Costa Rica

Leaf Cutting Ant
These ants use the leaf cuttings to culture mould for food

Costa Rica is noticeably different from its neighbours with its peaceful history, enormous amount of foreign investment and villages of gringo ex-pats. Food in restaurants is expensive even before the 13% tax and 10% compulsory tip. The upside is that many areas are set aside for national parks and there seems to be more environmental awareness (judging by the relative absence of litter). We stayed on the beaten track in order to traverse the country quickly, visiting one Pacific and one Caribbean beach.

Grey sand, Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio was recommended to us by some Aussies from the Northern Beaches, Sydney, so we knew it would be nice. There is an attached national park that is good for a stroll but we got soaked in yet another downpour. It had been raining most days, we had recurrent colds and Roger was also fighting a middle ear infection, not to mention smelly clothes. Despite this we saw and photographed a few animals - any identifications are welcome.

Hermie

Iguana

Coati

Cappucino Monkey

The Caribbean town of Manzanillo is in the northeastern corner of the country where we spent a few days snorkelling, beachcombing and drinking rompope (eggnog with rum).

Puerto Viejo

A well fed snake

Manzanillo