Costa Rica

Nov 24, 2019: Arenal Backpacker’s Resort, La Fortuna (tent: $35)

• Waited for tour bus 1/2 hour past schedule, then had Isaia phone Red Lava Tours.  They had forgotten me; sent out a driver to deliver me to the tour bus.  

• Walked a couple of hours through jungle and 1964 lava flow of Volcan Arenal.  Cloudy and cool, but no rain.  Spotted howler and white-faced (Capuchin) monkeys - there are only 4 total species, the other two being Spider and Squirrel monkeys.  Also some great plants in the Arenal Observatory gardens, and a short walk (and swim for some) to the Danta Waterfall, wrapping it all up with a dip and some rum at a thermal pool.  All this including lunch for $65.

• We all had dinner at the Restaurante Viques (at my recommendation), then off to a late night at a warm river with lots more rum, returning around 1 in the morning.  This was the best part of the day.

• I met a Venezuelan family during the day, mom Doreen Dalas (Caracas), daughter Ann Maria (an island close to the coast whose name escapes me), son-in-law Raul, and two grandsons.  They said no real problems - I suspect they are well into the upper class.  I am going to visit somehow!