Exciting days in La Fortuna & Santa Teresa

On Monday we looked at the waterfall in La Fortuna. The 500 steps down were definitely worth it as the view of the waterfall from below was breathtaking 😍 our timing was extremely good as we were able to cool our feet briefly before the rain started. This then brought us the appropriate cooling up the 500 hours.

We then continued to the next accommodation in La Fortuna. We decided to stay there for two more days to experience all the highlights there.

Unfortunately, our hoped-for relaxation in the afternoon in the hot springs of our newly booked hotel did not take place as planned. The first pool was occupied by animals while in the second the dissolving bottom was swimming around.

Luckily we were able to cancel this reservation and quickly booked a new hotel, where we checked in 40 minutes later.

On Tuesday we visited Mistico Park in La Fortuna with its famous hanging bridges. A great experience in which our tour guide Luis led us through the rainforest for 3 hours. We were able to see howler monkeys up close, as well as various birds and the poisonous blue-jeans frog. He explained to us a lot about the life of the animals in the rainforest and the rainforest itself. The variety of plants, their colors and the sounds in the rainforest are indescribably beautiful.

Another highlight were definitely the hanging bridges, which took us across the rainforest at a breathtaking height. A very shaky but extremely exciting experience ☺️

After a short stop at the hotel, we set off for the Eden Chocolate Tour in the afternoon.

During the two-hour tour we were guided through the cocoa plantations and learned a lot about the processing process of the cocoa beans. We were able to try the freshly made chocolate with various spices as well as a raw cocoa bean.

The highlight of the tour was definitely that we were able to make our own chocolates and experience a cocoa ceremony.

The fresh cocoa beans were mixed with cinnamon, pepper and chili and then poured with hot water after grinding. A great taste experience that also made you forget the onset of monsoon-like rain showers.

The next day was our big day of driving to Santa Teresa.

Before we set off, we enjoyed the great hot springs in our hotel. Relaxing in the hot springs in the middle of the rainforest was a really great experience and that alone made the hotel change worth it. After relaxing, we cooled off briefly in the pool and then set off on the almost 6-hour drive.

Here too, Claudi demonstrated her excellent driving skills, because the roads in Costa Rica are out of this world. Rarely have larger potholes and sloping roads been experienced as here.

We weren't allowed to take a break on the journey because a man with his hands completely tied came towards us and looked like a serial killer and wanted to turn in our direction. We quickly decided to jump back in the car and continue the journey.

On Thursday in Santa Teresa we started a little beach hopping and looked at the surrounding beaches. We saw beautiful beaches that were miles long. The sea water was not as warm as expected and did not provide the expected cooling in the hot tropical temperatures.

In the evening we experienced a beautiful sunset on the beach where we could watch the surfers. Santa Teresa is known as a surfer's paradise and therefore there was a lot to observe. Since the sun sets very quickly here in Costa Rica, it got dark very quickly after an incredibly colorful sky. The proximity to the equator is noticeable in any case.