We were up bright and early Monday morning for our first full day in Costa Rica. A shuttle picked us up from the resort at 8:00 to take us to our destination, La Hacienda Guachipelin (located in Rincon de la Vieja). It was about an hour and a half trip, but we were entertained by our driver and guide for the day, Julio.
Upon first meeting Julio, we told him that he had the same name as a famous football player from Alabama. Of course, he immediately assumed we meant fútbol (American's call it soccer), and was a little disappointed when he found out that was not the case. All in all, we had a fantastic experience with Julio, and learned many interesting facts about the country:
- Among all the Latin American countries, Costa Rica ranks at the top in regards to economic growth.
- The American dollar is not necessarily stronger in Costa Rica.
- While tourism is one of the largest economic engines in the country, many high tech companies (like Intel and Proctor & Gamble) are investing heavily in the area.
- Julio's basic business philosophy (People + Product = Profit) is that if you treat people the right way and have a good product, then you'll do well.
- There is a family first philosophy with most Costa Ricans.
- Female cows were unusually skinny because of how often the farmers bred their stock.
Our arrival at Hacienda Guachipelin
The tree in the background is over 100 years old
For over 100 years, La Hacienda Guachipelin has been a working ranch. The property is comprised of about 4,000 acres of land. Most of the property is used as pastureland, but some of it is set aside for the conservation of the tropical dry forest and other parts are being reforested with endangered species.
Our first adventure for the day was horseback riding. We had a Costa Rican cowboy, David (Dah veed), take us on a private trip to ride the trails, see the wildlife, and visit a waterfall. Even though David didn't speak much English, he still made fun of Carolyn's Spanish-speaking skills! We certainly enjoyed our breathtaking ride through the ranch and our excursion to the "Victoria" waterfall.
Our first adventure for the day was horseback riding. We had a Costa Rican cowboy, David (Dah veed), take us on a private trip to ride the trails, see the wildlife, and visit a waterfall. Even though David didn't speak much English, he still made fun of Carolyn's Spanish-speaking skills! We certainly enjoyed our breathtaking ride through the ranch and our excursion to the "Victoria" waterfall.
Some of these "lucky" horses would carry us on our journey
Our guide Julio gives the thumbs up before our trip
I can't remember the name of my horse, but he was the slowest one out there
(Carolyn's horse was named "La Cucaracha", which means cockroach in Spanish)
(Carolyn's horse was named "La Cucaracha", which means cockroach in Spanish)
David and Julio riding the trail in front of us - our horses were "follower" horses
"Victoria" Waterfall
Spring leading to the waterfall
Top of the waterfall
Prior to our dip
Ready to swim
Trying to speak Spanish with Julio...
David, our cowboy guide
Our horseback ride ended at the top of a gorge, with a large stream running through it. Our next adventure was to tube down the Rio Negro and navigate the crystal clear rapids. To summarize our adventure, somehow we started in front of the large group we were with, yet finished the trip dead last.
Entering the Rio Negro
Carolyn holds on tightly
First Rapids
I find myself in a very precarious position
Carolyn's next
FYI - she does stay on the tube
Approaching another set of rapids
C - action shot
P - action shot
Video footage from the last set of rapids
After drying off, we were able to relax, enjoy some lunch, and re-charge our batteries.
PATRICK HUNGRY!
View from our lunch table
Carolyn and her refreshing Coca-Cola
When I was planning our honeymoon vacation, Carolyn demanded only one thing: ZIP-LINE. Carolyn got her wish (and more).
C and I in our full harnesses
Getting our final instructions
Flying over the forest canopy
C takes the plunge
C enjoying the ride!
Carolyn was less than enthused about this decision
"You're doing it like that, Patrick?!"
It's an interesting view when you're upside-down
Then, we had to climb this rock face...
...but not before we had to swing across the gorge!
Attacking the climb
C scared out of her mind!
Another climb...
Still climbing...
Almost there!
View looking down into the gorge
Zip-line across the gorge
Carolyn's next!
"Over the river..."
"...and through the woods!"
JUST CROSSED THE FINISH LINE!
Although Carolyn admits that the Canyon Canopy Tour was a little more than she bargained for, she had a great time and got to experience the thrill of racing through the rain forest at 30 miles per hour!
However, our day was not complete without a volcanic mud bath. After we removed our harnesses, we were shuttled further up the mountain to an area with naturally heated pools (thanks to the nearby volcano). We had the volcanic mud applied to our bodies, had it dry for 10 minutes, and then washed it all off before relaxing in the natural hot springs.
One of the pools
Bridge we crossed to get to the "spa"
Volcanic mud
Application of the volcanic mud (the "spa attendant" did not speak any English - it was a little strange)
YIKES!
It was the perfect ending to an adventurous day. After relaxing in the spa for a while, Julio drove us back to the resort. We didn't get back to our room till around 8:30. We promptly collapsed on the bed and ordered room service for dinner. Day 2 was in the books, and we were ready for a relaxing day 3.
We say goodbye to Rincon de la Vieja...for now...
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