean with rocking chairs to put out on the patio where we watched coatis
up close. The others went ziplining, we chose to wander thru Monteverde &
enjoy a leisurely lunch. As we were in the cloud forest it was fitting that the
clouds & mist moved in as the day progressed. We finished the day with a
group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_a2XXKkNt7vd_3fT1AzeFrijQQgOIYjocBXv7OZoTzH39NjlUzNagCbGkgDowB19yofAVvlp6ZxA43nywCuxE8jGHzMt7rVanLtS0j0Ky6U1uWBbUx4WTa0q2beUJD8I3CUlz2GaE6yxefiQU-1hpvcUpi6_uuJv0V6qOplrzFbHnT1e2v2brAwns7w=s320) |
view of Arenal from la Fortuna before we left, & after the rain stopped |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghrGGVmmxP56yC9ztZ9OcjxFRBHo1o12od-P9Udn3A1uYsCEZPM32n8HpNTCGC2-10rkhOt7Ty36d6-pGiOBNJ87DtuvuCMQSQhRs7ouoZLZmPSaBV0QEcinAmin_i83TNo64yTQoE9eHaQ9ugi2NSnIBZGbcNsYA92HupTFFJcckk8KzRnyL5uIZ_IA=w300-h400) |
looking at Arenal Volcano from the lake |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA8J1tnDdDCH-FNwUoTqMDqOr6TiVlNXXdRaYZbUTkIebEXRdQO7kgvVkj9jxxk5HRSSj0GXzEYZtodfua5acTisGreiQ1IHMowmCjDr-zqmJMAA-UQ7JW5auUxH-_QLsOV6W46h5pj_b7B01njGitAyJpclYw-XXfwgPHJJpH6JnlynmQdBCoolo26Q=s320) |
van overheating |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8jT_cDtyQC2LcTr6A6ciJqOXyp60mPDOb6tn4pk2oKuf4IOObo8HAD4V9FkOblWSvMCNrTT6DbRyVM-jMKk17m8S8DXW9LpkfWPLTHT_8Q-4WZ2nHF7_obueXAtY04yZk_oofnmiQ-V1e_Q3OJg22EeMBLvhZjRQmQJDqDpdVFiBKf4u7ZFF6GZlu2w=s320) |
small roads enroute to Monteverde |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0bSqwe33kcvAJGkge7tf30AQbcaD7foSB_dT14XJd8eiHZKlN1pgQ9XzqmnooJZD_PVxiu1WySD_o0bU6BASdGbh8kQVOTTxPwSM-ME-cuCFM91md57Z82xQ_Mqou95oLZvLJ82XsQ-YoBPXv9rnq2cHPARRTxqZeXhov9U58NhMIB1B1_Q88GMfQYQ=s320) |
views from crossing Lake Arenal |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD5R2x7jQBy1n0yZG-5V0QkQ98ivYUNOINawxU8at2BtL36eBH3kosoodjVqudBBUnKqMzj8JT4mQcEL_wHEystJoafCvK5ONfvtuvhzLPJ6paZVOUp-Tg-9UYMPGPnvQ_Mi7VPWr6LUzdTinucALDFsfJk24xMjxMc6soGaKfNdzy0LNOA6Xrh5RUjA=s320) |
El Establo Hotel! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTmLXVZnUXrp6CMWiNUFubz39-P0NUCZtRWYji2BK1GIi6-CyqPyVTZfDLZVJCtUVvdxRsvelDXLy6CUswkUmm65YR85uk6InhAMtdnxwTkjWPoMZ6uBshj6eE8Y2KZX_InenW0FpeIacj7K5CRbVXx5HsF2VatAD0bond75ttkvz5NjK8Shm-3uphVA=s320) |
sunset from our patio |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgusbLfGx5uXU8etShrviWdrpTRZnGWWgD4RWb8OioEsU3hfOv_2d15QY-SMocDnMnejkw6YYs8VJ0-BTe-O0xZjT1nNcIhnLb7APqv0VpOBW3KnmQ3DUFnx7W5jU7hSU5x-wJumBv9nFSjnwP1TXjxbWBdnfM2GEE3Otvdi-UTs84GoerxF7C2A-GX6w=w300-h400) |
a coati right outside our room |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGQxuM0LvS2i1ufTwM_rCrgdkKJWnSs1cU_3lxC89RRwFKSM_HDwhD1D9k8s250P4Cd3vkegbwUKv5HUU08_4XgeOhyKlipWH2ifMtUsA-T65Pn-GBBDJr2ZNzALlhhb58fZZTX037bfMeXHsK8RNlWVnvH9s9IVltI7T1GG6gE03ZZuHjEUe9Q1t9iQ=w300-h400) |
view of the Pacific from our room |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_t_f6ONmEkHON72GVkmjIc6XnR0wyfTD8k1RmhVwnudGACXTfIv-ixfRzIAslbpfhtukk3ot3VfieWEMzuFrq5JPvvquU0Cogifp3koytrRs89BD7utL4ffbNbBFARLN-sIBF0N7catu_LtjKPxA87YRmu2At9iAJ1Wc1eGXCR4X80ZISkkOyVXi-nw=s320) |
Typical casado meal |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO_gve0druPQDwIXHzJGQ8TD6sWirWuB_33gCc4nsyiS2T6GlxvHswcJSK934Vll2y_1j0-_OFvxNClmc3CdbO7RmXsGYwM323LCu4EOTS0zkXnxNipvyypB7a0G4d7W9IWgRFoZNWfOqb_LnI__QhZMmGiY0_PZ6xA064QL6Ltp3PpLdPIfASjvcECA=s320) |
beautiful wooden masks |
Time to finish this installment, to be continued in Part 2.
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