White-face capuchin monkeys over our heads while hiking in Rincon de la Vieja national park
Rainforest hike near Arenal volcano
Sloth with baby just hanging out in a tree near Vancito. They are so intriguing. Most of the time they are absolutely, impossibly still, it’s hard to believe it’s a living creature, you’re sure it must be a statue. But then they start climbing around in their tree, in sloooooow motion. It’s hilarious to watch!
We explored the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, where we’d never been before. Very different than the west coast. Here is picture postcard perfect beaches.
Our desolate camp on Volcan Irazu where hundreds of people suddenly appeared in the night!
Volcan Irazu crater, the next day
Once back on the Pacific coast, we were treated to countless wild beach camps. Nobody around. Free, wild camping with no facilities. Gorgeous sunsets on wide open flat beaches.
We’d draw giant figures in the sand and swim and boogie board in the warm water, watching the post sunset light until it was dark, then cook dinner at the van while standing in the sand.
We improved our beach camping set up by filling up the solar showers. Wonderful to rinse off the sand and salt before going into the van.
Homeschooling – Lilly is getting good at concentrating in places like this!
Chapter 20: Watching Monkeys from my Shower, aka Living in Costa Rica
Mama and baby commuting on the power lines
The males have glaringly white testicles that swing underneath them like two sagging water balloons. It seems like a poor evolutionary choice for an animal that is constantly leaping around in tree branches – how do they not get those things caught?!
John really got into surfing, and is now able to catch a wave and make several turns before it breaks. I surfed a few times but it didn’t grab me like other sports have. But boogie boarding was fun!
Lilly took a few lessons and could ride the whitewater
Biking along the sandy trail at low tide
Halloween crabs were always scuttling around on the dirt roads
Sunset on the beach every day at 5:45pm
Helpful info for overlanders – do you want to stay in Costa Rica with your vehicle for more than 90 days? It’s tricky but we did it and I wrote up all the steps HERE
