Left forward, right forward!!
Carlos Medina, Destination Expert.
At the banks of the Pacuare River filled with excitement and apprehension, we were given helmets, life jackets and instructions for the white-water rafting. With much enthusiasm and at the shout from Tito, our specialist guide, we paddled left forward then right forward and started our exhilarating journey down stream in the white waters of the Pacuare River. Even before the first rapid we were already soaked as water was being splashed from everywhere.
We stayed overnight at the Pacuage Lodge, an enchanting extravagance of luxury in a rustic style, and completely surrounded by tropical rainforests. Bedrooms with king size beds dressed in white linen and mosquito nets, and bathrooms with giant shower heads with cascading water, seemly like a gentle waterfall - so refreshing after a day of adventure. Roberto the host was another find. His passion for cuisine is "unquenchable" and makes him the most amiable and entertaining character - the food is just delicious.
The next day I woke early, excited by the thought of another day of crystal waters, and fast rapids. As you reach the calmer waters, there is something quite magical about the silence of the canyon covered in flora and fauna.
I didn't find Costa Rica as a land of gold, as Columbus named it. But I encountered a rich land of bio-diversity, and congenial people, the "Ticos".
