After 3 sea days we look forward to a day off the Infinity. We dock around 7 am, it’s sunny and clear, a good start to our excursion in Puntarenas. Our coach waits dockside and we set off by 8 am driving through town. On arrival at the old port we join the train which will take us up into the mountains.
Our train (circa 1950) is basic, it’s a tourist special. We rock and bump along on it’s narrow gauge line, the grade is steep and we just seem to make about 40 kph most of the time. Passing small homes, farms as well as stretches of jungle the trip is very scenic. Pausing to look as some monkeys we note how hot and steamy it has become. ย At some un-named junction we jolt to a stop, our coaches are waiting nearby…mmm air conditioning. 15 minutes later we arrive at the Tarcoles River for our boat trip. To our surprise we are told the river is full of crocodiles and to keep our arms away from the water. During the next hour our boat driver stops twice and lures crocodiles out of the water with cuts of chicken. ย Given the slippery mud and we are talking about crocodiles in a river not a zoo, his antics appeared to be on the edge of suicidal. All the same it is a great journey experience. Then it’s back to the coach and half an hour later where back on the Infinity, enjoying a coffee and snack.
Later in the afternoon we wander Puntarenas, look through the markets and catch up with a local beer in the pub. The weather has closed in and looks very stormy as we head back for a little nap, before happy hour.
