The trip we've been waiting to take for 10 years creeped up on us quickly this summer, but we were ready! Way back when we were planning a honeymoon we were looking into going to Costa Rica, but there weren't all-inclusive hotels, and the US tourism there wasn't booming yet, so we opted for an all-inclusive Jamaican resort, hoping one day we'd make it to Costa Rica. Fast-forward 10 years later, and when we were planning our BIG 10-year anniversary trip this was the only place I thought about! Luckily we've had numerous friends and coworkers who've traveled there and were able to give us some tips.
After months of planning ourselves (we're not vacation package people), we were so ready to hit the beaches. Luckily Steve's parents offered to watch the girls for 8 days without hesitation. We decided we'd stay in 3 places - Manuel Antonio (the Pacific beach), Monteverde (cloud forest), and Arenal (active volcano).
Although many people recommended to not rent a car, we knew that was the only way we'd be able to see all 3 places without spending hours on local buses or expensive taxis. Needless to say, the car was returned in one piece, and the transmission still intact (somewhat). Steve learned real quick how to maneuver the hills, curvy streets, and large trucks just like a local.
After a 2-hour drive we arrived in Manuel Antonio and our sweet hotel that was a 5-minute walk to the beach and next door to the park. Guess all those TripAdvisor reviews paid off!
Our pool friend
Our little bungalow porch with a hammock next to the pool
We spent no time checking out the beach
Enjoying a mojito at the restaurant on the beach
Our lunch view
The next day we spent at Manuel Antonio Park with our guide. Right away he spotted this 2-toed sloth. We knew we were in for a sweet day of spotting wildlife!
So awesome! I know they say sloths sleep 22 hours a day, but every time we spotted one they were on the move....slowly....but moving.
Howler monkeys - these guys are so loud!
Golden Orb female spider (the male is a tiny dot above it)
Squirrel monkey in the park
Beach in the park
Did someone really unpeel a banana right in front of these monkeys? Yep, that was Steve!
The capuchins surrounding us!
Even the aggressive raccoon came out! This raccoon stole a couple's lunch next to us at the beach. They have no fear of humans. It was hilarious watching the guy chase it while swinging a log at the raccoon.
Crazy cool crabs everywhere!
Pacific ocean from our hike
On our last night in Manuel Antonio we went out with the hotel staff and guests for dinner and drinks. We went to a Mexican restaurant that had an oldies cover band. We had a great time and were sad to say goodbye to the beach and the wonderful people!
Steve and his buddy, Jonathan, who worked at the hotel going out in style! Although it was a fun night, we had to get up early for our canopy tour zip line!
Our most anticipated trip was the canopy tour. When Jonathan recommended this tour (the longest zip line in Central America and 3rd longest in the world), it was a no-brainer! The tour was amazing (our favorite on the trip)!
Ready to do this!
With our awesome guide, Jackson
We all had to try upside-down - scary as hell!
Good thing this line is held together by a zip-tie and duct tape.
Steve coming in after the longest zip line (about 3/4 mile long) and being airborne for a minute and a half. Yikes!
Steve going upside-down too
Up next: Killer drive to Monteverde (cloud forest)
No comments:
Post a Comment