Better weather day so decided to go hiking- went to Arenal’68 National Park for hikes to the views of the larva trails of 1968 and views of Arenal. Walked 5 miles with s log of uphill travel to the summits and back from waterfalls!
Then had s nice BBQ meal at La Fortuna and drove on to a chocolate rainforest tour but it was full so have booked for tomorrow morning. Drove on to La Fortuna waterfalls and walked 500 steps down to it and then back up again- strenuous!!
It was quite an adventure getting here as Waze GPS recommended this route to save 30 mins but I have no idea how – as the route was vertically uphill and became a dirt track but then the road of 1km to our hotel when we got there was almost worst but view and accommodation made it all worth while! We had opted for 2 beds as was same price but ended up with a 2 bed 2 bathroom small house complete with kitchen lounge and dining room and 3 decking areas around the place with stunning views over Arsenal lake
Fortunately there’s a restaurant which cooks freshly to order and serves wine, beer and cocktails at very reasonable prices! I wouldn’t fancy driving up the dirt track late at night!!
Today after an early breakfast we set off in the car to go for a hike round Arenal volcano but it started pouring and clouds came down so wouldn’t have been able to see anything so stopped at Sky Adventures and booked the tramway and the Sky walk across the hanging bridges.
Has a lovely 4 mile walk to waterfalls as well and saw many animals including a whole troop of coyotes and raccoons.
Then persuaded Richard to do a zip line and superman line and latter was nearly a km long and so high up!
A great adventure and very fast ride but great fun!
Our last day in Manuel Antonio- will be sad to leave this stunning hotel tomorrow but part 3 of our holiday!
Went down to the beach- very idyllic, blue sky, hot temperature, calm sea, cold beer and other drinks and snacks available!
Came back to the hotel mid afternoon for a couples deep tissue massage- wonderful but felt so sleepy after! Packed cases and ate at the hotel tonight- their special was lobster Thermidor- it liked too good to eat!
xbyt
Had a relaxing day at the local beach and met up with an English couple called – Karen and Dave (same name as Dan’s parents!) and a welsh couple whose father lives in Pencoed (same as Richards family) !What s small world!
Then we came back to get changed and we went to the farmers night market in Quepos and had dinner in the Marina- very smart place with many restaurants and bars.
Early start as arranged a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park- last week they cut the numbers allowed in each day from 3000 to 1500!! Mad queues outside but we went straight through with our guide! We’re very lucky as we saw all the morning main animals straight away- a 3 toed sloth and a 2 toed sloth and they aren’t related to each other at all biologically!! Then saw loads of howler monkeys, white faced monkeys and squirrel monkeys! Breeding toucans, spiders, 
lizards, iguanas ,raccoons and butterflies breeding! Some of the monkeys were trying to steal peoples bags and same with the raccoons! Stayed and swam on the beach for a few hours
Then had lunch and got s taxi home! Then sat around the pool and made the happy hour!
Had dinner at Emilio’s- a mile uphill to get to it but at least downhill back! A very popular restaurant with lovely food!
Had breakfast in our suite so could watch the wildlife! Drove to Marine Ballena National Park- about an hour away. Mikes of beach backed by jungle and an islet shaped like a whales tail- here both sides of sea meet together!
Walked right out to tail end and swam in the sea- lovely big waves. Relaxed in shade on edge of jungle and had to wade through the sea up to our knees as tide was coming in!
Stopped at a converted plane into a bar/ restaurant with stunning views and had a beer.
After watching the sunset on our balcony had meal at hotel restaurant which is always a piece of art as well as tasting divine! 5 white faced monkeys went past our balcony and settled on balcony behind us- were studying their reflections in the glass table and then flipped it over but weren’t able to right it although certainly tried!
Had a really relaxing day! Woke up late at 7.30am! Had a delightful breakfast so artistically arranged with edible flowers!
Walked down the hill to the nearest beach and have to walk through dome rainforest to get to it so puts some people off so not at all busy- a lovely bay! We’re able to get coconut water but they ran out of ceviche! Did have cold beer available!
Walked back to the hotel and arranged trips and a massage! Had wine on our balcony and watched the sun set whilst also watching howler monkeys playing in the trees and 2 toucans flirting!
Walked up the hill then to the Main Street and had dinner at a Cuban restaurant – very nice food! At least walk back was downhill!
Felt sad and a bit emotional at saying goodbye to Katie and Dan just outside Cartago where Uber taxi picked them up! We travelled to Manuel Antonio over the mountain ranges – with awesome mountain views on either side and then travelling through clouds and then rain and then hot humid weather! Costa Rica is amazing how the climate and landscape change dramatically
Lovely vista on awakening! After breakfast set off for the rain forest near Orosi and then planned on going to the Hot springs. Stopped on passing to buy tickets so had a definite place and then were told that there was lovely walks in rain forest around them so did a hike up the mountain first and then settled at the Hacienda with snacks at 12.30 and meal at 3pm. There were 5 pools with temperatures ranging from 32c to 39c. The place wasn’t crowded at all and the vista was wonderful- the best spa experience ever! The food was delicious too with unlimited cold drinks and coffee! Called in at Walmart on our way home for tapas style snacks and wine!
Woke later than usual-7.30am to a stunning view from lounge and deck and Katie and Dan has made breakfast!
Then drove to Irazú Volcano – we we’re lucky as had a clear view across it and to emerald green lake at the bottom. Irazú is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica and we trekked up to the top too!
And then the clouds came! Very highUV at the top-too!
Drove to Cartago stopping for lunch on the way and visited the famous church.
Came back and sat out on the deck with s beer for the sunset but clouds came!
Katie and Dan cooked supper- a paella with avocado to start!
We had a brilliant day!
Dawn in Costa Rica 