Two Backpackers

Can You Please Roll Your R’s!

| by Aracely on September 13th, 2024 | 9 Comments » | Central America, Costa Rica, Reflections

Aracely & Sister Priscilla in Ecuador

I was born in Ecuador and migrated to the United States when I was 7 years old.  My sister and I still grew up speaking Spanish in our homes, since at the time that is all our parents knew.  My name, Aracely, comes from Latin (Roman) origin and is often very difficult for North Americans to pronounce without some assistance.  While growing up here in the United States, it was always pronounced flat, without the rolling “r” sound that my Spanish family infused.  I assumed that while traveling in Central America I would hear my real name again, but surprisingly I was wrong. (more…)

Photo of the Day: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

| by Aracely on August 23rd, 2024 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

As you travel from coast to coast in Costa Rica, be sure to visit the unique cloud forest region of Santa Elena and Monteverde. During our few days in the forest, we enjoyed a day tour in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, a night tour searching for sloths and the sky walk across the many suspension bridges that offer beautiful views of the thick forest floor.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Suspension Bridge Walk

Photo Of The Day: Large Yellow Flower In Costa Rica

| by Aracely on July 8th, 2024 | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

We found this flower during our visit to the Santa Elena Cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Large Yellow Flower In Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica

Photo of the Day: Can you name this Centipede?

| by Aracely on April 17th, 2024 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Can you help us identify what kind of Centipede this is? We found it while walking through the Monteverde Cloud Forrest in Costa Rica. We would like to label it correctly.

Centipedes

Photo of the Day: Playa Chiquita in Costa Rica

| by Aracely on April 3rd, 2024 | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

An hour bus ride south of Cahuita, Costa Rica, rests Puerto Viejo, a popular spot for travelers looking for sun and Caribbean beaches.   However, just a quick bike ride south through Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is Playa Chiquita, a much cleaner and beautiful natural beach.  Read our Costa Rica Caribbean Beaches article here.

Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica

Photo of the Day: Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica

| by Aracely on March 15th, 2024 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Monteverde Cloud Forest is located 1,440 meters above sea level and has a humid, misty and cloudy climate during most of the year.  It is a rain forest reserve with more than 5 species of cats, 30 species of hummingbirds, and 420 types of orchids.  The area is highly praised as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.

However,  the place is a bit over priced in my opinion specially since in Central America there are many natural wonders you can visit for a fraction of the price.  A company has created a series of parks in Monteverde called Selvatura.   Their operation has a little bit of a cookie cutter feel to it that takes the mystery and enchantment out of nature.

Hanging Bridges at Selvatura Park in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Photo of the Day: Isla Chora Samara Beach, Costa Rica

| by Aracely on February 5th, 2024 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Isla Chora is a small wooded island that rests in the bay of the Pacific Coast Samara Beach in Costa Rica. Samara Beach can be considered the most beautiful off the beaten path beach in Costa Rica. You won’t find excessive development, but you do have choices of luxury or hostel lodging on the beach. The island of Chora is surrounded by reefs and breaking waves. Rent a boat or kayak for the day and paddle your way to the nearby island.

Isla Chora at Samara Beach, Costa Rica