Costa Rica > From La Fortuna to Monteverde

It rains continuously through the night. Every time I wake up briefly, I hear the rain pounding on the roof. This period marks the end of the rainy season in Costa Rica. Especially over the past two months, the country has seen heavy rainfall. Even in October, there is still a high chance of showers. In general, the likelihood of rain in Costa Rica is always significant throughout the year. Because of its location, clouds are pushed against the mountains from both the west and the east. As the air rises, rain forms. Often it is dry in the morning, with the chance of rain increasing in the afternoon. This holds true for today as well. After I shower, I notice it has become dry. The sun is beginning to peek through.

Costa Rica - Two hummingbirds trying to get food

Although it’s still before seven, I can immediately feel the strength of the sun. Today, I am heading to Monteverde. In a straight line, the distance isn’t very large, but Monteverde lies on the other side of the mountain ridge. There is no direct road, and the route around Lake Arenal has been closed to all traffic due to recent floods. There’s no choice but to take a detour to the Pan American Highway and then turn off toward Monteverde. A considerable detour. The bus must navigate winding mountain roads. José steers the bus skillfully through the bends, but I still feel nauseous. The coffee stop is very welcome. As I continue, the uncomfortable feeling passes. José merges onto the Pan American Highway—the main highway that runs through all of the Americas. I had expected a wide road, but it’s just a two-lane road passing through towns. There’s heavy truck traffic moving north and south along the winding route. Just after the turnoff to Monteverde, there’s a nice roadside eatery. I order a “sandwich especiales”—a delicious sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon. The last stretch to Monteverde is still unpaved. The final 18 kilometers are full of potholes, and the bus skillfully weaves around them. The road steadily climbs. By now, it has started raining again, and clouds hang over the forests. It’s no wonder this area is famous for its cloud and rainforest. After an hour of climbing, I arrive in the town of Santa Elena near Monteverde, where my hotel is located. It is still raining continuously. In the afternoon, I take my umbrella and walk through Santa Elena. At the Tree House restaurant, I order a beer. The restaurant is built around a large tree that protrudes through the roof. From the first floor, I watch life unfold in the narrow street below. The street is lined with several restaurants and adventure agencies. The town is clearly geared toward tourists and backpackers. In a nearby restaurant, the tour group gathers again for dinner. Meanwhile, I follow the Costa Rica versus Mexico match, a qualifier for Brazil. Costa Rica has already qualified. When Costa Rica scores, cheers erupt. In the end, Costa Rica wins the match against Mexico 2-1. Outside, cars drive through the street honking their horns.