Chilling by the pacific in Costa Rica

Our time in Nicaragua finally at an end, we took a coach to Costa Rica, stopping off one night en route before heading to the pacific coast and the resort of Tamarindo in the North East of the country. Sadly, the day we arrived it was pouring with rain, and we were soaked to the bone searching for the best-sounding hostel in our guide book, which was a bit of a dump and had no free private rooms.

After wearily trekking around more full hostels and expensive hotels, we eventually found sanctuary at a place called Hotel Chocolate, where we managed to score a bunk bed room with a small kitchen and balcony complete with hammock. Next day was cloudy but the rain stopped and after a delicious supper and breakfast prepared by ourselves we headed out for a nice walk on the beach.

the sun came out and we were able to enjoy a fabulous long beach walk and splash around in the sea – bliss

We had been warned that tourist-friendly Costa Rica was a bit pricer than Nicaragua, which was definitely true, particularly at coastal resorts such as Tamarindo. But by self catering and having a lucky score on the accommodation we managed not to spend a massive amount and have a great time here, especially when, a day later, the sun came out and we were able to enjoy a fabulous long beach walk and splash around in the sea – bliss. More lazy days swinging in the hammock and walking on the beach followed before my desire to make like a monkey got the better of me and we hit the road in search of the cloud forests of Monteverde.