TAMARINDO

We stopped in the coastal town of Tamarindo after our short stay in the Costa Rican rain forest. We spent a few days here enjoying the beach, sailing on the ocean, and relaxing next to the hotel pool.

Accommodation: Capitán Suizo

Adventures: Playa Tamarindo, Blue Dolphin Sailing

Wildlife Sightings: evil birds, monkeys, lizards, iguanas, crabs

Takeaways: 1) There is just as much wildlife to see at the beach as in the rain forest. 2) The beach is much warmer than the mountains. 3) Surfing is popular here.

Memorable Moments: 1) Floating in the open ocean with a cerveza and a pool noodle. 2) Spotting a monkey sleeping on a pool chair. 3) Having a team of evil birds distract us at lunch and steal our french fries. 4) Playing with the hermit crabs on the beach. 5) Watching the sunset in the evenings.

Foodstuff:

• Gallo pinto (rice and black beans) is the staple food. A local told us to eat our gallo pinto with sour cream. Yum.
• Cacique guaro is the national spirit. Think vodka from sugarcane. We tried a tasty drink made with guaro, fruit punch, and gingerale.

Recommendations:

1) Pack casual clothes and the usual beachy stuff, including swimsuits, sandals, sunglasses, and sunblock.
2) Consider packing a small flashlight.
3) Leave fossils and shells on the beach. 
4) Save some cash (USD or colones) for your departure tax at the airport. You can pay with a credit card, but it charges as a cash advance.