Beach and Monkey Business

After landing in Costa Rica, I picked up my rental car and began the long drive toward Manuel Antonio National Park. The first stretch of the journey was a joy—lush landscapes, almost like driving through a living rainforest. But as night fell, the scenery vanished, replaced by pitch-black roads. I thought it might be raining until I stepped out of the car at my destination. That’s when I realized the “rain” was just the staggering humidity, so thick it condensed into droplets in the air around me.

I finally arrived at my booked apartment around 8 p.m., only to find myself locked out with no response from the owner. After a couple of hours waiting and exploring the small village nearby, I found a new room for the night. Of course, I got a reply from the original owner shortly after, but by morning, everything was sorted out, and I moved into my planned accommodation.

With that behind me, I spent my first day soaking up the beauty of Playa Espadilla. The beach here is stunning, surrounded by small islands and framed by thick greenery. The water may not be as crystal clear as the Galápagos, but the lively scenery makes up for it. Monkeys greeted me from the trees near the parking lot, and I spent a while snapping photos of them before heading to the shore.

Costa Rica has already charmed me—delicious fruits, endless wildlife, and the promise of surfing on the horizon. I can’t wait to see what else it has in store.Read more