Monkeys were swarming in the trees at Manuel Antonio Parque on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

I just fell in love. Two weeks was all it took but I promise I will be back in Costa Rica. I just barely scratched the surface of this wild and beautiful country and will definitely be back. The people were wonderful, welcoming and made some of the best food and coffee I have had in years. We were also able to see some amazing wildlife through the thicket of the jungle. We saw macaws, monkeys, crocodiles, frogs and wonderful birds and bugs everywhere.

We started in Atenas visiting some wonderful family friends then headed to the Pacific coast to Tarcoles, which was teaming with wildlife. After a few days on the coast we tried to find Volcán Arenal, the most active volcano in Costa Rica. It hid in the clouds most of the time we were there but did give off a small plume of smoke.

We traveled around the west side of Laguna de Arenal, which was an amazing drive, to Santa Elena and Monte Verde. Santa Elena is a backpacker’s paradise and would definitely recommend the area. Our highlight was zip-lining through the cloud forest above the impenetrable forest canopy. We were ready for the heat and humidity of Puerto Viejo after a couple days in the mountains. I could have chilled on Caribbean coast for years and never felt an ounce of stress. Yah Man, it da pura vida man…

Volcan Arenal, from El Castillo, almost comes out from the clouds.

A Scarlet Macaw perced in an Almond Tree in Tarcoles, Costa Rica.

We hiked up to this waterfall from the Arenal Observatory Lodge on the south side of the volcano.

I wish I could saw I found this little guy in the wild but he was featured in a frog and butterfly exhibit.

This young boa constrictor was waiting for us at our room in Puerto Viejo wedged up in our shutters. He was great to meet and luckily no Fer de Lance.

It was difficult to say adios to the beautiful beaches and lush jungle on the Carribbean Coast.