‘Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.’-Natalie Babbitt
The group spent the night in San Jose (really basic hotel, which I didn’t have an issue with but some did) and then headed to La Fortuna. When I booked this trip with G Adventures, I thought the last part of the trip would be the highlight due to the ocean but it was this bit. I know a lot of people recommend renting a car (although I’ve heard while the car is inexpensive, the insurance is not), I liked having a driver-the roads are kind of intense and I’ve driven in New York City! The hotel we stayed out was really nice, I was next to the creek. It was a bit of a walk to the town center but not too bad and the weather was great!
First up, and included in the original cost of the trip, we went to part of a coffee plantation, the Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. I love coffee and it was cool to see the process. Slightly less gross than the process of making chocolate (not as many bugs being a key part of the process lol) and we were able to drink some coffee liquor (amazing). The owners did shit on my love of nespresso-poor quality beans- but overall, very interesting. Also spotted some howler monkeys in the tree tops. We were able to try sugar cane water (much better than the ‘sandwich’ I had in Ecuador). I pushed the cane into the crank…much easier than the person who had to actually crank the machine to get the juice out!
An optional excursion I decided to do (as did many in the group) was the famed hanging bridges near the Arenal volcano! We went in the morning and the weather was perfect to take a stroll through the rain forest. A bit moody with the mist but did not get stuck in the torrential downfalls you often find in a rain forest. We saw some birds, carpenter ants, some creepy crawlies, tarantula nests (hard no on looking), and even a waterfall! I really enjoyed the walk through the forest and can see why it is such a popular spot. I’m not really a bird watcher, although love taking cool photos of them, but was struck by the vibrant colors to be found. It did feel like I was walking through the middle of the forest and you could see peaks of the Arenal volcano in the distance.
A couple of people from the group and I decided to do a night walk. While one is included in another town, we thought why not also do it here!?! We booked via Get Your Guide and it was a full experience. There were about 8 of us and the guide, alone in the jungle. The land is part of a plantation/private property and they run tours a couple times a week. While it was easy enough to get an Uber from town, getting back was a whole other issue as this land is pretty remote (only about 20 minutes but down a very aggressive dirt road). The whole thing sort of felt like we could die at any moment via jaguar attack or something. Since I didn’t think I would actually die, it was awesome. We saw some sleeping birds and some more critters. I really loved this one more than the one we would do later, while we saw more things at the latter, this seemed more ‘real’ and, again, vibe of it could be dangerous.
By far the best thing I did on the entire trip was adding the ‘Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle.’ This included zip lining in Monteverde and Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning. You can buy each separately but it’s a better deal together and you cannot book the bundle on the trip-you can purchase each separately but it is significantly more. I am not sure how much but a friend on the trip said it was noticeable as she booked them individually when we arrived. I truly had no idea what to expect and was shocked I was the only one who signed up for canyoning until Sarah decided to join. Even the tour providers were impressed. Which concerned me as to what I was getting into but, you know, you only live once! I was not entirely sure what to wear and originally planned on my Tevas but that was highly discouraged due to the rocks. So my Danner’s it was-I knew they would dry quickly and had been submerged while I was in The Narrows of Zion (this will be their last trip as, after nearly ten years of a beating, I just replaced with a different color way). I had my REI Sahara Sun Hoodie and my Kuhl Vantage shorts. All worked perfectly! Quick drying, comfortable, and didn’t rip/snag as I was working my way down the canyon. I also brought my phone in a waterproof pouch. I did bring my GoPro but after what happened in Ecuador, was a bit nervous and wanted to make sure it worked for snorkeling (which turned out to be a moot point). It wasn’t clear until after I had already geared up that they would take photos for us. So bring your phone or don’t.
I still cannot I did this! I was a series of repels that got more and more aggressive and high! I have to say, this highlighted who truly far I had come since I started to be brave and live furiously. From sheer terror at the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and panic attack snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef to, nearly seven years later, leaping off a 100+ foot waterfall without thinking twice-even when I started to spin on the rappel down, I was able to catch my breathe, pause, and figure out a solution. My travels have been a series of steps to be less scared…or should I say, still being very scared but doing it anyway. And it was exhilarating. I am still shocked, looking at the photos or videos that I did it. That I have been someone who was so stuck in fear for most of my life could do something truly bonkers. I am not saying I went first but I did not have to be coaxed off a ledge. I just took the leap.
I really loved La Fortuna. Partially because I love the mountains but, mostly, I continued to push myself further than I ever thought imaginable. That is a priceless experience.
