This post picks up half way through our fabulous Rivera Travel holiday across Costa Rica as we set off from The Tabacon Hotel and head towards Monteverde and the cloud forest. But first, we made a stop at the Arenal Volcano that had been shrouded in mist until this day when it was finally revealed in all its glory.
Its last major eruption was in 1968 so this is very much an active volcano. The guided walk around the volcanic trails was fascinating, especially noting where the pyroclastic flow had reached. It is prohibited to explore beyond the permitted areas as this, the youngest of Costa Rica's many volcanoes, is only resting and is classed as one of the worlds ten most active.
The view of Lake Arenal from the view point was stunning but only when driving the length of this body of water do you appreciate the extraordinary size of it, as it was tripled in size to 33 square miles with the construction of a dam in the 1970s and forms a cornerstone of Costa Rica's green energy policy.
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| View of Lake Arenal from the viewpoint |
After a stop for a sandwich and drinks overlooking the lake we continue our journey towards Monteverde, climbing into the mountains and taking in some truly amazing views on our way. Our coach driver, Jose's exceptional navigation skills along narrow, unmade roads would terrify me in a car, never mind a coach!
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| Views from the coach on the journey to Monteverde |
Our home for the next two nights was to be the Hotel Poco a Poco in Santa Elena where we had a lovely room with private terrace overlooked by some very inquisitive cows. As I am very height averse I had already said that I didn't want to do the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges to view the cloud forest in Monteverde but my friend (not the other Anne this time) more than made up for my wimpy behaviour by taking the optional excursion and zip lining through the forest before the walk. Everyone had a marvellous time and whilst I was enjoying some time at the spa and exploring the town, they spent the afternoon at a coffee farm.
On day 9 we said goodbye to Monteverde and headed back down from the mountains to head towards the Pacific Coast - a truly magical drive with breathtaking views all the way.
En route we stopped off in Liberia for lunch before arriving at our final hotel, the 5 star JW Marriot Resort and Spa in Guanacaste. A typical American resort hotel, it lacked the charm of some of the other more local hotels, but the luxury and standard of accommodation was exceptional and its setting on the beach was unbeatable.
So of course I took the opportunity for a little dressing up just to prove it wasn't all Dora the Explorer. This silk top had been a sale buy last year from Jigsaw and the cotton chinos are from Pure. Teamed with my trusty Varcas, which are the most comfortable shoe ever for holidays.
Our trip on the final evening to Tamarindo was lovely, we walked along the beach and had a drink while watching the sunset in a local bar, before joining our group for a farewell dinner. I am wearing another top from Jigsaw with
Next linen trousers and those Varcas again.
Tamarindo is really lovely and has a lively back-packing atmosphere with some great restaurants, bars and shops. I treated myself to a pretty necklace as a souvenir of my trip to this beautiful country.
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| Tamarindo |
This was a truly amazing holiday made all the more enjoyable by our lovely group, who all got on famously and were great company. By the end of the tour I was tired of coach travel so ducked out of the final boat trip as it involved a few hours on the coach. As I had lounged by the pool at the hotel and walked along the beach, I felt rested before the journey home - which is always arduous when faced with a long overnight flight followed by our journey back North by train!
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| Beautiful sunset at Tamarindo |
A particularly big thanks must go to our Guide and Driver and Tour Manager who made this a holiday of a lifetime with memories to cherish. So thank you so much Josue, Jose and Karen.
nice pict
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