Boca Tapada

After we have had a meal, we leave Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí around eight o'clock. Today, our journey takes us further north to the border area with Nicaragua, namely Boca Tapada. We are still in the Caribbean-influenced part of the country. It remains very hot and humid. The drive is planned to take about two hours. Today, we leave civilization behind and plunge deeper into the rainforest. But first, we make a stop in Pital to shop at the supermarket, and some of us, including me, withdraw cash. I feel relieved because my cold, which I caught shortly after the start of the trip (likely due to a chill during canyoning), is slowly subsiding. I still have a bit of a runny nose and cough. Our accommodation for today is the Pedacito de Cielo Lodge, which is located close to the Rio San Carlos.

But before we reach this destination, we have a very special program lined up. We are going on a kayak safari, approximately 10 km long, on the Rio Tres Amigos. First, we meet our guides Nathalie and Antonio, who instruct us in our 2-man kayaks. I am lucky to be paddling with a very nice woman from Munich, whom I met on this trip. At first, it’s a bit tricky to gain control of the kayak, but after a short while, we get accustomed to our new task and work well together as a team. The river flows very calmly overall. There are few, mild rapids. Once, we ground our kayak because the river is quite shallow in some places. While on the kayaks, we are extremely exposed to the sun. It is unbelievably hot and humid. Even though I am well-sunned with a high SPF and also wearing insect repellent, I worry about getting sunburned again. This will indeed happen. There is so much to discover. We enhance our wildlife observations and are constantly amazed. There is also a snack break with fresh fruit and water. Some of us swim in the river. We conclude the tour after about 3 hours, and our minibus picks us up. Now there are only a few minutes left to the lodge. The property is stunning and located right in the jungle. Everyone has their own little cabin. I have an incredible amount of space. I have electricity, hot water, air conditioning, and since my room is close to the reception area, even Wi-Fi, which is not at all a given for me! Attached to my cabin is a large balcony with two hanging chairs and a beautiful view of the river. Everywhere, there are interesting trees, bushes, and flowers. Since the cabins are relatively open, the fear of the night and possible insects or mosquitoes rises. First, we all choose our dinner from a small menu with various dishes. Then we have a short break until we set off again at 3:00 PM for the rubber boot jungle hike. We can borrow the rubber boots right here at the hotel. In the boots and long pants, we are all sweating profusely. The hike starts close to our hotel.

Costa Rica is an unbelievably beautiful country. The nature here is overwhelming. The diversity of plants and animals is enormous. Time and again, you can pause, listen, observe, and linger in the moment. I wish that time would stand still; everything here touches me deeply—it feels very close to me. I feel comfortable, both alone and with the group, and I experience deep gratitude for this 'travel miracle' and the courage that has allowed me to make the decision to go on this trip. My first group journey. And although there is still a while to go, I can already say that I would do it again. Back at the hotel, I am greeted by a cold shower. It feels so good! And it’s time for dinner. With a direct view of the kitchen and the chefs cooking there. It smells wonderful, and I realize how hungry I am. I have chosen 'Breaded Chicken Fajitas' which come with fries and salad. I am on cloud nine; the food here is incredibly delicious. Alongside, there is a cold beer and later a gin and tonic. Shortly after nine, we all find our way back to bed, positively overwhelmed by all the experiences here. Content. At peace with myself. I can entirely leave my daily life behind.