Arrived San Jose, headed directly to Escazu-- amazed at the Americanization of the land, eateries, etc. Definitely lots of character in Escazu... spent lots of time wandering the streets, got to see the Farmer's Market, etc. It's the City of Witches :) but fear NOT! First weekend, made an impromptu trip almost to the top of Irazu-- great first volcano experience. Visited La Negrita at Basilica.
Second weekend off to a fuller volcano experience-- Arenal! Truly amazing first trip. Hotel (Arenal Paraiso) had pros and cons-- I think because it was the last available room, might not have been the best and we arrived a bit late after a long journey through the winding roads from San Jose, by bus! Pleasant experience, nonetheless. Definite positives included having hot springs right on property, great swim up bar, restaurant delicious! Had first zipline experience, which is touted as the best... was pretty spectacular! Went to the top of the volcano by horseback, amazing views despite cloud cover.
Third weekend off to Manuel Antonio, a short flight from San Jose. Stayed on the amazing property of Tulemar in a great house (Panorama)-- spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean... had the opportunity to meet the owner and tour the full house, truly spectacular! Spent a fair amount of time on the beach or at the Tulemar infinity pool, which has super views of the ocean! Lots of animal wildlife on the property including howler monkeys, sloths, and much more... even large iguanas right on the beach! Tulemar has kayaking and more available to guests at the beach... and delivers food to the beach-side bar. Was blessed to take a tour of the Manuel Antonio Park with a local tour guide, who amazingly could spot the smallest finches from a long range! Lots of great eats around the area, and great shopping downtown by the park!
Fourth weekend, must admit NOT my favorite... but definitely an experience. After being at the pristine Tulemar property the weekend prior with beautiful Pacific weather, the Caribbean lodge without air conditioning and lots of rain and unswimmable beach didn't impress me. Nonetheless, the drive through Cloud Forrest to get there followed by the boat ride through the marshes... showcases spectacular wildlife... NOT for the faint of heart! Spent time at the pool when the sun was out, and met some incredible people from across the world. Greatest place to get up close and personal with the green treefrog and the poisonous red frog. Property provides a tour of the greenhouses to view butterflies, etc.
Fifth weekend, by far my favorite city... Montezuma, beautiful plane ride across to the peninsula. Didn't find amazing beaches, but was content visiting the city square for great food, shopping, nice local bar/music atmosphere-- great pedestrian city! Stayed at the fun Amor de Mar Hotel... great breakfast, very wholesome! Zipline not the most adventurous, but offers a short break to check out the upper waterfall. Took a beautiful horseride along the beach to the main waterfall that dumps directly into the ocean-- despite the fall being "broken" from a recent earthquake, it's a great trip... many people walked, but it's a LONG ways, be warned... even by horseback it seemed quite a ways, especially during gallops (LOL). My favorite experience admittedly was walking up the inland waterfall... slippery, but well worth it. Wish had time to go back, would pack a picnic and enjoy the great atmosphere where locals and tourists mingle, making attempts to swim across the strong current to the waterfall! Great uphill walks away from town, built some leg muscles just in a weekend... on 2 trips up quite a distance to see a friend's home... well worth the hike to see the ocean from high above and had monkeys visit along the hike!
Final week back in Escazu, then 2 final nights at the Adventure Inn. Went on a day trip to the Poas volcano and La Paz waterfalls. Truly spectacular trip-- first stop, Doka Coffee Plantation (great breakfast, coffee sampling, etc... be sure to buy coffee and a stand-alone coffee maker in the gift shop). Next stop, Poas... gentle hike to the upper level, great views before cloud cover. Third stop, the waterfalls... on a beautiful expanse of property, where we also had lunch (YUM!). Definitely suggest this day trip on arrival or just prior to departure-- peaceful and relaxing with breathtaking views and the freshest air you may even breathe!
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