Day 8 - Rafting on the Chiriqui Viejo River

Today we had rafting on our schedule. We started our trip from Boquete. We already knew a group of Americans from Balboa Inn in Panama City. It seems like all travelers take a similar route here.

Filled out forms and put on our swimsuits... off we went. The route took us back to David, from where we drove up the mountains a bit on the Pan-American Highway. The guides were already waiting for us there and pumped up the rafts. Not an easy job!

Life vests and helmets on, and we were already sitting in the boats. The commands were limited to 'forward' and 'stop'. We started downstream from the hydroelectric power plant and the river immediately took our boat with it, including some strong shaking. Nevertheless, we occasionally had time to observe flora and fauna. Besides hand-sized blue butterflies, we also discovered a sloth in the treetops of the jungle.

After a short break by the river, we continued through the impressive landscape. Here and there, a fellow team member was swept out of the boat. Quickly collected and on we went. When we reached the destination, we had a beer and could change our clothes. It was great!!!🐒

Exiting the river

Upon arrival in Boquete, we booked a coffee tour for the next day and had a meal at Senor Gyros. Then heavy rain for an hour. Beer cost 1 dollar. Lucky😎

In the evening, we took a taxi back to the hostel. The new season of Game of Thrones was waiting for us.