Costa Rica Honeymoon
Our honeymoon to Costa Rica. Traveled there in late May, 2012. Flew out of LAX to MIA into San Jose, Costa Rica - took about 1/2 a day. From there drove through cloud forests and humble little green towns on up to Arenal Volcano area. Spent a few days in La Fortuna at Las Colinas Hotel (excellent). Hiked up to Catarata, Rio Fortuna Waterfall. Visited a true hot spring - off a trail under the volcano. Zip lined through the rainforst - SkyTrek. Hiked the volcano at Senderos Los Tucanes. There is a family who lives on this land, we gave them some money to let us explore there - a really dark forest. Ate scrumptious meals at Typical food places throught the country on our way to the pacific coast. Saw the crocks in Jaco - the waves were really rough though. We headed down to Playa Esterillos Oeste to visit the Leon's who started an awesome Christian church, Pura Vida Church. They invited use to a bible study in Paquta the following night. Really cool stuff they're doing down there for the communities. Visited Manual Antonio. Hung out on the beach, saw some monkeys and plenty of hemit crabs - my favorite. Other towns we stayed at, Playa Esterillos Este (Pelicano), Quepos (super cheap, $25./night), and Alajuela. Our favorite was a bungalow in Dominicalito. Yes, it is really Wee Man in the picture. He flew back with us from Texas to LA.
Our whole trip to Costa Rica was wonderful. Everyone was friendly and helpful. And the water was warm, warm, warm - loved it! A bit of a warning thought, be careful where you rent a car from and investigate the fees and insurances - there is a lot of crime and scams in this arena I'm finding. Also, for hot springs, do NOT go to Baldi. I read reviews about the slides there being dangerous and thought, 'who are these wimps who can get hurt on a waterslide?' Okay, there is a seriously fast one, and if you smack the back of your head (like me), you will get a mild concession (like me) - and many other people! The people who worked there are not accountable, at all. But, you take the good with the bad - and the whole trip was an unforgetable time that we treasure and wouldn't trade in a momment.