Costa Rica Trip Day 4: Whitewater Rafting

Written by junior Marcus Varnum

Wednesday, Aug. 6 - The fourth day of our trek across Costa Rica was filled with great times. After another delicious breakfast served by our hotel’s gracious staff, we began the drive taking us deeper into the rainforest for a day of whitewater rafting!

We arrived at our whitewater rafting starting point and received life jackets and helmets. After learning safety and paddling instructions, we were split into rafting groups and met our guides for the tour. As we drifted down the river, walls of trees towered over us bringing the roar of the rainforest to our rafts.

The beautiful scenery and multiple intense sections of rapids made for an amazing adventure on the river that we will never forget.

After the tour, we were presented another delicious Costa Rican meal before getting on the bus to return for the night.

The night was filled with more good times of watching and playing of soccer. After dinner, Deportivo Saprissa, our guide Alberto’s favorite soccer team, played a Nicaraguan team in tournament play. During halftime of the game, some of the guys, myself included, met up with some local kids in an indoor tournament across town. After playing with and against the locals for nearly two hours, we concluded the night with excitement for the hike to the waterfall the next day.

Today’s adventure on and off the water was an incredible experience that is going to be tough to top this trip.

Best regards,
Marcus Varnum