A rough ride and a relaxing cup of Coffee.

Trip Start Oct 01, 2004

113

Trip End Ongoing

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Where I stayed

Montana Monteverde

What I did

Lake Arenal La Fortuna

Don Juan Coffee Tour

Flag of Costa Rica Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Monday, October 24, 2011

Our drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde was adventurous and down right ROUGH!. We departed La Fortuna and traveled to Lake Arenal. From there, we boarded a boat, crossed the lake and began our rough ride through the mountain range. The locals call it a Costa Rican massage, in total we had a 4 hrs of it. I now understand the "overland driving warnings". I'd avoid taking a rental car through the back country, in the rainy season. We spotted a few muddy pot holes that could swallow a SUV lol. It actually reminded me of Africa.

Our hotel of choice was actually under construction, but we lucked out. We managed to get a room with a view.

After arriving, we ventured out to visit the Don Juan Coffee Plantation. It was FANTASTIC!!!!!! Peter and I lucked out, and scored a private tour. Mainly due to the off season and good timing. Our guide (JR) took us through the entire process. The tour changed how we buy and taste coffee. It also opened our eyes to the North American Coffee Market and its shortcomings.

The Don Juan tour was a highlight and I'd recommend it to any travelers in the Monteverde area.

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