Travels to Southern Caribbean

[13 Mar 2009 | One Comment | 1,239 views]
Day 8: Sightseeing and Wildlife Watching at Cahuita National Park

The morning sky dawned bright and blue, the perfect weather for a Cahuita National Park hike. After a quick breakfast, we met our guide for the 8 a.m. tour and walked from the company’s Cahuita office to the park’s entrance. Crossing the footbridge over Kelly Creek, we saw blue and white herons roosting in the overhanging trees, a fortuitous sign of things to come.
After paying a voluntary park donation, we set out on the wide, sandy trails. Actually “paths” might be a better word, as Cahuita’s trails can be hiked with mere flip-flops, my footwear …

Location: Cahuita, Southern Caribbean »

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[12 Mar 2009 | One Comment | 522 views]
Day 7: Taste Testing at Finca la Isla Botanical Garden

We had breakfast this morning at Bread & Chocolate, another favorite breakfast spot in Puerto Viejo. Almost everything there is homemade, from the bread to the jelly, and my veggie sandwich — avocado, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, bean sprouts and homemade mayonnaise on homemade rye bread — should just be called “the best way to begin your day.” After topping it off with a strong double espresso, I was ready to go.
Finca la Isla Botanical Garden is an example of permaculture, a word derived from “permanent agriculture”. This movement encourages people to create self-sufficient gardens of …

Location: Puerto Viejo, Southern Caribbean »

Activities: , »


[11 Mar 2009 | One Comment | 434 views]
Day 6: Exploring Canals and Cocoa

Vincent and I headed out for an early breakfast at Peace & Love, one of Puerto Viejo’s most highly recommended breakfast spots. I ordered a huge bowl of fruit, granola and yogurt, while Vincent opted for a typical gallo pinto, or rice and beans. After breakfast we set off for Cacao Trails, one of the area’s most popular cocoa tours. Arriving at our destination, we wound through a small botanical garden on the way to reception. The friendly manager greeted us with a smile and prepared us for the tour. We would begin with a …

Location: Puerto Viejo, Southern Caribbean »

Activities: , , , »