The literal translation of today’s title means ‘pure life’ but in Costa Rica it is a way of being. Encompassing a way of life that emphasises positivity, gratitude, and living in the moment. It’s a mindset that encourages appreciating the simple things, being laid-back, and embracing a stress-free attitude.
Everyone we meet encompasses this attitude, it is amazing conversing with everyone, the people are so willing to engage with you.
This morning we had to wait for low tide and cross the mouth of the river where it meets the sea. This is the same river in which we have seen the crocodiles and stingrays so that was an activity that required a bit of vigilance.
There was another thunder storm through the night, so the mornings tend to start off a bit overcast, but the sun ends up breaking through at about 0900. We were just riding up a track when we saw this magnificent bird. A Common Black Hawk.
We had some big climbs to do today. Probably the most we have done the whole trip. But the views over the forest were incredible.
We had the opportunity to come off the route slightly and go see a beach that was meant to be stunning. We are so glad we took the opportunity. It was another secret paradise.
We left the beach and stumbled upon a quaint little restaurant and we had our first smoothie of the day.
A chance to take a picture of Moose against the bright red mud.
We got on to the next climb and we met an MTB guide that was taking a family out on a ride. Mom, dad and two kids. They were having a good time. The guide has completed some of the hardest and best bikepacking events you could do. The Tour Divide in Canada/USA and The Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan. He was great to chat to as we plodded up, turning those pedals. He has a guiding company so if you ever want to MTB or cycle tour Costa Rica and need assistance with the logistics, he is your guy. The company is called Costa to Coast Adventures
https://www.coasttocoastadventures.com/index.html
https://bikepacking.com/event/2025-silk-road-mountain-race-srmr/
Rachael spotted a beautiful flower that looks like a light shade. It also has some sort of critter near it. It is a brilliant image!
When we got over a large climb there was a little waterfall/creek. It had fishes in the little pool and it was a great place to cool off.
Just around the corner from here we found another place to get a smoothie, Rachael went for a Nutella milkshake to replace some energy.
There was a cute little church on the decent of another climb.
Then we had to get up and over another hill, but the view was worth it.
Our map took us a wrong way and we ended up getting to another large crocodile river to cross. We went for it, got to the other side but could not find a way up the bank. So we had to go through the river again and pick up a road that went up the mountain and bring us over another part of the river that had a bridge.
Once we got into town we went to our accommodation. It is lovely.
It also has an amazing restaurant. Every chef we have had has been top class, from the simple traditional sodas to the multicultural restaurants the food has been magnificent.
Tomorrow we will be in Samara.