Oct-2014
Adventurous canyoneering in Costa Rica
Steady…. and go!
Canyoneering. Does it ring a bell?
When I first heard these words all kinds of ideas went through my mind of what it could possibly be. Could it be climbing through a canyon? Maybe attached to a cord and perhaps it involves jumping? Well, something with a canyon at least.
Okay, so then what is canyoneering?
The combination of finding yourself exploring a canyon in the jungle and abseiling through waterfalls is what makes canyoneering. Not something you’d probably be able to do right now if you live in a city, but you actually can do it if you’re in Costa Rica! And it’s very much worth it to get this experience!
I went to Arenal and put my name on the list of some adventurous activities of which canyoneering (also known as canyoning) is one!
What I did not expect is that the canyoneering I was going for really had to do with jumping off a waterfall… Whoo-hoo! Sounds awesome! Here we go!
Prepare to get wet
It’s time to jump into one of the 4×4 trucks and start the day with an off-road adventure to the Lost Canyon in Arenal, Costa Rica. The guide hops into the truck and starts joking around about the adventure we’re about to swing ourselves into. The vibe is good and everyone on the trip is wearing a wide smile and a lot of equipment.
After a couple of minutes we arrive at the quiet countryside of Arenal, up in the mountains. The guides give us a safety talk and show how everything with the rappelling works. We start the hike into the jungle with several groups. I believe I’m in group number 1, so the groups after us can still decide if they’ll take their turn or not. My turn comes up quickly, as the people in my group are all couples and I’m here by myself. Meaning: you go first. Alrighty! We have just entered the jungle and after a minute we already reach the real trail. It’s a path formed by rocks with lots of slippery parts and enough water running through it so that I could actually bathe my feet in the stream. However, I was of course wearing water shoes! Just in case a tarantula or a snake would crawl up my foot you know…
After a couple of short rappelling spots we get to the real work, but first we have to cross a pretty deep pool. So, how will I cross it? “You don’t, you just go in it” my guide says while he laughs. Ah, these local guides, always explaining something with a charming smile, without actually explaining it. Okay, I will just go in it then and see what happens…There you go, now I’m completely wet – Thank you mister local guide! – all part of the deal though, of course. As we continue our way, I seem to get used to walking less clumsy amongst the puddles of water that run through the path. Before the big bath, my guide just took care off, I was stumbling around these little rivers and now it seems my feet are getting more grip. Yay! I’m actually becoming pretty good at all this adventurous stuff! Now it’ time for me to take the last dip and jump of the waterfall. Attached to a cord that is. So cool!
What an awesome experience! I would love to do this more often! Thank you Lost Canyon & Desafio team! Truly, canyoneering through the lost canyon of Arenal was one of the most unique, fun and mostly adrenaline giving experiences I’ve ever had!
If you would like to go Canyoneering too and make an completely awesome visit to Costa Rica, then Desafio can design (for free!) a full adventure vacation to suit your needs.
*This post was sponsored. However I would never endorse a product or service I did not actually use & believe in. Reader trust is much more important. Learn More..
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
- Web |
- More Posts(369)
comment this post