From Monteverde we were persuaded to get another shuttle by the lovely hostel owner. It seems the bus system isn’t as well organised in Costa Rica compared to the other countries. Shuttles are just so quick and easy. We even stopped off to go to crocodile bridge, on the Tarcoles river. The American crocodiles were huge. One girl dropped her cap down and there was no way she was getting it back. I couldn’t believe I was seeing these prehistoric creatures in the flesh.

After a four hour drive we arrived at our hostel called Plinio. The great thing about a shuttle is it means you don’t lose an entire day to travel so we still had the afternoon to have fun. We dropped off our bags and then went to catch the local bus, which was 300 Costa Rican colones each. All we had to do was get off the bus at the last stop. The local bus is super efficient and does a loop connecting Quepos (the local town) to Manuel Antonio (the tourist town and home to the nature reserves).

We went to Playa Estrella public beach. Of course, we grabbed some cold beers and some lays crisps. Like anywhere you are swarmed by guys trying to sell you deckchairs but they wouldn’t budge. I think there is some sort of non compete agreement. It was fine though as we didn’t need them and found a beautiful spot under some palm trees. Although, I’m constantly scared I’m going to get a coconut falling on my head. People die from coconuts every year!

The beach was stunning and exactly what I had craved. We were even had a deal with another couple where we’d look after each others bags when we wanted to go in the sea. This meant Ollie and I could splash another together.

All sweaty and sandy it was time to go back. We finally got to check in and were back in a dorm with eight other people. The dorm was really cool and felt like you were sleeping in a tree house. Our room even had two private balconies and loads of space to dry our clothes. This was one of our top things to do whilst here. Our bags were getting stinky. Also, I copied someone else I’d seen use their sheet as a curtain. This meant it felt like I had my own little den. Thank goodness for the sleeping liner I brought.

For dinner we went to the restaurant connected to the hostel and had two beef casados. They were actually really delicious but I specifically asked for no sweetcorn in my salad which was ignored. I hate sweetcorn. We also took advantage of their happy hour as it was probably the cheapest we had seen in Costa Rica so far. That meant a few cubra libres were consumed and a gin & tonic. Next thing you know we are with a group of people drinking and chatting. Although, one creepy old man ruined the entire vibe and his misogyny got me so riled up that I had to call him out. I was actually thanked later on by a French girl for standing up for her. He was one of those men that needed everyone to know his name. Worse of all he was a ‘philosopher’ but he was sacked so god knows what he did. I imagine it wasn’t good.

In the morning we got to enjoy a free breakfast of either pancakes, french toast, a typical Costa Rican breakfast, or granola. I went for french toast with a side of fried eggs and Ollie went for the bulky typical. Whilst we were enjoying the free coffees we had to book our slot for the Manuel Antonio National Park. The only time available was 11am but this was good as it meant we didn’t have to rush. We boarded the local bus and treated ourselves to some real Milka chocolate bars which were delicious. Successfully, we avoided all the scams we were warned about and entered the park without any issue. Although, I did get stopped by security to ask what my tampon was.

The park itself was as touristy as expected but we saw so many cute white-faced monkeys that it made up for it. We walked up both the miradors which had stunning views and spent about an hour relaxing on Manuel Antonio beach. The water was so refreshing and it was great to be at a beach with no restaurants, bars, or sellers. Just fully emerged in nature. Although, nature isn’t always kind as an iguana stole a sandwich off a little girl. I didn’t know if it bit her or not but it caused quite the commotion. It did say on google, do not bring food but it is usually the monkeys going off with your Oreo’s.

After a wonderful day at the park we were both super hungry so I had a look at Kate’s recommendations. We ended up walking to a falafel place. The portions were absolutely enormous and I was stuffed. It was so also so fresh. We’ve had such great Israeli food whilst travelling. Then the rest of the evening was spent swinging in hammocks and chatting.

On our final full day in Costa Rica we decided to go and explore the local town of Quepos which is were all the locals live. We hadn’t heard much about it but it was such a close walk we couldn’t not check it out. The walk took about 20 minutes and knowing us we went straight for food. I thought I’d get it right in our last soda but my fried calamari tasted mainly of batter. Ollie got another Casado as I think he always goes for calories over anything else. Nonetheless, he did try the calamari which is a big win for me. One day he will become a seafood lover.

We then went for a walk along the seafront and came across the harbour which housed these incredible super yachts. I always wonder who lives in them. Then we found a bar with $1 margaritas and watched the world go by.

Our last evening in Costa Rica was spent sunbathing, swimming, chilling, and yes, eating more peanut butter. Then next morning it was time to go back to Quepos to get a five hour bus back to San Jose for our flight to Guatemala City. At least this time we were prepared and had our onward journey booked.

Peace out, Costa Rica.