I have decided that the best way to start off my travels in Costa Rica is to hike from San Jose to the Corcovado National Forrest. I realize that this seems crazy to most people, and understandably so, but I I think it will be a wonderful way to see the countryside, meet the locals and escape from the typical tourist trap mentality that you can fall into when visiting a place like Costa Rica.
I got to San Jose and took a cab to my first hotel, Hotel Maranon, on the South-West outskirts of the city proper. Hotel Maranon is a nice place, much cheaper than the hotels in San Jose ($56 a night), and most importantly, I felt it would be a good location to start my trek. The food was good, but expensive, and the hotel staff was very helpful. All-in-all, a rustic hotel situated in a very beautiful environment.
Emanuel, the hotel waiter/concierge, was skeptical about my plans to hike to Corcovado. His comments went something like this ~ “You’re doing what? You know they have a bus right? I dunno dude, sounds dangerous to me.” I spoke to some other folks and got similar reactions. NO ONE thought that this was a good idea; however, no one knew anyone who had done something similar, much less travelled the roads I was planning to take.
I was undeterred and determined to perservere in my plans. I chose a route that would take me through the country-side, from the hotel to El Rodeo, then to Piedras Negras, then Turrucares and finally to Atenas, where my next hotel was waiting. In total, the trip would be about 28 miles and take about 10 hours (according to Google Maps). I know this sounds crazy; however, I have a cell phone and figured I could get a cab if things didn’t work out. As a last resort, I could hitch a ride.
Also, i should point out that I had invested several months walking through the hilly streets of Seattle, which is probably why I so adamantly in favor of making the hike. So, I wasn’t about to allow some pessimistic views, especially from those who didn’t have similar experiences or understand my motivations, deter me from making the hike.
