A Serendipitous Start in Turrialba

The sun was just beginning to peek over the lush hills of Turrialba as I found myself wandering the quaint streets, searching for a tour company I’d heard whispers about. But as fate would have it, they were closed. Back at my hostel, the owner, a kind soul with a knowing smile, picked up the phone and dialed Tico’s River Adventures. “You’ll love it,” she assured me, and I had no reason to doubt her.

Roberto, the owner, arrived to pick us up, his energy infectious and his stories captivating. As a seasoned traveler and surfer, I’ve learned to trust the locals, and Roberto’s confidence was reassuring. He drove us to the starting point, sharing tales of the river and its history, setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable day.

Conquering the Rapids

With helmets snug and life vests secure, we gathered at the river’s edge for a quick lesson. Roberto’s humor was as refreshing as the cool river water, and his assurance that he only rolled the raft as often as he rolled his car was oddly comforting. As someone who spends most of his time riding waves, the idea of navigating rapids was both thrilling and daunting.

We started with a couple of Class III rapids, the river’s roar echoing in my ears, and soon graduated to the more challenging Class IV. Roberto’s voice was our guide, his instructions clear and precise, keeping us all in the raft as we navigated the tumultuous waters. Along the way, he pointed out the vibrant flora and fauna, his passion for the river evident in every word.

A Riverside Feast and Leap of Faith

After a few hours of exhilarating rafting, we pulled over to the riverbank for a much-needed break. As Roberto prepared lunch, we explored the area, finding a spot to jump into the river and float down with the current. The water was invigorating, a perfect respite from the adrenaline-pumping rapids.

Lunch was a delightful spread of burritos, and as we filled our bellies, Roberto shared the leftovers with a local indigenous boy, a gesture that spoke volumes of his character. Back in the raft, we tackled a few more rapids before climbing onto a high rock for one final thrill—a leap into the Pacuare River. The rush of adrenaline was unmatched, a fitting end to an incredible adventure.

Tico’s River Adventures, led by the charismatic Roberto, offered an experience that was as enriching as it was exhilarating. For anyone visiting Turrialba, this is a must-do, a chance to connect with nature and feel the pulse of the river beneath you.