Here we are driving to Quepos ( Manual Antonio) and had to take a few pics of the cliffs and ocean.
Rental car- as our truck broke down just before the trip.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Bamboo Trees
These little guys were right over our heads- almost too close.
THese flying monkeys jumped from one tree to the other until the whole family had gone- even with babies on their backs.
Quepos beach.
Dinner out
On through San Jose, through the mountains and to towards Carribean Coast (crossing Costa Rica).
Beach at Puerto Viejo- on the Carribean Side- in the south part of CR ( about 1 hour from Panama border).
Pool at Hotel Totem
On the Pacific side we crossed endless acres of coconut plantations while on the Carribean side, it was pineapple, mango and banana plantations.
Lots of cocoa plantations and tours as well- we stopped at a small one.
Tiny tree? ( That's just the base- it was as high as one of our condos in TO)
Night life in Puerto Viejo - lots of people, restaurants and pubs- this lady was making her homemade empanadas right on the street- delicious!
Many different tribes of Indigenous Indians live in this part of CR - this one family was walking to their destination, carrying all their packages - cars are a luxury.
Then off to the border to PANAMA ! The insane border where we had to walk across a very old bridge with large wooden planks and gaps. 18 wheelers actually cross this bridge, but there is no room for both trucks and people, so they have to wait for walkers to get out of the way. Not an easy task with our luggage on wheels, and cooler, but after 15 minutes, we made it and in 1 piece!!!!
Once the border was crossed, we had to take a 1 hour taxi ride to the boat docks, where we then had to take a 45 min boat ride to the Island of Bocas del Torro. We first went to the main island called Isla Colon where we started to experience the STIFFLING HEAT. Unbelievable humidity on the Carribean side, it was something we never got used to and very hard to stay outside without sweating or swimming.
Island of Bocas Tel Torro- a capuuccino to start the day.
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| These were the little houses right on the water with the outhouse leading to the water..not very sanitary but how the poor locals of the area lived. |
Then from Isla Colon, we took another boat over to Isla Bastimentos where we stayed 2 nights in a hostel (WHICH HAD A/C!!), met some an English couple and two sweet Spanish girls from Spain, who we did an awesome boat day trip with, ate amazing Caribbean type arroz con pollo dinners on the water, went snorkeling in the crystal waters and emerged ourselves right in the heart of the local community.
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| snorkeling |
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| Our boat guy ! |
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| FISH EGGS |
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| Breath taking Caribbean waters |
Following our amazing day trip down to the beautiful beach, we enjouyed a nice dinner with some lovely people we met along the way, and at night discovered the local little fiesta place with music and dancing!
So much fun salsa dancing with our spanish friends!
