From the mountains . . .

. . . to the sea
The back road down from Santa Elena (alt. 1800 meters) to the coastal lowlands is quite a challenge, (Note to self: remember to look up the inventors of 1st gear and the 4-wheel drive and, if they’re still alive, thank them profusely and  personally. On bended knee.)  By contrast, the Pacific highway down the coast is first rate. In all, a 6-hour trip.