Costa Rica's Atlantic coast - from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo

Tortuguero is a small community in the jungle swamp on the east coast of Costa Rica, which can only be reached by boat or airplane. We take the bus to Cariari and then a small water taxi from there to Pavona, which takes us on a 2-hour ride through the swamp canals to Tortuguero. The place is really small and besides a few bicycles, there is only one motorcycle for the police. Our later guide Gastor picks us up from the 'port' and walks us to the hostel at the end of the village. Because we're hungry, we go straight to a soda and once again have inexpensive rice with beans, this time with freshly caught fish. We skip the planned night walk because Gastor informs us that the turtle season is over. Luckily, because a real storm with thunder and lightning sweeps over the village after dark. So we have a cultural program and Nina watches 'Cast Away' for the first time. It was about time!

The next morning we get up very early (4:45) because we have arranged to go on a canoe tour with Gastor through the canals. As we glide through the canals, we see eagles, howler monkeys (which are really loud and very small), caimans very close to the boat, sloths, and other monkeys and birds that we can't identify anymore. After returning, we have breakfast and go back to sleep. Later, we go to the national park again and explore it on foot. Leafcutter ants are busy everywhere. What do they actually do with all the leaves? The Jaguar Trail leads us through the jungle and runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. At the beach, we finally see a large turtle, but it's already a little dead. When we return to the hostel, we chill in the hammocks in the garden and play with the hostel dog Bobby (6 months old). Because we fall in love spontaneously, we take Bobby for a walk on the beach. The host William suggests that we buy the dog for $500, but then he doesn't want to give him up. Too bad!

On Wednesday, we are personally picked up by the captain for the transfer to Puerto Viejo. Unfortunately, William has taken our money for the transport and is still asleep. After 15 minutes of shouting and banging on the doors, he finally comes down and we can go. Pura Vida! Our captain takes us to Moin at full speed in 2 hours (according to the plan, it should actually take 3 1/2 hours). There is always general confusion among the Ticos at the intersections. Finally, we get into a taxi that takes us to the hostel in Puerto Viejo.

Puerto Viejo is a small surfer village with a Jamaican-style on the Atlantic coast in the south of Costa Rica. It doesn't take long and we are offered grass and cocaine (note to our parents: of course, we decline!). In the hostel, we first have our things washed because we don't have any more underwear. In the meantime, we borrow a bikini and swim trunks from the lost and found and dive into the warm waters. When we finally come out of the water after an eternity, it starts raining. Soaking wet, we stroll back to the hostel and enjoy the evening in the covered outdoor area with beers together with other travelers from around the world.

On recommendation, we don't take public transportation to Panama, but book a shuttle that is not much more expensive and includes support for entry and exit. By the way, we get the exit stamp for the price of $8 in a kiosk. Unfortunately, one of the major highlights on the route is now a thing of the past because the old bridge between Costa Rica and Panama is being demolished. There were apparently too many accidents due to missing planks. We walk over a much more modern and boring structure across the border river.

Next stop Bocas del Toro, Panama!