Tag: Adventure

Tortuguero National Park

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Back to Tortuguero

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This is one of the parks where a small canoe is the best option to roam around and catch wildlife, compared to walking. We spent the entire day in the park and village, yet seemed too less in terms of a wholly immersive time. Our tour guide (Jessica and Francisco), who we found miraculously, were amazing. Starting from their hospitality, timeliness, and care to make sure we got the best experience possible. Read more about them and their reviews in Tripadvisor.

Here are the highlights of our day in the park –

By Canoe

We started our tour around 8-30am, which is by far the best time to spot wildlife after the park opens around 8am. Francisco took the two of us around the canals in his little canoe and on the way pointing towards the numerous herons, iguanas, migratory birds, turtles, snakes, monkeys, and other interesting plants and trees that adapted for survival in these harsh environments. We even went within a foot of a Caiman waiting for its prey. It rained for a little bit and we took shelter under a tree that acted as a natural umbrella. With insects and animals all around us, danger lurking right below our little canoe, snakes hissing from the wood next to us, our voyage through the narrow (sometimes less than 6 feet wide) canals and passage ways was truly a humbling experience.

 Walking during the day

In the afternoon, we hiked in the park. With one ticket, you can reenter the park multiple times. In the hike, make sure to get boots. We got them from Tanya next door, and the prices were reasonable. During the hike, Francisco made sure we saw many animals, and unlike other tour guides we had in CR, he was especially keen in giving us a fantastic experience. We saw pit vipers, howler monkeys, beautiful toucans, and several other unique insects. Spotting toucans were by far the most elusive as they hovered in the top most branches of the canopied forest and apart from their sharp voice, it is impossible even to know of their presence. At one point, in our quest for the bird, we stumbled upon a beautiful eyelash pit viper. A tiny golden hued coil camouflaged within yellow-green leaves of a bamboo tree lurked apparent danger. We also spotted some other colorful insects that made the journey through the forest enjoyable.

Night walk

It felt like we could never get enough of the rainforest, be it in the day or in pitch black darkness. A 2-3 hour walk after dark in a small group started from the La Pavona pier area. With flashlights, opulent bugspray and rubber hiking boots, we walked around the park through the bushes and along barely used trails. On our way, we spotted night frogs, spiders, and other scary looking insects. In a quest to spot some sloths and bats, we encountered some raccoons and smaller mammals hidden in the bushes too.

Whitewater Rafting in Rio de Savegre

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Back to Manuel Antonio

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If hiking through the wetlands of the rain-forest or soaking in the mist of the cloud forest was not enough to live the tropical life, floating through the rapids nestled within the secluded canyons typically covers the full range. Watersports typically attract us the most if we have to choose among adventure options. Whitewater rafting, even when sounds fairly scary, was something on our cards from so long ago.

Near Manuel Antonio, there are a couple of river courses that has rapids ranging from II to V, but being first timers we chose the Rio de Savegre for being slightly on the mellower side. Our chosen operator, Amigos del Rio were the perfect partners to have us dip (literally) in the river water while having a fun time paddling through some of the nerve-wrenching rapids there can be.

We got picked up early in the morning followed by some healthy and hearty breakfast before leaving for the raft launch area. The journey itself started prepping us for what to img_0105expect and the fun stories (sometimes scary, but that is the point right?) that the driver and tour guides told us. As we drove up the mountain in unpaved, curvy, and sometimes alarming passageways, we started getting glimpses of the Savegre river. It seemed fairly mellow from that far up, but everything looks so sorted out from that far up anyway, right?

Well, a group of about 10 boats with 5-6 passengers and a guide hopped on to the rafts with their paddles, life-vest, action cameras, and all the courage they could gather. The first few minutes were to kill the ‘butterflies in the stomach’, and to prepare for whats

there to come. First rapid is always the hardest, after that even if it gets tougher, the fun never subsides. We paddled in sync, helped other raft-mates, joked around, took fun videos, dipped in the river waters, and probably made friends faster than in a bar.

Rapids were scary and sometimes spine-chilling when a sudden drop followed by a whiplash of water soaked the swimsuits. But we could not stop looking around to see the serenity and the placid beauty the canyons through rainforest covered hills had to offer. We spotted a vast array of plants, vegetation and wildlife during the quiet times in the river. We went through about 15 rapids of various difficulty but it felt like we belonged here. The connection we developed with the forest and mother nature just in this little journey seemed to be for a lifetime. What else coalesces the adventurer’s soul with the heart of mother Earth, and plants a seed to protect the environment for a lifetime in the heart?

Ziplining through the rainforest

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Back to Costa Rica Itinerary

Okay, so we are in the rainforest, have walked through the misty wet pathways while trying to spot wildlife. But how about catching glimpses of the forest from a ‘birds-eye’ view? Through the rainforest, cutting across the valleys, with scintillating views of lake Arenal and the mountains looking down, birds and wildlife all around, you are bound to have a time of your lives.

Even having done ziplining before, we had our hearts pounding but the staff at Sky Adventures made it easy to get into the groove with professional instructions with light hearted humor. The tour starts with a open air gondola from the ground to the heights beyond the treetops stretching across the canyons. With 7 lines connected to adjacent mountains, completing a circuit to return back at ground level. Our favorite ones were the first and the last one (“Big Daddy”) for being long and fast with breathtaking views.
We bought the combo tour with ziplining and walk tours scheduled for an entire day of activities. For ziplining, there are steps that they take you through and if you can follow their easy instructions, you will have a fun filled day. The staff knows that you are shivering from the fear of height and what not, so they take good care of you. For small scratches and cuts, they have first aid readily available.

Overall, it was a good day out, but be advised of the touristy nature of the activities. So the feeling of getting real close to nature yet not quite there always looms.

TIPS – Carry a action cam like GoPro, you won’t regret. Their helmets have the GoPro groove for you to fix your camera to. Check out a montage of the rainforest through our GoPro lens in our channel.
They take still photos for you to pick up later but don’t trust those as it can misfire. For the combo tour, they offer a paid buffet lunch, but it was not that great. So if possible, carry sandwiches etc. You won’t be able to carry any items with you so need to use their lockers which are safe.

Cloud Forest Diary

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Back to Monteverde

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Absence of real rain, even with a moist and swampy feeling can only be observed in a cloud forest. While rain forests are common, cloud forests are not simply because of the requirement of a certain altitude and formation of clouds through rainshadow regions. There are a few privately owned and maintained parks in Monteverde, that encapsulates the extreme biodiversity along with the geographical intricacies.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are two prime parks in the area where you can experience the diverse species of animals and vegetation. We explored the two parks starting early morning when the opportunity to see some of the more elusive animals are more. Most efficient and effective way of seeing the parks are with guides simply because of their experience of spotting camouflaged animals. In most cases, the trails are well maintained and directed.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Address: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve 55-5655, Costa Rica

This is one of the oldest reserves and has quite a few trails around the park. Without guide but with a slow walking pace keeping eyes and ears open for cues, it took us 5 hours mostly because of the sudden elevation gains. We took the Cloud Forest Trail, El Camino, Swamp Trail along the continental divide, Shining Trail that leads to La Ventana with an overlook to both sides of the divide (you can easily tell the difference between the two sides of the rainshadow region from here), and Suspended Bridge with a spectacular view of the canopy and some more wildlife.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Address: 6 km (4 mi) north of Santa Elena, Costa Rica (+506 2645 5390)

This park requires reservations and a shuttle ($2 per person) picks up visitors from their hotels. Located north of the town, next to the Selvatura Adventure Park, it has a couple of easy trails (e.g. Cano Negro). In the easy paced trail, there are a few lookouts to the Arenal Volcano, but visibility is often going to hinder any views. A nice quiet park to enjoy the tranquility but for the admission fee of $14 per person, and with other options available, we thought this park can easily be skipped.

Night walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Probably one of our best experiences in spending time in the forests, to book a night walk trip in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We booked through Anywhere Costa Rica. Priced at $50 per person, they pick you up from the hotel before dark and drive up to the entrance of the park. A scary gondola ride through the dense fog as darkness sets in, is followed by a walk around the park through the suspension bridges trying to spot nocturnal animals. We spotted several nocturnal frogs, a tarantula, owls and birds. But we heard that on other days you can spot many more creatures albeit with flashlights.

Curi Cancha Reserve

Address: 300 meters west of the Monteverde Cheese Factory, 60109, Costa Rica

Not one of the most advertised places, therefore sort of off-the-beaten-path, the Curi Cancha reserve is located near the Monteverde Cloud F0rest Reserve and is also a privately owned park. They have knowledgeable local guides and photographers who can guide you through the park and a large network of them make it easier to spot elusive species of mammals, birds and reptiles. We found this to be the most underrated parks to spot wildlife in Monteverde. Takes about 3 hours to complete but again to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, go as early as possible.

 

Molokini Crater

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Back to Maui

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Hawaiian islands are famous for the snorkeling and scuba diving along with other water sports. Many beaches and coves in all the islands offer some sort of experience for snorkelers and divers. But snorkeling in the Molokini Crater is surely one of the unique experiences. It is a crater of an extinct volcano right off the shore of the Western flank of Maui, and the majority of the crater is still under water. At visibility around 150 meters, the views of the bottom of the crater and the diverse reef system in it is a treat for snorkelers. Due to the stillness and clarity of the water, it gives ample opportunity for beginners as well to enjoy marine life.

Multiple companies offer snorkel trips from the coast, and it is always better to choose something for early morning to beat the crowd. We chose the Kai Kanani Charters and did the morning express tour that took 2 hours without frills since we have snorkeled before.

We boarded the boat around 7am, and had some light breakfast and beverages. For snorkeling, it had two parts –

  1. First we were taken to the crater and jumped in straightaway. With the morning sun and low tide, the flora and fauna under the water, the colorful reef system, and schools of vibrant fishes brightened up the mood. Check out some of our GoPro videos and photos in our YouTube channel.
  2. After about an hour later, we set course up north near the shore to watch some large sea turtles swim. When they came up to the surface, we had a chance to look at them up close. Plus the reef was even more colorful and vibrant around that area.

In about 2 hours or so, we were done enjoying marine life.

Tips –

  • Always carry a towel and a bottle of water. Sunscreen is a MUST, but for snorkeling, please only use water soluble ones lest it impacts delicate marine life.
  • Get an action camera (like a GoPro) or a waterproof jacket for your DSLR to capture the amazing marine life. The pictures you take with your iPhone (with waterproof case) or point and shoot cameras do not do justice to the marine life photos just because you’d need higher ISO setting to allow the camera sensor to react to low lights reflected from under the water.