We decided to do a little side trip while Caroline recovered. The bus journey will be lovely when they have finished the road.

This National Monument is a series of cascading beautiful emerald pools. The sight from the mirador is worth the sweaty climb up. None of our photographs do the pools full justice, sometimes the eye sees more beauty than the camera.

We swam for ages in the pools which were neither too hot nor too cold but just perfect. The skin eating fish sometimes nibbled a bit hard. You can go from pool to pool and the place is so relaxing.

Back at the hostel, the bar is open, the jacuzzi is on and the pool is refreshing. Murray socialised and played volleyball, while Caroline read a book.

The following day we did a rather strange candle lit cave tour, a gentle level 2 meander through smoke damaged cave walls with a wonderful waterfall climb, slides down and plenty of swimming. Another little walk and back to the hostel for another chill out.

Our only concern was the rain came early and the dirt road back, already partly collapsed, seemed a lot less attractive for the return journey. At one point we thought we might have to get out and push, but the minibus made it – phew.

Back to the Rio Dulce for more time in the swimming pool and bars. We are getting close to our two year limit which means the boat has to leave for 3 months, so Belize or Honduras next, whichever has the best wind.