San Jose - Manuel Antonio

After a 5-hour bus journey back to San Jose, a dickhead taxi driver who ripped us off and got the full force of my rage, a bitterly average room in Hotel Otoya…I was ready to explode. We loved Puerto Viejo and were gutted to leave but at the same time I was secretly excited to get back to my fav hotel in San Jose, eat beautiful food and have a night of relaxing before heading to Manuel Antonio.

However, arriving in SJ, it was raining so we hopped in a cab for the 1.6km ride which should have cost no more than a few bucks. To our surprise the ASSHOLE WEASEL of a driver told us the roads were ‘closed’ so we had to go an alternative way. WELL…after hiding the meter and then attempting to charge us $15NZD upon arrival I blew up. Leo took a photo of his regi plate and then the driver blew up, shouting some pish about calling the cops etc etc… so we had a huge argument on the street and after many words and a highly pissed off Scottish chick, he dropped the price to $10NZD…which is still way more than expected but I was too over it to argue any more.

After he disapeared, we checked into our room and another surprise was they put us in the shittest tiniest room in the hotel that was noisy, cramped and no TV. NOPE…just nope. I complained and to our surprise we got moved to a much nicer room and all was well again in the world. I was so over it, but then we sat down to dinner and it was fantastic! I love the food at Café Otoya and this time round they really made an effort (probably to reduce the chance of a terrible review by me) but it was an awesome way to finish the night.

​In the morning after a great sleep, awesome breaky, we hopped in an UBER (highly recommend) and made our way to Tracopa bus terminal for our midday bus to Manuel Antonio. $12NZD a ticket and 3 hours later we arrived in the small town of MA. Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its National park, teaming wildlife and beautiful beaches.  Mum and dad made it here a few months back (before dad snapped his collar bone and was flown home) but before the chaos, they seemed to like it so we had to check it out. 

​So far we love it. We checked into our accommodation, another Air B n B stunner- Jungle Cabanas which is costing us $38NZD a night for out own little room in a jungle lodge. It’s brilliant, the room is great, facilities are fab and there is a yoga station, weights and a full kitchen to use. I am in heaven. 

​We explored the town for 1 hour after arriving to get our bearings and saw a sloth, spider and Capuchin monkeys, a whole heap of toucans, hummingbirds and that was on the road to town! I reckon we will really enjoy this place, but I will keep you updated! Right now, I need sleep and a glass of wine!