Today was Rivers, Waterfalls, and jungle trails day! Woke up early to go on the Waterfall hike, with Carlos, his helper Victor, and another family with two kids. The family was from Germany and we got along rather well. This was a hike that spoiled us for all other hikes! We must have crossed the river 20 times, with everyone splashing through up to our knees (and the kids waist) soaking wet. We then headed up through the jungle to a gorgeous waterfall (see pics). On the way we saw funky mushrooms, colorful frogs, seriously giant beetles, vultures, and learned about the 'not ready rocks'. The kids had a ball climbing, playing in the water, and breaking the 'not ready rocks' with their bare hands pretending they had super strength.
When we got to the first waterfall we all spent time climbing up and getting a good shower of blissfully cold water. Everyone got soaking wet and it felt great. Next, we walked a short way and we got to rappel down to the bottom of the next waterfall. James and I each went with one child -- so we were strapped to a rope, she was harnessed to another rope, and then we were hooked together with about a 2 foot rope. Felt really safe with Carlos, as he was hooking things up and checking it twice, three times. So we worked our way down -- it was so cool being able to do it together. The kids so proud of themselves when we were down! Then we watched the other family come down and took pictures for each other.
Victor had brought lunch in his backpack and he warmed it up for us.
On the way back Carlos found little areas of the river where Sirena could lift her legs up and float. He was goofing off with the kids quite a bit and had them really laughing. None of the children complained about being tired. All told, the hike took 8 hours and we all ate a huge dinner that night.
After the mostly vegetarian meals at pacuare (which I do love, as I said), I think I was needing some protein. We all ate the great beef, chicken and fish at Selva Bananito. And of course, great rice and beans. The kitchen really did a good job. The kids, of course, loved the dessert. The guides usually ate with us, which was great -- so we could get to know them a little better, ask questions and plan the next day. Someone (can't remember who) pointed us to a great sauce; tasted great with rice and beans.
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.