Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica Resort runs a Nature Hike most mornings leaving around 8:30 – check your app for time and place. For me it was behind building two at the building where they have towels and other fun things. We had to sign a waiver as I recall, and they asked a number of times to see if anyone had bad knees or back. It wasn’t long before I found out why!
We crossed the road outside the resort and fairly quickly arrived at a viewing tower that had the helpful message that wheelchairs were not allowed. That view was not too inspiring, but it may be better at sunset. However, before the hike was over we’d be getting a far better view!
On our trip, while we were looking at some bumps in the dirt – I recall they were crab homes, but don’t quote me – someone saw monkeys in the trees close by, and a white-throated magpie-jay. I’d seen both of these species in the resort, but it was far better in the natural setting.
After walking on flat(ish) roads and paths for a while, we entered some kind of private enclosure and the road started upwards. You can see the observation tower looking tiny down on the plain below, and there were wonderful views of the resort and the bay. It turns out that the white house that you can see up in the hills from the resort was at the top of the hill we were climbing, but we didn’t go all the way up.
Near the top we had a choice of going back the way we came or coming back a different way, and the latter was chosen. This way was less like a road and more of a path, and had a few parts where the footing was a bit slippery, but not horribly so. My closed toe shoes have a relatively smooth sole, and a couple of times it was a bit interesting. On this terrain, I kept my eyes on the path and picked my way very carefully.
We ended up on the beach and a nice flat finish to the hike. Some people were surprised at how long it was (about 90 minutes) and it certainly was a bit strenuous. If I was to do this again, I’d pick my shoes well, watch how much I was carrying, and bring water – and actually that was what I did do, except my camera and lenses need to go on a diet! I really enjoyed it and especially the views. For the rest of the week, yoga on the beach was run at the same time and as I was favouring one leg that I’d hurt playing beach volleyball, that was what I chose. I didn’t get to try the sunset hike.
You’ll enjoy these photos more if you view them on a big screen; start off by clicking on any image.
