Friday morning Alannah and I went to this place called San Gerardo de Dota. A place we had never heard of, but heard from a friend about this amazing deal they were having on viewing quetzales. It's true, this area is supposed to have the largest amount of quetzales. So we took the deal, which was a one night stay at this awesome hotel/cabin area in the mountains called Hotel Suria. The place was absolutely magical. The temperature in this place was pretty frigid though. I didn't have proper clothing, but still loved this place so much. I really could live the rest of my life there, it's amazing. This area hasn't been completely smothered in tourism yet, or hardly at all really. I was talking to one of the family members who owns the hotel about the kind of visitors they get here. Typically they're European, and typically they're over the age of 50. Being 20 year old American girls was a little different for them haha.
The hotel (which is really just three beautiful cabins) was empty except for us. Not that it was an issue, but I would have liked to have talked with some other people too. The scenery made up for it though. This place had nothing like the usual "tourist" spots. There were no souvenir shops, no fast food restaurants, there were actually only two restaurants in this area and they were a two hour walk from our cabin, and no bars. We were in complete secluded beauty.
My first impression of the hotel area was all of the dogs. Here are some:
Cone Dog, he was a riot. Such a stupid, comical dog.
This dog had the biggest head ever.
This is his lady friend.
This is the fast dog ever
This is the weird fur dog
There were a couple of more dogs that hung out with us, but unfortunately were not photographed. The reason these dogs are so great is because Alannah and I went on a three hour hike, and the dogs went with us the whole way!! Literally the entire pack! It was so much fun!! As you can tell, the dogs were enjoying the water. Here's some more photos from the hike (dogs included):
They crossed three swinging bridges with us! Such bravery!
We were told that this is the cleanest river in Costa Rica. It seems true too, the water was incredibly clear.
Some even climbed these rocks with me! Take a look!
The amazing waterfall
After our hike we walked around the grounds some more, took a little siesta, watched some telenovelas in the lodge, and had our dinner! The area is known for fresh caught trout, so that's what we had. It was great! After dinner we went to the room, talked, and went to bed early for another exciting day!
The next morning we woke up at 5:30am to go birdwatching at 6am. One of the guy who works at the hotel took us and it was awesome. We spent about two hours searching for Quetzals when we were finally rewarded for our efforts! Check it out:
I have more photos, but these two photos were a couple of the best. I love this bird so much!! It's so fun. Also, it's favorite food is avocado, and I'm currently battling an avocado addiction. So we both have a grand appreciation for this wonderful fruit.
I forgot to mention that before we found the Quetzal there was this weird stampede of horses that ran through the road haha. That's how deserted this place is....It was awesome though
Saturday morning Quetzal hunt landscape
After the long hunt we headed back to the hotel for our free breakfast. It was soo good. Some of the best gallo pinto I've ever had here, needless to say I've had my fair share from various places haha. Our breakfast also came with a fried egg, over easy, Alannah and I plopped it over the gallo pinto and let the yoke juices just soak right in. Tasty. Haha. There was also two pieces of bread with homemade strawberry jam and a cup of perfectly hot coffee. Mmm how I love the food here.
Here's some photos of the hotel/cabins!
I took a photo of these because we sell them at Bennett's greenhouse! But I different variety. I believe these are a form of Hens and Chicks! They were growing everywhere at the hotel and were beautiful!
We also sell these daisies at Bennett's too! (Shasta's!)
Just look at that landscaping...
Calla lillies!! Plus our cabin!
Our fellow, loyal, doggy friends. Oh look in the background, here comes cone dog!
After I took some photos of the hotel it was time to go. Our bird guide/hotel worker drove us the half hour to the nearest bus stop we we waited. And waited. And waited, for two hours for a bus to come. Three buses just passed us and didn't stop. We called the hotel and asked what was going on but they weren't much help...they just said one would stop eventually. Oh brother. Plus, this bus stop was in the middle of nowhere, just like everything else. And it was cold. I found this photo on my camera, apparently Alannah had my camera. It shows the situation perfectly:
That's me. Freezing. That's the nothingness we waited in for two hours. Haha.
I made it home obviously, so, Pura Vida!!!
Con Amor,
Sara
No comments:
Post a Comment