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Now it was time to hit the Pacific coastline in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park was by far my favourite in Costa Rica. Exploring this piece of paradise along the Pacific coastline in Costa Rica was incredible. Luckily, for us, the rain kept at bay as we aimously wandered through the plush jungle. This national park has it all from jungle to beaches which comes with an abundance of wildlife to spot.
There was an abundance of spider monkeys swinging around the treetops. These were easy to spot without a guide. I would say a guide is not needed here as a budget traveller as you can easily spot wildlife. Also, when you see a tour guide huddled together, you know they are looking at something of significance.
Nauyaca Waterfall on the Pacific Coastline in Costa Rica
Nauyaca waterfall is a must. This waterfall is beautiful. We decided on the the 6km walk there and back hike as the cost for this was $10, and you know by now that I am a budget traveller therefore this was the cheapest option. The hike itself was a struggle a constant of up and downs feeeling liek it was never going to end. Yet, the pain of the hike (if you aren’t used to hiking )
Playa Dominical on the wild Pacific coast
This quiet surf beach village is perfect spot for you to catch some waves
Uvita the gateway for Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
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Well, the final week of visiting Panama in July was a little eventful, to say the least. We started by navigating the border and local buses to reach David. A town that can be missed or a town that is a good place to break up the journey.
The David Hostel in Panama
Swing overlooking the Sea in Bocas del Toro
We decided last minute that we wouldn’t be able to make it all the way to Bocas del Toro in one day. There were no hostels/hotels near the ferry port to the island, therefore, we opted to stay in David. That meant making a snap decision on the hostel before our phone signal stopped working. what a decision we made. We panicked and ended up booking the crazy cat ladies’ hostel/home.
This was my worse nightmare. Also, we are both allergic to them. We luckily were able to keep them out of our room. However, the cats and dogs that were free to roam around weren’t the only strange thing about this place.
Anyway, we went to explore the city of David mainly to grab food. I would say walking around this city had me on edge. I don’t know why but I didn’t get a great feeling from this place. Yet, we made it safely around. There is Uber here which we did use as the evening was starting to draw in.
The biggest something isn’t right feeling came from the hostel. When I woke in the morning to about 15 people staying on thin mattresses in the garden. It was a covered part but we were not expecting that. It didn’t feel safe. To top it off two men stopped by asking to use the shower which was strange. The lady did refuse at first but then let them in. We ordered an Uber and got out of there.
Well Our Experiences Didn’t Stop Here
Air Panama Saving the Day
Our Bocas del Toro hostel had bed bugs. The roads in Panama were now shut due to protests. We were on an island with no bus/boat out of there. Flying was the only option as no one could say how long the protests would last. In fact, Pamanain people protested nationwide for one month blocking every major road. This is disastrous as people couldn’t get medical help, food went to waste and petrol stations dried up. Anyway, to leave the island we booked a flight for Sunday… it was Tuesday. We had to book it as we had international flights we couldn’t miss.
The airline said we could turn up at the airport for each scheduled flight and see if anyone doesn’t turn up. This would be perfect as staying at that hostel was our unfavourable option due to the bed bugs. We did this three times on a Tuesday and finally, we got lucky. That meant we had to sprint back to the hostel, find a taxi (we did), grab our stuff, and get back to the airport in 20 minutes.
The Corkscrew Building in Panama City
We made it. We went through the mini security and forgot about all our liquids in our bags. I lost my gin. Oh well, we made it off the island which was quickly losing supplies.
Visiting Panama in July Was Stressful
The last stop was Panama City. The protests had somewhat stopped here but there was the occasional one or two that popped up in and around the airport. This meant that on my final night here I had to treat myself to the airport hostel. I could risk missing my flight back to Costa Rica and then home.
This is the final entry from an eventful, beautiful, and incredible journey through Central America. Please feel free to browse my website for other travel inspiration.
Wow, as first impressions go, I’m impressed. I was happy we finally arrived in the green season in Costa Rica. It was a nice and easy transition through the borders. As well as nice and easy-to-understand buses. Plus, we didn’t get ripped off getting the local bus. We were off to a great start. We arrived early afternoon in Playas del Coco, a nice beachside village. It did look set up for the holidaymakers but the sun was out. So no complaints.
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Straight Down to Business in the Green Season in Costa Rica
Playas del Coco
We did all the small things like sim cards, buying food, and booking activities. We were in Playas del Coco for my friend to be able to do some diving. She is an experienced diver so only she could do them but she said they were amazing!! She saw bull sharks, how awesome. I on the other hand just kicked back and worked on topping up my tan. The sea didn’t look that inviting here but the sun was out in the morning so I made the most of it. I was a little ill so had to visit a doctor for some antibiotics. Therefore, all I could do was rest to make sure I would fully recover.
The Next Stop was La Fortuna
Well, I knew there was a volcano here called Volcan Arenal but I had never seen a picture of it. To be honest, by this point, I had seen many volcanos. A volcano is a volcano, right? Wrong. This one was massive and only came out from behind the cloud as we drove into the town. I was lost for words, this volcano stood so high and wide, really commending the attention it gets from many tourists per year. What a great first impression of this town!
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The green season in Costa Rica was in full swing. We got soaked by the rain each day. Locals even said this was the worst rainy season they have had for a while. However, we didn’t let that stop us from visiting the river swing. Even though as we arrived the heavens opened and the rain then didn’t let up for the rest of the day. The other attraction we did here was the sloth park. It was perfect visiting just after a rain storm and following tours around so you can find the animals without paying extra. The budget backpacker way.
The Final Stop for The Week Was Monteverde
Wow. The journey by bus around Costa Rica is long and takes a day. Why? Well, you end up getting three or four buses between each destination. There is a lack of direct buses unless you opted for the tourist shuttles. However, the local buses are fine just a bit of a wait between the connecting ones. For the price difference, the wait is worth it. Costa Rica is not the cheapest of destinations so saving a bit of money on transport helps the budget.
Typhoon Monteverde
Scorpion
Yep. The green season in Costa Rica really delivered. A typhoon in July. I managed to get out on a nighttime jungle walk which was fantastic even though I hate creepy crawlies. The guide was great and entertaining. The rains held up and I saw many animals including a green pit viper snake. It was a great experience.
Yet, other than that the attractions were closed throughout Monteverde due to the weather. So, I planned out our next destinations and got some life admin done from the comfort of my bed whilst the rain pounded on the window.
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Another day another country. This time backpacking Nicaragua. The border crossing was something else. Probably the longest and toughest ones I have encountered to date. That was even with a company doing it for you. This was the only border where our bus was checked over plus we had to take our luggage inside for the scanners.
Border Crossing from Hell
The border crossing started with a dodgy Covid test. I think it was dodgy as we got the results back within 10 minutes. Therefore, this makes me think it’s not all above board. Anyway, we were nearly at the border after traveling 10 hours in a cramped mini-bus. We had set off early from Honduras to be able to make it to Leon, Nicaragua at midnight. It was well over the 12-hour time scale given but we arrived in one piece with negative covid tests. That is the main thing.
The Next Morning
Crater at Volcan Nergo
After hanging most of my clothes out to dry due to them getting wet on the roof of the mini-bus. We set off to explore the town of Leon. Then came the pouring rain. Well, due to it being the wet season it was to be expected. Leon was our first experience of the wet season, we knew it would rain for maybe a couple of hours in the afternoon however it rained all day long.
We were here in Leon to do one activity. The only thing I wanted to do was volcano boarding. Yep, sliding down the side of an active volcano on a wooden plank.
Volcano Boarding
Volcano Boarding
This activity is why everyone stops off here as well as the cathedral. However, as we set off to Volcan Negro the nerves started to set in. I am someone who gets a little nervous before trying something new. So, with the short hike to the top over with stunning views all around, it was time. Time to suit up and look like we have just escaped from prison and slide on down. It was so much fun and when the speed picked up even more fun. Well worth the experience.
Backpacking Nicaragua Some More
Sunset over Volcan Conception
Next on the list of places to go was Granada which was a cute town but again the rain was intense. So intense we couldn’t really explore and partake in the activities on offer. One was closed because of the landslide, the party was canceled and the clouds ruined the magma experience.
Therefore, we just went on our way as planned to Ometepe. An island in Lake Nicaragua made up of two volcanos. It was pretty impressive. Again, the hikes were closed and it rained non-stop whilst we were exploring the island by moped. However, there was one night when the sun was out and we watched it set behind Volcan Conception. It was a truly magical sunset.
Our Last Stop San Juan del Sur
The last stop was this unique, charming beach town. I really liked it despite it being the wet season here there were breaks in the rain. It looks a bit rough around the edges but I enjoyed it. Maybe because this is where I caught my first green wave and rode it all the way! What a feeling, these three days here really made me realise that I want to be able to surf. Therefore it has kicked started a new hobby. It was again nice to be somewhere for four days to relax. Finally, I was able to get some dairy-free ice cream again so I made the most of that.
Summary of Nicaragua
Backpacking Nicaragua was charming, you really get to see the day-to-day lives of the locals. I enjoyed this country for this reason despite the onslaught of rain, I was won over. I would definitely like to go back and experience more of this beautiful country.
Next week I move on to Costa Rica, a country that I’ve wanted to visit for a while. So I’m excited.
Week 9 turned into two weeks of scuba diving in Honduras on the island of Utila. With each diving company offering the same packages with varying prices it was hard to choose. Some had better living facilities than others. We ended up at Alton Diving School which had its negatives and positives.
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Choosing the Right Dive School
Alton’s Dive School
Once we were through the door it did feel like a cash grab from then on in. I completed my open water course and because of the experience, I had I opted not to go onto my advanced course as most people on the island do. The overall experience at Alton’s Dive School was average at best. The equipment looked better than its competitors and it also provided guests with a kitchen to use. (definitely not the cleanest or nicest). However, a great way to keep food costs down.
The rooms can have up to 4 people in and aren’t very big but they are basic and you get what you pay for. We managed to sneak the water from the college at was there but Alton’s does not provide fresh drinking water, this cost can add up. The experience is what you make it and for me, it was about taking a break from the open road.
Unfortunately, it’s a Negative Experience
Sunset at Alton’s Dive School
So far it’s been a negative review but there wasn’t that much to sing home about. It was basic. I had an instructor who cared more about his jokes than us, yet my friend had a great instructor and she enjoyed her time in the courses that she did. So, again whether or not you will enjoy the course depends on your instructor.
The location is good as it is at one end of the strip so away from the party scene so if you do fancy an early night it’s possible. As Utila is one main street it’s not far to go to the bars and restaurants. When you are here a day trip to Water Cay is worthwhile. The crystal blue waters and golden sand made for a perfect day. to catch a tan and snorkel.
The Real Downside
The real downside to scuba diving in Honduras is the diving itself. This is something that is beyond Alton’s control. There is the lack of sea life in the waters. The causes are overfishing, eating sharks, and the amount of rubbish swimming through the water. All in all a cheap place to get your certifications but not a great destination. I feel like I would love to spend a little more money and be able to enjoy the location as well as the diving. I feel like this island has seen its heyday for diving, unfortunately.
Next week we enter a new country and you can read about it here!
