We enjoy a cool drink with the view, and then continue along the ridgeline of the mountains that offer more incredible views of this pristine area. This primary rainforest leads the way towards the mountains that surround Playa Hermosa. After stopping off at one more epic viewpoint, we descend the mountains of La Gloria toward the Tulin River to our river-side lunch spot in the small rural town of Mata de Platano. Once fed, we start a new climb through the similarly small and remote villages of Montelimar, Angostura, Pavona and San Gabriel before passing through Las Delicias (population: 39) famous for its ATV and motocross rallies.

Though it’s impossible to describe every little pueblo we pass on the tour, suffice it to say that each has its own unique charm, and the locals always greet us with a wave and a smile. Once arriving in Bijagual - the last mountain pueblo we pass - we begin our final descent to a beach-side bar where we gather refreshments for the end of our beach run. A quick 2 kilometer run alongside the Pacific Ocean brings us to a view of the sun making its way for the Nicoya Peninsula on the other side of the Gulf, and chance to have a drink before heading back to Headquarters.