Adventures with Greg: Pura Vida

My dad found a rafting company called Exploradores Outdoors, which I would highly recommend. They offered multiple rafting options 1, 2 or 3 day trips down the Pacuare river and Tortuguero NP and shuttles and rides are included in the price, they offered multiple options to be picked up or dropped off at all the costa rica hot spots. San jose, Puerto viejo, arenal volcano, etc. This was a no brained to start our trip, we chose the 2 day option and to be picked up in SJ and dropped off in Arenal Volcano, all for $210/ person. I felt like 3 days might be too much rafting on an 8 day trip.

They picked us up Friday morning at 630a in San Jose and took us to their exploration center a few hours away (towards the caribbean side). At the center, we ate breakfast, a traditional rice and beans, fruit and eggs and of course, Costa Rican Coffee! We met with a few other tourists and started gearing up for our trip. Since we were the only ones doing the 2 day trip, it almost made a private tour, it was me, my dad, our guide Kenny and Ariel (who followed in a kayak for safety reasons).

We had a two hour drive to the drop off spot, that included 20 minutes in a Landcruiser, going through some rough roads near the town of Tres Equis. We packed up our stuff into the boat and launched on the Pacuare.

The River

The river is very active and there is always some rapids, the rains and baby waterfalls all around probably contribute to the healthy flow. The rapids aren't insane, but steadily there. Apparently this river is National Geographics top 10 for scenic view, I couldn't find the reference personally, but I will agree. The changing landscape of canyons, mountains, jungle and clouds make for a beautiful trip. Would definitely recommend.

The Lodge

A few white water outfitters have installed lodges along the mostly remote river. Staying at one of those was an awesome experience. The lodge in scope is simple, 10-15 small cabins, all mesh w/ two beds inside. Simple, elegant and very outdoorsy, yet comfortable. Two kitchen centers, where you can cook, lounge in a hammock or eat dinner. This is a perfect place to relax for the evening, do some reading, drink some wine and recharge for another day on the river. We hiked to a small waterfall for a quick swim not too far from the lodge. The constantly changing climate of Costa Rica is very neat to observe from a rocking chair at night, the clouds rolling in, rain coming and going and loud animals. What a place!

The Guides

Kenny and Ariel are locals and they left a strong impression of the quality of the Costa Rican people. It was interesting sharing meals with these guys, having some drinks and learning about their family and heritage. Ariel is from a Indigenous indian tribe, seems as if a lot of the colonized countries share the same fate as American Indians. The "developed" white man shows up on ships, finds beautiful land w/ locals, kills a large portion of them, creates civilization, then tries to change "civilize" the locals. Its an interesting dynamic where the default is to rob the riches and make someone become like you, rather than embracing the differences, learning and being open minded.

Pura Vida!

This was my first time coming in contact with the signature Costa Rican phrase meaning "Pure life", these guys say it as a hello, good bye, a toast, well wishing, etc, pretty festive little saying and starts slowly getting you bought into the Tico lifestyle.

After the second day of rafting, we rolled up to the adventure center where we started and took a shuttle to Volcano Arenal...