The next day was devoted to a jungle walk and zip line. This area was different from the Pacuare Reserve; it was higher in the mountains, cooler, with a different flora and fauna. We encountered a coral snake, hummingbirds, toucans, and more ants than I've ever seen in one place, including parades of Leaf Carrier Ants, engaged in their appointed mission: carrying leaves.
[Photo 18: Leaf Carriers, carrying leaves]
[Photo 19: A Keel-billed Toucan]
Then there was the Zip Line. The way this works is, you go to a high point, a hill of some sort. From the top of the hill, a heavy steel cable connects to a very tall tree. You put on a harness, some heavy gloves, a helmet, and attach yourself to the cable on a pulley. The hill is a bit higher than the tree, so you're heading downhill. You then jump off the hill, and slide along the cable at a screamingly fast rate to the top of the tree, landing with enough force to flatten poor Justo. Justo's job is to keep you from killing both yourself, and him.
He succeeded, in that we all lived, despite the fact that I almost crushed him and Wendy would have broken her head if he hadn't caught her in time.
Then we had to rappel down on ropes to the forest floor, which was about a thousand feet down (actually, we were told it was around 90 feet, but I think they were lying). We again succeeded (no one died), though I lost several style points with my initial ten-foot drop before I stabilized. The experience is now filed under the category "I'm glad I did it once. Never again." Perhaps people like me with serious acrophobia shouldn't do Zip Lines.
[Photo 20: Wendy rappels to safety]
The walk back to the lodge through a creek bed made up for any feigned terror from the Zip Line experience; it was so lovely and peaceful. The forest canopy was thick, and sunlight only came through in spots. The creek was lined with black, volcanic rock, and big, blue Morpho butterflies passed lazily through the sunbeams.
[Photo 21: Returning to the Lodge]
After dinner, we managed to confirm what we had suspected during the last two nights. Adventure Life had generously included a "Bat Supplement" at no extra charge. With the open wall, every night just after sundown, and every morning just before dawn, we had several bats return to roost in our ceiling, or whatever bats do when they sleep. We set the camera on flash and made random shots of the ceiling. Here's one of the better photos.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.