El Caribe

After a sucessful little stop at Playa Tamarindo on the Pacific coast to visit the beach and mangroves to spot crocodiles which turned out to be very rainy, I took the 7am bus from Liberia all the way through the middle of the country, changing at San Jose to get to Puerto Viejo. I was so hungry but the only food available on route was overly fried rubbish.  I bumped into some friends from a few weeks ago so that made the journey pass quickly.  I saw many interesting landscapes and things along the way: rivers, a clear river meeting Rio Sucio, banana plantations for companies like Dole, rainforest and villages.  We passed by Puerto Limon on the coast and the Carribean influence was instantly clear. I was so hungry when I arrived that I went to Soda Caribe and ate ceviche and a fish casado (the traditional Tico dish) with coconut in the rice…delicious!

The next day the sun was shining and I hired a bicycle and a snorkel, popped to the supermarket for tropical fruits and headed along the beach road. There were lots of lovely beaches to stop at and the road itself was beautiful with tall rainfoeeat trees either side, big spiders webs between telegraph wires and I saw 3 large groups of howler monkeys swinging through the trees. I stopped off for a fresh coconut and went snorklelling at Punta Uva to see some coral reef and a few tropical fish. I then rode Manzanillo before cycling all the way back just before dark.

The next day I caught the eay bus to Cahuita National park. I walked round with a girl called Cassie and we spotted many.Capucin monkeys, a sleeping sloth, frogs, strange lizards and butterflies a plenty. Then we went on the national park beach until it closed. In the evening I gave some Indian Head Massages and had a very relaxed evening.

I hired a bike again the next day and headed to the Jaguar Rescue Centre. The centre rescues injured, lost or orphaned animals and tries to rehilibitate them into the wild. Most of the jungle animals enemies are power cables (particularly monkeys who try to overhanging trees), cars on roads, domestic dogs and deforeatation. I saw an anteater, 3 types of Toucan, baby orphaned monkeys, ocelots, crocodile amd caiman. Many bird and snake types and sloths. We were allowed to go into the baby monkey area and let the monkeys play with us! One howler monkey reached out his hand then climbed on my shoulder and my head! It was very special.

After my visit I met some friends and we went to the beach and opened fresh coconuts to eat and drink. In the evening a lovely Italien guy cooked me pasta (of course!) and we all headed out to watch a local fire show  I tried to go to the bank but was attacked by a giant crab on the way!!

After a day of hitchiking and rain I decided to leave Monday morning to go Panama. I saw lots od people rooting through bins and hungry along with a few shady characters, which reminded me that Puerto Viejo’s local population are not always benefitting from the tourism there and despite the country’s perceived wealth, many are still living under the poverty line.

Costa Rica to Panama

Costa Rica Sixola to Panama border crossing is my favourite one so far! You get the public bus to Sixola. You go into the post office/snack bar/photocopying place and get pay your departure fee (7 dollars I think). Then you go to customs and get your exit stamp. Then you cross an old rickety disused train track bridge with numerous holes in to get into Panama. If you make it across without falling through a hole in the bridge, then you go to the customs office on the Panamaian side. If you’re lucky they won’t ask you for an ongoing flight out of Panama. I was not lucky this time. (I had been for Costa Rica and Nicaragua!)

The official asked to to produce an ongoing ticket.  I could not as I hadn’t bought one. Due to legal reasons if you want to know what happened next you will have to ask me in person! Needless to say I was finally let into the country after some discussion!

I got a bus to the dock to get a ‘lancha’ to Bocas del toro. There is a collection of islands surrounded by mangroves. The main town is Bocas del toro. All the islands have little houses on jetties on the  edge of the water  I stayed at casa Verde on the waters edge. In fact I could hear water sloshing underneath my bed! I headed straight out on a bicycle with a German guy and we cycled across the island on a very up and down road.  I was shattered! It was getting dark as we approached the first beach after over 2 hours cycling and I was getting worried especially as we had no lights or gears on the bike. Luckily one car with a truck on the back picked us up and took us back! To recover I met my French Canadian friends Zoe and Genevieve for a few beers on the dock.

Beaches

I’ve decided to review the beaches I go to so that if you are visiting the same part of the world you can use as a reference! I will name my top 3 at the end of my trip! I will continue to update this post so keep an checking back if you are a beach babe/bum/surfer dude/snorkeller/sun worshipper!

Costa Rica
Note: At some beaches in Costa Rica you are strongly advised not to leave valuables on the beach.

1  Montezumo
Two beaches each side of the village. One small on the right side and a long beach on the left. Lots of
wildlife around and turtle conservation centre on large beach. Pretty beach with jungle at back. Surfing possible

2. Playa Grande
Keep walking past Montezumo long beach (some parts you need to take the path through the jungle) for 1 hour and you will get to Playa Grande. A long stretch of unspoilt beach with jungle backdrop.

3. Santa Teresa/Mal Pais
This beach stretches as far as the eye can see and further! Wild with amazing rock formations at the Mal Pais end. White sand and surfing waves. Many places to stay but all hidden away from beach edge.

4. Playa Tamarindo.
Named after fruit that grows there. Long fine white sandy beach. Good for beginners surfing. Many hotels and restaurant s was very quiet when I was there but apparently gets busy in high season. River running at one end of beach leading to natural reserve with crocodiles that feed at the mouth at high tide.

5. Puerto Viejo beaches.
There are a few beaches down the long coast road from Puerto Viejo. You can explore them all by bicycle. The best snorkeling is at Punta Uva and Manzillo at the far ends. Beautiful clear water. Coceles beach is best for surfing and swimming

Nicaragua
Note: At all beaches in Nicaragua you are strongly advised not to leave valuables onthe beach.

1. San Juan del Sur
Small bay with fishing boats. Small waves. Ideal for swimming. Bustling beach town with bars and restaurants. (Some built on beach) World’s 2nd largest statue of Jesus (2nd to Brazil) on top of the hill.

2. Playa Hermosa
Around a 20 minute bus/taxi ride($30 taxi return or 10 dollars each for bus shuttle), this private beach (costs $3 entry). Stunning beach that is amazing for surfing.  Where they filmed Survivor, it has a wild feel with only one small restaurant/hotel. (Also rents surfboards $10 for whole day).  First place I’ve ever seen a Sand Dollar (amazing shell creature). Walk to the end of the beach to see large cacti growing on hill edge.

3.) Playas Las Penitas.
Take the bus for 1 hour from Leon. Long black sandy beach that”s
good for surfing. A few beach hostels and hotels (few open in low season). Very quiet, walk over rocks at the end with the cross on top to get to Poneloya beach. Both turtle nesting beaches.

Panama

1. Red Frog beach, Bastimiento, Bocas del toro.
This can be reached by water taxi from Isla Colon for $5 amd has a $3 entrance fee as itos privately owned. There is jungle with poison dart frogs and sloths. Beaches are white sand and good for swimming.

2. Isla Zapatilla, Bocas del toro.
Stunning uninhabited island with jungle in middle. Need to take a water taxi or go on tour. Crystal clear, calm water.

3. San Blas islands, Panama.
There are around 350 – 400 little islands in San Blas. Some inhabited by the Kuna people and some completely uninhabited with palm trees and crystal clear waters. The reef break also runs along behind them. Iguana beach was beautiful.

4. Carpugana, Colombia.
Nice small beach in the town. Clear water and pretty backdrop.A club on stilts buikt in water!

5. La Miel, Panama/Colombia border.
You can walk from sapzurro in half hour over border. Bring passport. Duty free shop. Nice beach but a lot of rubbish washed up. One restaurant doing good fish.

Colombia

6. Playa Blanca, Cartagena, Colombia.
Long white sand beach. Busy with locals especially holidays and weekends. Can snorkel as reef straight off beach. Many restaurants and places to stay on beach. Great fresh fish.

3. Taganga.
Small village beach with many boats moored up so not great for swimming. Many diving shops. Pretty mountain backdrop. Many restaurants.

4. Santa Marta.
City beach, industrial area so not great for swimming. Nice promenade with statues and ceviche sellers.

5. Palomino.
Very long sandy beach with jungle at back. A few hostels/restaurants along beach. Often can’t swim due to strong currents but can go river tubing down Rio Palomino to sea. Lovely relaxed Carribean vibe.

6. Cabo San Juan, Tayrona Park. Stunning beach surrounded by jungle and large rocks. Can walk in 2 hours or take a horse there. Very hot and humid, often cloudy in afternoon. Quite crowded with tourists. If you walk a little further to left of the beach there are 2 other beautiful deserted beaches.

Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands.

1. Santa Cruz-

2. Isabella –

3. San Cristobal –

BRAZIL

1. Recife

2. Recife, Praia

3. Recife, Praia

4. Salvador- Barra beach.

5. Salvador – Praia do Flamengo.

6. Arraial de A’juda –

7. Trancoso

8. Trancoso

9. Praia de Especlho

10. Rio de Janeiro – Copacabana.

11. Rio de Janeiro – Ipanema.

12. Ilha Grande.

13. Ilha Grande

14. Trinidade

15. Praia do ,Ubatuba.

Santa Teresa: Surfs up dude!

Today I decided to have a surf lesson. Some Kiwi girls and I got an instructor. It was much harder than I remember when I did it 7 years ago. I swallowed most of the sea and acquired many cuts and bruises but I perserved and it paid off! I eventually stood up on the board and felt pretty pleased with myself!

Hostels

I”ve decided to keep a list of hostels etc I stay at so anyone travelling can use it as a reference: I will keep adding to it as I go along.

COSTA RICA

1) San Jose – Nomadas. In La Sabana area. Quiet. Comfortable rooms  No lockers. Cold water shower outside. $12

2) Monteverde – Sleepers Sleep Cheap Hostel. Very comfortable room, excellent beds Bathroom in room. Hot water shower. Lockers in room.
Centre of town.Helps with tours/info. $8

3) Montezumo- Hostel el Parque.
very basic. Rooms with lockers. Right on beach. Not particularly friendly atmosphere. Cold water shower whichnis actuallly a tap! $10

4) Mal Pais/Santa Teresa – Casa del Mar.
Best atmosphere so far. Chilled and relaxed with many surfer types.Room basic but clean. No lockers in rooms. Very nice bar and restaurant. Hammocks  Cold water shower in room $10.

5)Liberia – Hostel Dodero.
Small family run hostel. Outdoor well equipped kitchen. Cold shower. Very close to bus station. Clean and quiet. $10.

6) Tamarindo – La Botella de Leche.
Chilled hostel with centre pool. Cold shower. Bathroom in room. Nice communal areas. Quite noisy at night due to dorm being close to TV room. $10.

7) Puerto Viejo – La Ruka Hostel
Nice homely atmosphere and rooms. Outdoor kitchen well-equipped. Hot water most of time. Bike rental. Snorkel rental. Helpful staff. Very secure. $10.

NICARAGUA

1) Isla de Ometope – Hospedaje Central Funky decor, Amazing and cheap restaurant. 16 bed dorm, beds uncomfortable but good value. Staff very helpful and friendly. Cold shower. Lockers. $5.

2) Isla de Ometepe – El Zopilote Organic farm and restaurant with hostel beds, rooms and hammocks. Opportunities to help out and activities. Difficult to get to. Cold outdoor showers. Lockers. Beautiful place but theft is a real issue here unfortunately.Free yoga every morning 7am.
Hammocks $4, dorms $7.

3) San Juan del Sur – Hostel Esperanza.
Beach front, bright rooms, 8 bed dorms. Cold shower. Very friendly helpful staff. Free breakfast. Relaxed atmosphere. 24 hour reception. $10.

4) Granada- Hostel Entre Amigos. Small, secure, central location and very clean. Comfortable beds and very quiet. Friendly owner. Free coffee. Cold shower. $5.

5) Granada – Hostel El Momento.
Fantastic hostel. Great communal space. Restaurant. Laundry facilities. Comfortable beds with personal light and fan. Lockers. Secure and clean. Central location. $8

6) Leon – Via Via.
Spacious communal areas. Restaurant/bar in front but not too noisy. Single beds. Bathroom in room. Cold shower. Some staff friendly, some not so much! Lockers. No kitchen. $7.

) Leon – Hostel Guanabaranca.
Small family run hostel on main hostel street. Small dorm rooms with bathroom. Cold shower. Lockers. Basic kitchen. $6.

PANAMA

1) Bocas del Toro – Casa Verde.
Hostel with fantastic dock location. Awful kitchen facilities. Nice atmosphere and chill area. Bike rental. Some friendly and helpful staff. Bar and restaurant. Music loud until 11:30pm. $14.

2)Between Bocas and Boquete – Lost and Found Lodge.
Jungle mountain lodge. Pet Kinkajou. Amazing views Friendly staff and volunteers. Barn style dorm. Hot showers. Free DIY walks. $14.

3) Boquete – Mamallena hostel.
Right on centre square. Friendly and helpful staff. My favourite hostel so far this trip! Free DIY pancake breakfast. Comfortable beds. Hot showers. Very clean. $12.

4) Panama City – Magnolia Inn.
In Casco Viejo. Clean and safe. 24 hour reception. Individual lamps and plug sockets. Air con. Good kitchen Hot water shower.
$15.

5) Panama City -Pan Americana hostel. In casco viejo. Basic rooms and shower. Rood terrace. Kitchen. Looks onto nice square. Friendly staff.Toast breakfast included.
$12.

COLOMBIA

1. Carpugana – La Bohemia.
Super friendly family feel. Along jungle path. Mosquito nets. Kitchen. Cold water shower. Fantastic staff. Lockers. CP 15000.

2 Cartagena – Hotel Espanola.
Basic hotel with kitchen facilities and fan in room. Rooms only. Central location. Safe and clean. CP 50000 for double room.

3 Cartagena – Casa Venecia Hotel. Fantastic hostel. Not too busy. Slightly older crowd. 24 hour reception. Cold shower, big bathroom. Breakfast included . 6 bed spacious dorms. Lockers.
CP 25000 with a/c

4 Playa Blanca – Hugo’s Place.
Basic beach cabanas and hammock option. Good restaurant. Not very friendly feel. Lockers. Snorkel hire available. Hammock CP 10000.

5. Taganga – La Alchemista.
Relaxed hostel with friendly vibe. Outdoor communal area. Middle of town. Cold shower. Free breakfast. Small dorm rooms.
CP. 15000.

6. Santa Marta – Drop Bear hostel
This is a big hostel in an ex-cartel property Large dorms with fan or a/c swimming pool, large cinema room with massive film selection, pool table, bar, kitchen and restaurant 24 hour reception. Very helpful staff. Large bathrooms and cold shower. Everything you need in a hostel is here! CP 22000.

7. Tayrona park. Very basic hammock hut on top of rocks with amazing view.Outdoor shower and toilet facilities The top hammocks are a little chilly due to wind but mosquitos keep away. Ground ones are warmer but mosquitos a plenty and no nets available. CP 25000.

8. Minca – Casa Loma. Excellent wooden hostel on mountainside above Minca. Follow steps behind church. Very steep climb up steps. Amazing sunset view and view of Santa Marta. Vegetarian restaurant. Bring your own water from the village. Various sleeping options of hammocks, privates and dorms. Cold shower. No wifi. CP 25000.

9. San Gil – VIP Sams.
Very modern hostel right on main plaza. Balcony, swimming pool, excellent kitchen. Helpful staff. Hot water shower. Comfortable communal area. Lockers. 4 bed dorms. CP 22000.

10. San Gil – Sam’s Mansion.
Sister hostel to VIP Sams. Lovely colonial building. Restaurant. 6 bed big dorms. Lockers. Wifi doesn’t work but full use of VIP Sams included.
CP 20000.

11. Manizales – Hostal Kaleidoscopio.
Excellent hostel, comfortable, clean and friendly atmosphere. Lockers. Hot showers. CP 22000.

12. Salento – La Floresta Hostel.
Friendly, helpful, rooms with adjoining bathroom, clean, hot showers, central location near main square. CP 22000

13. Medellin – The Wandering Paisa.
In Calle 70 area close to shops and bars. Dorms a bit cramped and not that clean. Hot water. Lockers. CP 25000.

14. Medellin – La Galeria.
In Poblado close to posh bars and clubs. Comfortable rooms. Lockers. Active bar that attracts younger crowd. Not enough space in communal areas.
CP 27000.

15. Cali – El Viajero hostel.
In San Antonio area of city. Spacious dorms. Swimming pool and bar. I liked this hostel except they didnt tell me I needed to reserve every day and there wasn’t enough space. Shower not hot. Lockers. CP 32000 (La feria period)

16. Cali – Cameleon Hostel.
Very friendly and helpful staff. Salsa studio. Hot shower. Lockers. Clean. Very safe. Good kitchen. Lovely roof top terrace. San Antonio area. CP 25000.

17. Popayan – Hostel Caracol.
Very quiet hostel. Excellent rooms and dorms like a nice hotel. Good kitchen. Semi-hot showers. CP 24000.

18. Pasto – Hostal Kundur.
25 mins from Pasto.
CP 20000 Camping.

ECUADOR

1. Otavalo. Tuquerres house. Family homestay with local indigneous people. Very friendly and welcoming. Bring warm clothes!

2. Quito

3. The Galapagos. I stayed with a friend in various guesthouses, some with no name.
San Cristobal! Island -Hostel Albatross.

4. Tena – Wisdom forest. Volunteer project in jungle. $10 a day for 3 meals a day. Work in morning and afternoon and weekends free time. Very welcoming and friendly.

5 Baños – Transylvania hostel.A little strange but helpful staff. Breakfast. Two bed dorms. Very cold.

7.. Quito airport –

BRAZIL

1. Recife – Cosmopolitan hostel, Boa Viagem. Lovely staff, clean and secure. Good breakfast. Many Brazilian travellers. R40.

2. Salvador – Barra Guest Hostel, Barra.
Clean and honely with great breakfast. 5 minutes from beach. Lovely staff. R545.

3. Salvador – Laranjerias Hostel, Pelourinho. Busy and hot hostel Great location and breakfast. R50.

4 . Arraial de A’juda – Pousada dou Carlos. Sweet guesthouse. Nice rooms. Outdoor kitchen. Amazing breakfast. R50.
http://www.pousadadocarlos.com.br

5. Trancoso – Woods Hostel. Guillherme is a fantastic host in this new small hostel. Right in the village and 15 mins walk from the beach. R35.
guilhermeflyaway@live.com or 73 91519877.

6. Rio de Janeiro – Casa Zambabem, Santa Teresa. Long term rental. Up many steps. Prices vary for carnaval.
http://www.casazambabem.com Rafael Tavares.

8 Rio de Janeiro – Rioow hostel, Lagoa. Private bed cabins with plugs and lights. Lockers. Breakfast. R35.

10. Rio de Janeiro -Lapa Hostel, Lapa.Great central location. Hot and busy. Rooms with or without aircon. Friendly staff. R40.

11. Angra dos Reis – Lion hostel. Security is not great here. Quiet and comfortable. Very basic breakfast. R50.

12. Ilha Grande – The Mango Tree. Very friwndly hut a little disorganised. Aircon rooms. Good breakfast. Lockers. Relaxed atmosphere. R60.

13. Ilha Grande – Hostal Harmonia. Basic but friendly hostel. Small rooms and quite crowded if using kitchen. R50.

14. Paraty – Recanto de Azul hostel. Famiky run hostel. Quiet and honely but not always clean. Great kitchen. Located in town on quiet street. R40.

13. Paraty – Geko Hostel. Relaxed histel by the beach. Comfortable rooms and great communal space. Breakfast served at beach bar. R45.

14. Ubatuba – Ecotrip Hostel. Quiet hostel with confortable spacious rooms, great kitchen and communal space. Good breakfast friendly staff. R40.

15. Sao Paulo – Hostel Alice, Villa Magladena. Amazing hostel. Fantastic friendly owner Denise. Good breakfast with homemade bread. Comfortable beds with memory foam pillows, personal light and plug socket. Homely atmosphere and amazing kitchen. R45

.

Mal Pais/Santa Teresa

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are the same place but different ends of the beach. Mal Pais is the fishing part ans Santa Teresa is the surfers beach. The beach goes on for miles with rolling waves. I’m staying ar Casa del Mar which has a really good vibe, cheap dorm rooms and amazing restaurant with lots of surfers hanging out at the bar.Off for a swim!

Montezumo

I decided to go on a walk to the local waterfalls, 20 minutes they said! I walked to the start and there was a sign saying:

Dear Tourist,
Do not walk to the waterfall in the winter season due to flash floods. In dry season always wear trainers and ensure you never go alone. Do not take valuables to the waterfall.

Well, it is winter season. I was wearing flipflops. I was alone.  I had valuables. So I thiught maybe I shouldnt go! But then a couple (Costa Rican lady and American man) came along and said I could go with them!

We came to a small waterfall and we weren’t very impressed but then a local came along and told us the big o es are further upstream. It was too slippery for flipflops so we went barefoot. We scrambled and balances our way to the first waterfall where we stopped for a chat and a drink. Alejandra and Issac had just got married yesterday. Then a German girl Hannah joined us too. We found big blue crayfish in a pool next to the waterfall.

Then someone came down from a steep mountainside and told us that was the way to the top waterfalls. We decided to try it barefoot. It was slippery, muddy with sheer drops and ropes to help climb. It was dangerous but it was worth it! At the top were two more waterfalls. We went swimming being careful not to be washed down the edge of the cliff! O  the way back we were lucky enough to see a whole group of howler monkeys including a baby! Amazing!

The next day I went on a long walk with Michael an American traveller to Playa Grande. We tried to get over the rocks at first which was hard until we found out there was a path! There was noone on playa grande and with an unspolt jungle backdrop, it was stunning.  Tje sun was hot and burning so we had a swm and headed back.

Turtles in Montezumo

Last night (Sunday 28th Sept) I went on Turtle Patrol! There is a local conservation project called ASVO (see Montezumo Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation Project on facebook). They consist of local people and volunteers who are are non-profit organisation trying to help conserve marine turtles.

After not seeing any turtles between 8 and 11pm I went back for a second patrol. About 10pm we caught sight of the turtle tracks and spotted a turtle laying her eggs. It takes about 15 minutes. The turtle digs a hole with her back legs and lays around 100 eggs. Karla who volunteers at the project told me without the project theres a 1 in 10000 chance of survival for a baby turtle and with the project 1 in 1000. Thats a big difference.

During the day I stopped by the hatchery (vivero) and avfew turtles had hatched. I even saw one pop its head out of the sand  and see the big wide world for tbe first time! They measure and weigh them for research purposes and then release them into the sea. I was lucky enough to release a baby turtle too! I felt like a proud mum seeinv their child off to university!

The hatchery has to be guarded 24/7 to protect the eggs feom racoons, dogs and, sadly, humans Some people still eat turtle eggs unfortunately.

The volunteers work very hard taking shifts to guard the hatchery and pateol the beaches. When the eggs have been laid the volunteer takes them to the hatchery where they are protected until they hatch

Decisions, Decisions!

I wasnt sure where to go next. I decided on getting the 6am bus (everything happens early here!)  to Liberia but whilst on the bus changed my plan and went to Puntarenas port town. From there I caught the ferry to Paquera which arrived at the port playing the theme tune from Titanic! Concerning! On board I met a lovely Costa Rican family who told me all abou the area. The views were of little islands and jungle but unfortunately spoilt by the amount of plastic rubbish in the sea currents.

I caught the bus from Paquera to Montezumo which broke down half way so we had to change.  Black smoke was coming from the engine!

I arrived in Montezumo about 2:30pm checked into a basic hostel with this charming shower room then went for a walk!

Montezumo is a small town on the pacific coast on the Costa Rican penisula. It has surfing beaches and a jungle backdrop.

There’s wildlife a plenty with monkeys swinging in the trees and exotic birds and flowers everywhere.

Spot the monkey!

It is also the season for turtles to come up the beach at night to lay their eggs. More on that later.

Rain!

Let me explain about the rain in Costa Rica. It is currently the rainy season. Now, we are not talking about a few light showers here. When it rains rivers start forming everywhere, raindrops are as big as a 2euro coin and you get drenched from head to toe! See this video to fully understand, this was when it had calmed down a bit!

It rains like this everyday typically from 3pm but today it was about 12pm! Because of this my new favourite essential travel item is a wet bag to keep my camera, phone etc in.

Another essential item is obviously a raincoat which I’ve been wearing constantly since I arrived!

I woke up at 6:45am and saw the sun was shining so I made a last minute decision to have breakfast quick and go ziplining above the cloud forest canopy. There are a few companies that do this here with names including: Original, Adventura, Extremo and Skytrek. Obviously without looking into it I chose Extremo! (Note to self: Maybe ask what you are doing on a tour before signing up to it!)

We were hgh above the cloud forest zipping along wire cables only held on by ropes and chains!  There was also The Tarzan which was a freefall drop then a big rope swing and The Superman where they attached the rope onto your back and you fly no hands through the air. http://www.monteverdeextremo.com

Just after we finished the rains came and I felt very sorry for the next group! The Spanish group at the hostel made some lovely Costa Rican coffee on out return and we all decided to trek up to The Big Tree. Doesnt sound very exciting but it was actually amazing

It is a giant Ficus tree (apparently related the fig tree) that had parasite trees and plants growing that killed parts of it and now its left with a holllow inside and amazing patterns. One man climbed right to the top inside the tree!

Then the rains came again so we headed back to the hostel. I later me up with Nalelly’s Tico friends Frier and Miguel who are from Monteverde. They took me out for a couple of beers in the local bar and told me all about life here.They knew everyone in the bar which wasn’t surprising as it is such a tiny place!

I learnt the word for drunk in Tico… tapiz!