Jaco
A ride from the twilight zone hotel to the beach resort with crocodiles in between.
It was quiet at hotel yesterday, I might have been one of the only guests. I walked back along the highway until I found a place to eat. They seem to be called “soda” here instead of “comedor”. Still a little pricier than I expected, so assume I am now in more of a tourist zone.
I was on the road before 6am today. That let me finish my ride before noon. It was hot and slightly humid on the last climb, but I avoided most of the heat. The road started over a hill before coming back along the beach. I saw several ships out in the ocean including this mostly empty container ship. Internet suggests that Puerto Caldera is one of the larger ports for Costa Rica.
After Puerto Caldera, turned inland for 15km on wide four lane highway with reasonable shoulder.
When I turned at 23km, there were already many signs for businesses in Jaco and some for resorts beyond.
Some wanted to sell you real estate and help you avoid being “gringo-sized”. Others were for hotels, adventure businesses and similar tourist attractions.
I had a small descent down to river at 34km. People standing on the bridge. What were they looking at?
Aha, crocodiles!
And more crocodiles. Perhaps a dozen in total.
After this a bit flatter for a while before climbing up over a few steep sharp hills. Last hill was only 200m, but was hottest and biggest hill for the day.
Descended and still many signs for businesses near Jaco.
Turned a little past this and into the tourist town. Nice central street with hotels and similar businesses. I had made a reservation in advance so was easy to find hotel and check in. Now have an easy afternoon to relax and otherwise be a tourist.