Got up early, packed and went for breakfast. While eating in the communal area we realised that lots of people wanted to check out but the hotel staff were absent. Half an hour later, Teresa cycled to the twin hotel run by the same owner to speed up the process. In the meantime the reception worker had got up and walked into the office! Got deposit back and cycled 17 km uphill to Lake Arenal . Birds galore, monkeys and a dogkangoroos. Extremely beautiful lake and surroundings, low traffic and semi challenging roads made the experience even better. At about 2pm we cycled up the last hill (struggling a bit ) passing all the posh restaurants for tourists (called either German, Swiss or Austrian bakeries!) to end up in the centre of Arenal town in a soda busy with locals. The very scenic town, at about 500 m above sea level, has slightly better (lower) temperatures and less dramatic rainfall than before the mountain ridge. All these aspects stir the interest of wealthy buyers from home and abroad.
After a heavy lunch, topped with Ice cream, we set off for a 21 km ride across the ridge to San Rafael de Guatuso. Just outside Arenal the road starts climbing (only for about 2 km ) but it’s a complete shambles , dirt track with rubble – a total joke. The wild life and views were truly special and the three hour low speed bumpy ride ended in a late arrival at a nice hotel. Showered and popped out to discover town. Not much to discover; two mins later we were sitting in a bar supping a local, well-earned beer.
72 difficult kms, Total 3045km
After a heavy lunch, topped with Ice cream, we set off for a 21 km ride across the ridge to San Rafael de Guatuso. Just outside Arenal the road starts climbing (only for about 2 km ) but it’s a complete shambles , dirt track with rubble – a total joke. The wild life and views were truly special and the three hour low speed bumpy ride ended in a late arrival at a nice hotel. Showered and popped out to discover town. Not much to discover; two mins later we were sitting in a bar supping a local, well-earned beer.
72 difficult kms, Total 3045km