On this first day, we certainly hit the ground running. After clearing passport control and customs at the San Juan Airport, we stepped out of the terminal into the hot humid Costa Rican air. We met our guide, Mark Wainwright, and our bus driver Carlos. Mark says he has been using Carlos for a driver for over thirty years. I sure wouldn't want to drive on these narrow tight heavily trafficked roads like Carlos, but I sure do appreciate having the bus with us all the time to carry our gear :-)
We first stopped at a restaurant for an excellent lunch, then arrived at our hotel, the Hotel La Rosa de America. I always enjoy this place. It has a fence around it for security, and inside is a beautiful garden.