We booked a Garden villa (3 double beds) with a beautiful view, settled in lush gardens on the top of a hill. Unfortunately we spent only our first night in this charming place. Our inner clock woke us up at 5 am... Alex grabbed his Gopro and went on an animal hunt... A fresh fruit platter, 2 eggs, some hash browns, toast and a coconut cake was served for breakfast. There was a nice little coffee trail that led around the premises where we spotted our first giant butterflies, huge caterpillars, squirrels, hummingbirds and other small creatures.... At 9.00h Rafael, our driver from the airport, picked us up to take us on a 4 hours drive to Cahuita, located on the Carribean coast. We stopped at a true local so called "soda" (restaurant) - where we first had to get accustomed to the humidity. I ordered some cheese/bean empanadas and pinto gallo (beef) but I had to eat most of it myself.

Just before arriving at our hotel, we spotted a 3fingered sloth wanting to cross the road. We turned around and witnessed a little rescue mission; all cars coming from both sides stopped, somegot out of their vehicles and one guy grasped the sloth by the neck and carried it more or less gentle to the other streetside letting it go in the grass. Rafael confirmed that the Costa Ricans - so called Ticos - were all animal friendly and making an effort in protecting their wildlife.

We found out that our hotel in Cahuita - the El Encanto - did not have our booking... or rather that our 4night stay was scheduled two days later. Gladly things worked out in a very professional way that we ended up staying one night at the neighbouring resort called Loco Suizo Lodge.

Dani, the swiss owner was very helpful, we spent some time exploring the surroundings, cooling off in the pool and eating an early dinner. Athena collapsed at 7pm at the dinner table...we all still feel the jetlag.