24
Dec
2010
Free fall into La Victoria
Hacienda Guachipelin Canyoning
If you’re looking for adrenaline this is what you should spend your time doing, I can guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed. How does it feel to get thrown into a streaming waterfall or make a five meter fall straight into a wild river? After going canyoning you will know.
I did this tour together with three guys from Belgium after a safety briefing we were ready to get started. Our first challenge was to wire ourselves down in to the canyon and then let go at the end. We had to choose if we wanted a long rope or a short rope, in case we chose the short rope we would make a five meter fall straight in to the river. We all went for the long one. When we reached the water we had to swim across the river, which was tougher then it sounds because of the strong current.
Then we had to climb back up the rock wall with water pouring straight on to us. When you do this it doesn’t hurt to be a little stubborn. I am telling you my arms felt like spaghetti when I reached the top. This tour is not only a great experience it also gives you good exercise. Finally, we had to wire ourselves down the rope again. This time we all choose the short one and I’m glad we did, the free fall in to the river was so much fun.
We continued further down the river and reached the 35 meter high Victoria waterfall. At this time I had no clue that I was about to be thrown into it.
When I finally stood there on the edge of the cliff next to the waterfall I wasn’t so cocky, I was pretty scared to be honest. Now I‘m happy that I did it, this is definitely one of the best adventures I have ever experienced. This is also by far the coolest way to enjoy the Victoria Waterfall.
3
Dec
2010
Challenge the rapids of Rio Negro in a tube
White water tubing Rio Negro
I did white water rafting in Australia, now it was about time to try white water tubing in Costa Rica. The difference between rafting and tubing is that when you go rafting you’re in a boat and you are together with others, when you go tubing your alone in your tube. One of the girls on the tour described her tube as a “huge dunkin doughnut in camouflage” and that’s actually a pretty good description.
This tour starts at the foot of the great Victoria Waterfall. We were a big group of people doing this tour together and the saying “the more, the merrier” is really true in this case. First the guide gave us some information about the safety. Among other things, he told us that they would be there to rescue us if we would go in to the water. We were ready to start challenging the rapids of the river. One by one we went in to the river and once you’re in all you have to do is hold on to your tube and enjoy the ride, especially when going backwards. There are several big rapids on this trip and even though those are the funniest parts it’s also nice when you get to the slower parts and you have time to enjoy the nature around you.
This is an activity that I can recommend for everyone, young and old. You just have to prepare yourself to get wet. I managed to stay above water the whole way but still my clothes got completely soaked in water. I believe I was smiling all the way down the river.