2019: Costa Rica

Nov 11, 2019: Costa Rica Guest House

• Up early for the ride to the Rio Pacuare.  Four hours, 19 miles, $100, class II and III rapids through a lovely and at times narrow valley, 3 rafts with 6 to a raft, nobody else.  At one point we got stuck on a rock and had to jump out of the raft to free it.  Unfortunately, by the time I got back on the raft, we had passed through the most beautiful (but short) part of the canyon - so no photos of it.

• On the ride back, a gringo from San Diego gave me mosquito repellent and sun spray (not allowed on the plane).  Just what I needed!

• Now back in San Jose,  stuffing myself with fish ceviche and steak, washed down with a glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.  Expensive; and I accidentally tipped the waitress too much. 

• Got $100 in twenties from an ATM for $103: 3%; got 60,000 colones; charged 61,500 (2.5%); for $106.08 => 565.6 col per dollar

• Weather forecast for next week: rain every day all over the country

• Recommended by fellow rafter:

• 2 volcano tours: la fortuna 

• Hostel container la fortuna 

• Monteverde: hostel outbox inn or hakuna matata