I may have only been to Costa Rica for one day, but it certainly made a good impression. So much so that I am now planning my week or two week long trip back to this beautiful country. If you love nature and the untouched, unspoilt beauty that this planet has to offer, then this is certainly the destination for you. When I remember my day in Costa Rica, I remember green; a green so vivid you can only associate it with nature.
Having only the one day to explore before the ship leaves for the next stop it is all about maximising the time that you have, and for me it's about seeing as much as possible of the place. As you get off the ship, you almost seem like honey for bees as you are surrounded by people trying to sell you a tour. We were lucky and found a lovely group of people to share a taxi with and ended up on a 4 hour tour. One thing to note with Costa Rica is the humidity - it is hot! I personally don't mind and rather like hot, but it did take me by surprise and I needed a little while to acclimatise.
Here is what you can achieve realistically in one day when docking in Puerto Limón.
1. Coastal and Rainforest Drive
Our circular tour started by heading south out of Limón along the coast before heading inland through the rainforest. Our driver was so friendly and while driving was keeping an eye out for monkeys in the tree-line near the road. The tour stopped for a short time at a local village where we were given the opportunity to taste the local produce. As well as trying fresh pineapple and cocoa, we were taken around what can only be described as the back garden of this little house where they was a coffee plant, a cocoa plant, nutmeg, pineapple. It took organic to a whole new level.
2. Banana Plantation
I have to admit that I have never though much about banana plantations, but being taken to one of the Del Monte plantations was a very interesting learning experience for me. Our guide was so informative and educated us on how the bananas grow from the flower and then how the bunch is cut to promote further growth, before being wrapped to prevent pests from affecting the crops. It was incredible standing underneath the banana plants. They are so tall and for a moment while I stood underneath it reminded me of a scene from Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
It puts everything in perspective when you then relate it back to the yellow bananas that you see in the supermarkets back in the temperate UK. It was incredible to see almost the whole life cycle of the banana: from the little baby plant sprouting through the older stems, to the flowers, the banana fruit itself and then the felled leaves fertilising the soil for the next generation.
3. Tortuguero Canal
We added a trip by boat up the Tortuguero Canal to our tour , and it is was such a good decision and addition! I always find being on or near water particularly relaxing, but it was great to silently cut through while watching the trees and the water line trying to spot the various fauna and flora. One thing though: do not forget the mosquito repellent, or you will get eaten alive near the water! I personally find that the insect repellent wipes are handy as you can always carry around a few sachets to top up the repellent as you go or if you start to feel something nibbling you.
Animals, animals everywhere! The rainforest was teaming with wildlife! Sloths (both two- and three-toed), spider monkeys, iguanas, lizards, kingfishers, herons, swallows, egits and even a little caiman. This is something that you just have to go and experience as no words that I write will do this justice. I was however disappointed that the tour seemed to end so quickly, despite us being in the canal boat for about an hour.
4. Limón
After the 4 hour tour and stopping back for a bite to eat for lunch, the afternoon was spent strolling around the coastal town of Limón. I felt really safe walking around there and everyone seemed so friendly. Though there wasn't much to actually see in terms of monuments or main cathedrals, there were plenty of shops and little cafes if you wanted to just chill before heading back to the ship.
Enjoy your trip to Costa Rica, and feel free to let me know what I should check out on my next trip there!
Don't forget to check back and see my future blog on self-planned tours while cruising.
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