Hola from Costa Rica!
For two nights and three days, we spent time in the thick of the jungle at the Rainforest Adventure Center. A two-hour hike from civilization, the Rainforest Adventure Center has many interesting plants and animals. In order to arrive at the house, we crossed a river via chairlift!
The family that lives in the Rainforest Adventure Center uses a rope to pull us across the river. We were warmly welcomed with a swim in the cleanest river in Central America. Then, we made chocolate and tortillas from scratch. The atmosphere was so beautiful and the house overlooked a gorgeous waterfall and river. The sound of the waterfall was relaxing as we slept in the open air.
“The RAC was very beautiful and I enjoyed experiencing the connection with nature.” – Anna
“The rainforest was very pretty and it was cool to experience something for the first time. The ritual has unique and it was a cool experience.” – Olivia
“I climbed a tree!” – Mallory
“I saw a possum staring at me in the dark.” – Nora
“We learned how to make authentic Cost Rican food.” – Ashley
“Team Tortilla on top!” – Katie
“I really liked talking to Freddy and learning to make tortillas and chocolate.” – Avery
The next morning, we had Rosa’s delicious food for breakfast and split into groups to tree climb and learn about the native plants and medicinal abilities. We learned how the family has all that they need in the forest and has only had to go to the hospital once.
Later in the day, we participated in a native ritual that symbolizes rebirth. We sat in an enclosed clay den with a fire in the middle for 10 minutes, then swam in the cold river for three minutes. We repeated this three times. The fire resembled a womb and rebirth. In the river, we had the intention in mind to release all our worries down the river.
“The rainforest is something I have never experienced in my life and probably never will again. Waking up to the sound of a waterfall next to my bed was so cool. Talking to the family who has lived in the jungle was eye opening.” – Caroline
After, we ate another delicious meal for dinner, then went on a night-time walk “frog hunt.” It was very fun! At night, we spent time talking to Rosa, the mother of the family, and she told us stories of the jungle. She has only left the jungle once in her life – once she saw a puma in her house! We loved the Rainforest Adventure Center and can’t wait for the next part of our adventure.
“I am grateful to have had such a rare opportunity to experience the jungle.” – Lyla
“This is something I would love to experience again if I had the opportunity and I loved learning about life in the rainforest.” – Fiona
