Daytrip - Carara National Park

So, while staying in Jacó I took a daytrip to nearby Carara National Park. I didn't really know what to expect, other than the fact that a fellow hiker had said he'd seen lots of crocodiles and other animals.

As usual the bus was about an hour later than I'd expected, but at least I was ready and had a book to read. (The Audacity of Hope - an excellent and inspiring read - I highly recommend it). So, I finally got on the bus, told the bus driver that I'd like to get off at Carara, and prayed that he'd remember to stop, since it was just a random stop on the route, and they never announce stops, you just have to know where you are going and request a stop. After asking several people around me if they knew where Carara was so they could help me look for it, I found a nice lady who asked a bunch of people and I ended up being dropped off in the right place. Score!

My first stop on the hike was a bridge that had been recommended to me as a croc haven. My fellow traveler wasn't lying - I was treated to seeing over a dozen crocs lazing about. (pics below). I then went off on the actual hike. I saw countless lizards and iguanas (the iguanas would sometimes just chill on the path, so I almost stepped on several when I was looking off into the woods - scared the crap out of me!). I also saw/heard a bunch of scarlet macaws (they're really loud), a few more crocs by the river (from a safe distance), 2 more toucans, and a coati. It was extremely hot, so I hiked for a little over an hour then turned back.

By the time I got back I was extremely hot and hungry, so I made my way right to a restaurant for a soda. After I recuperated a bit, I asked when the next bus to Jacó was, and found out that it was going to arrive right now. I ran out to the bus stop (this is why being able to speak spanish is so important - the bus stop is completely unmarked, so I had to ask them where to go), and the the bus came 30 seconds later! Waaaay better than my normal wait-an-hour bus ventures.

Pics below - enjoy!

Croc bonanza! I was tempted to wander down for a closer look, but figured that was probably unwise. . .

someone knew I was coming and carved my initials into a tree - kind of creepy, especially 'cause it looks like the tree is bleeding. . .

one of the bazillion iguanas I saw on my hike