americasdiscover.com

click to see Arenal photos
This was only my second visit to Arenal lake during the windsurfing season (Dec-Apr), definitely the lowest of many years. The Easter week is surprisingly quiet on the northern part of the lake, unlike the busy south where small lodges abound around the volcano and Fortuna. We spent 2 nights in an attractive but basic cabin in Xiloe Lodge, beside the best local barbecue place around, Equus, with its stone grotto and cowboy style. The weather was great during our 2 day stay. Read the rest of this entry »

click for photo album

The choice on Sunday was a 60 km ride with 500 or more participants at Zurqui, towards Volcan Poas, or a 30km ride with fewer people at a small village called Lagunas de Turrubares, 2 hours from San Jose towards the Pacific. I headed for Lagunas, mainly because the Johnny, an old friend whose family had ‘rescued’ me on a previous failed trip past Carara National Park, had invited me along. His mother was organising it with the local school. Read the rest of this entry »

click for photos

A few days in Atacama is a complete escape and passes in a flash. Nowhere matches this amazing place. We are already plotting to head back!

Most people arrive at Calama airport. This is a 70 minute scenic hour drive across the desert, but on an immaculate asphalt road, to San Pedro de Atacama 58 miles (94 kms) away. The last few miles you go through an impressive range of hills, Cordillera de la Sal (the Salt Range) – remember these, you will be back shortly! Read the rest of this entry »