Costa Rica: Poas Volcano and Peace Waterfall Gardens

Time for another adventure with Sol Tropical Tours. It was our last adventure with them today. Our driver Happer and Christian obviously forgot to dance to the sun Gods as the day loomed a bit hazy and clouds surrounded the mountains. We got on the bus anyway, and motored up and away to the Cloud  Rainforest.

The drive distracted us for a bit, as it wove through another city center before climbing out and up the mountain. The road twists and curves, plunging around ravines and sweeping up past villages asleep. this is definitely a road trip that requires motion sickness tablets for any queasy stomach. Don't say in didn't warn you! I was very relieved to be able to indulge in a cup of coffee.

Coffee was required to lift the spirits as the fine misty rain splattered our faces as we got got off the bus. In fact, the Poas Volcano was shrouded in cloud, so the plan changed and we went to the peace waterfalls first. any hope of better weather was dashed on arrival. Next note is that if the guide suggests a poncho, do it! We. Lost two cameras today due to excessive moisture. The rain drenched all raincoats and clothing. We were chilled to the one by the end.

 However, this is a wonderful stop. The birds are plentiful and it is a rescue center for wild animals. We saw parrots, butterflies, hummingbirds (not caged), snakes, orchids, frogs, cows, monkeys, felines and of course magnificent waterfalls. I was taken with the hummingbirds, but since zoos are abolished here, refuge centers are the best way to see the wildlife up close. I would have loved the waterfalls but I was far too wet and cold to really appreciate them, and the kids were worse. I would love to see this on a dry day. Maybe we will go back? As it was, we had to buy new clothes for the kids as they were too wet.

From here, we  optimistically went to the Poas Volcano. It was still misty raining so we strolled up and quickly viewed the hidden crater as it briefly peeped out,  before legging it back to the bus. It was rather frustrating as the day before it had been beautiful. It made me wish the tour guide had the flexibility to change the plan based on weather.

Lunch was back at our coffee stop. The open windows were chilly and the service was a it disorganized. They had missing meals etc. we did appreciate our guide asking for a fire for warmth and the hot food when it did arrive. I had tilapia for the first time and it was pretty good. So, late lunch let to a long drive home.

This was also the day that we had to work out tips. This is exceptionally daunting traveling as a family as of course, tips are expected along the way for all the extra guides. The expected tip based on their recommendations is $10 used per day per person. We did four tours (although the city tour was disappointing) so that works out to $160 minimum for a family of four. I am still stunned. This to me, while I understand it, means we really have to curtail our remaining tour plans as it was not budgeted for when we first signed up. Read the fine print.

This evening, we drove to the Multiplaza and wow, can you say Vegas? I was there to replace a camera, which the rainforest had proven to be too much for, and get groceries. No more eating out due to tips. The girls found Justice, and books and shoes and and and Costa Rica Girl and it was really tough to get out of there quickly. Also note that the roads have tolls that need to be paid in cash and you have to pay for parking. There are surprises everywhere.

Now, I am shivering in a hammock...writing a blog and thinking about more coffee. I have a new camera and well, looking forward to spending time in the countryside tomorrow.

Alajuela on Dwellable

Los Cabos: Loafing and La Paz

Glorious sunshine streamed through the double deck doors and woke me up. So, the following day in Los Cabos became nothing more than a beach and pool day. The sand was warm on the feet and the bartenders were very attentive. By the end of the day, the skin was warm and the brain was relaxed. Just what I ordered!

We finished the day by wandering the streets of San Jose Del Cabo. This time, we did find the downtown and a very intriguing art district. The plaza was wide open with locals wandering in and across the roads. School children roamed the streets freely and we wondered about the school timetable. The vendors were inviting us in but laughed with us as we refused their almost free offers. Cheapo Phillipo was charming and fun, despite being over priced for our lowly budgets. Eventually we wound up at the Baja Brewery for supper after enjoying the street life. Fabulous food and a great outdoor eating area. What’s not to like?

Cheapo Phillipo (he tattooed himeself with the nickname)

Main Plaza

The following day we managed to snag a rental car for the day. Lesson learned: Either rent from the airport or the concierge. Do not rent from the travel desk as they were unreliable and not even apologetic. The concierge got us a great car price and size quickly and in the meantime, we had a cup of coffee.

The car was brought right to the hotel so we were able to complete all the paperwork from there. That was very convenient and so we set off for La Paz. Now, driving there was not that difficult. First thing to note is that speed limits seem to be guidelines, as are the stop signs and even traffic lights. In addition, with all of the construction they sometimes use real people and sometime cut out men with flags. The only road issues that were taken seriously were the Mexican military check stops.

In the meantime, we drove north through Cabo San Lucas on highway 19 through to Todo Los Santos. The rolling highway with the scenic blue ocean views added in with the mountains and tall cacti were spectacular. There were construction detours that required a bit of an adventurous spirit and I swear that neither of us saw the Hotel California (seriously – how did we miss it?).

The road to La Paz took about 2.5 hours. Once there, we decided to stop at Serpentario de La Paz. Outside the gates, we had some lunch and then wandered it. This place is volunteer run and can definitely use the visitation and funding to rescue animals. There were turtles and snakes, birds and an alligator, bunnies and more tortugas. I enjoyed the aviary where you could feed the birds. They were so trusting and landed willingly on arms and fingers. The bunnies were quite happy to be petted and even the large tortoise tried to get his share of the attention. However, the place isn’t that large so we headed out for more exploring.

 The little car bounced through the roads and we found ourselves down on the waterfront. So, we parked the car and walked towards the Marina and viewed the Malecon. Then, we found a delightful little museum tucked into a gorgeous building. There was art and views that took a bit of time to enjoy. From there, you can easily walk to the Cathedral Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz to take in the lovely art works, the ambience and Lady’s chapel. I was amused to see a day of the dead Halloween style display.

Next up was the Museo de Antropología  where you can get a sense of the history of the region. It seemed to have some displays that were still being redone and honestly, it doesn’t take very long to go through. We were done in under an hour. In fact, by the time we found a coffee shop and had some coffee, we were feeling like La Paz didn’t really have that much more to offer. So, more adventures of road works and bumpy roads ensued. We twisted and turned our way to Bandaros Beach and that should possibly have been our first stop as it was stunning. From rock formations, to a lovely bay and gentle breezes, you can feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.

 The only hiccup we really had was our stop there meant that we were driving home in the dark and we took an alternate way back using Highway 1. You are warned to watch for cows sleeping on the road, but I never saw an alive one until much later in the drive. What was more alarming was the crazy speed bumps that signaled a village ahead that you couldn’t see until you were pretty much impaling your head into the roof. My poor co-pilot didn’t even have anything to hang onto. In the meantime, I will say that the roads minus the speed bumps are really fun to drive. I just think that perhaps daylight might have helped. All in all, it was a great day.