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Arenal Volcano: “Epicenter of Adventure in Costa Rica”
Can you imagine what the Arenal Volcano area was like back in 1992? It’s hard to believe, but it wasn’t all that long ago that we only had bumpy gravel roads, no hotels, cows and horses walking around everywhere -- and only the occasional tourist.
That’s what Suresh Krishnan encountered when he first came to La Fortuna almost two decades ago after he finished his six years in the US military and decided to move to Costa Rica. When Suresh first reached the Arenal Volcano area, he said to himself “Wow, I bet there are some great rivers around here.”
From that moment on, he set out to explore rivers with his own kayak and started to open up the adventure tourism industry in La Fortuna as well as up in the cloud forests of Monteverde. To this day, Costa Rica is ranked in the top three of adventure tourism destinations in the world and the Arenal Volcano is considered the most-important adventure center in Costa Rica.
"We are truly at the epicenter of adventure here at the Arenal Volcano", Suresh explains. His company’s motto is "Experience Water Like Never Before!"
Suresh likes to brag a little about the Arenal Volcano area, pointing out “there are more paddling options in the Arenal Area than anywhere else in Central America."
Plus we're surrounded by lush rainforest, wild rivers, deep canyons and have one of the largest and most-pristine fresh water lakes in our backyard. Even if you’re short on time, you can pack in a lot of action because we have everything close by, from rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, to even stand up paddling. Check us out at the Epicenter of Adventure!
"The Challenge" of Desafío Adventure Company:
The word "Desafío" means challenge, so it is our "Desafío" to continue to keep our business on the cutting edge of adventure and sustainable tourism. We do so by maintaining the highest level of safety in all of our operations with a minimum impact on our natural environment and try to exceed our client expectations by making sure everyone has "Serious Fun!"
Some of the things we’re really proud of:
- Desafío Adventure Company was voted "Best Tour Operator in Central America” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 for one of the world’s top adventure companies GAP Adventures (www.gapadventures.ca). Desafío Adventure Company operates a large percentage of the adventure activities for GAP Adventures. One of GAP Adventure’s most-popular tours is called the “Costa Rican Adventure,” voted #6 of the top-25 adventure tours in the world according to National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
- Voted #1 on TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com)
- Desafío Adventure Company was chosen as the first-ever government-certified adventure school in Central America to train rafting guides.
- Desafío Adventure Company also hosted National Geographic's "Are We There Yet World Adventures" TV program geared toward the children TV viewing market
- MTV's The Real World from Austin did our inflatable kayaking on the Arenal River – Suresh’s famous quote: “We have soft rocks in Costa Rica…”
- “Extreme Makeover” and “Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches” also worked with us to film some of the best tours near the Arenal Volcano.
- Ex-President of Costa Rica Miguel Angel Rodriguez and local TV celebrity Danny Gonzalez of Teletica have joined us on Desafío Adventure Company tours.
- We’re considered a socially and environmentally-responsible company through our community activities such as our “No Child Without Christmas” and Easter Egg Hunt, tree planting and river clean-ups, plus our clients love to help sponsor our projects with the Proyecto Asís Animal Rescue Center and Luna Nueva Organic Farm.
- We have a great crew of people helping exceed your expectations on your vacation!
| Meet Our Crew |
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What it takes
The owner of Desafío Adventure Company, Suresh Krishnan, comes from a US-military background, having served 6 years in the US Army. One important thing Suresh learned from his military experience is that it takes about 12 people to support just one soldier.
The same is true when you’re putting together an adventure tour. For that one adventure guide that is with you on your adventure, there are a lot of other people working behind the scenes to make it happen – such as our cooking staff, our drivers, reservations staff, accounting and, of course, our charismatic, professional guides are out there on the front lines.
The BEST company to work for in La Fortuna
We often get commended on our employment practices at Desafío Adventure Company. Our policy is to have all of our employees on the payroll full time, all-year-round with all of the appropriate government-required benefits, insurances, etc.
Our guides can make a more-rational decision because they get paid whether they run a trip or not -- This helps guarantee that our employees will not try to risk running a high, dangerous river or rappelling down waterfalls in heavy storm conditions because they only get paid if they run a tour. In addition, in case of cancellations for tours due to difficult weather conditions, the great thing about booking with Desafío is that you can easily switch to another activity with us.
The guides make the difference
We were selected by the Costa Rican government through the National Institute of Learning (INA) to train adventure guides in our community and are proud that our guides have their Tourism Board (ICT)-certifications and first aid and CPR training. We know that when you go home after your vacation in Costa Rica, you'll might forget the name of our company and probably forget the name of the river you rafted on, but you'll definitely remember the name of your guide!
Booking made easy
Our company administrative mantra is: "We do things right the first time, efficiently and in as little time as possible," for that reason, many high-level tour companies and hotels like to book with us.
Here is a look at our Desafío Adventure crew:
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Carlos “Bicho” |
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Rio Balsa Rafting Guide
My favorite place in Costa Rica is La Fortuna, because it’s got everything!
The best part about my job is it is fun!!!!
I am studying to achieve my goal of becoming an elementary school English teacher. |
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Carlos Araya Garro “Santa Clara” |
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Rio Toro Rafting Guide
Don't pay attention to Carlos' t-shirt that says "jackass" -- he's actually a pretty nice guy - even when he's yelling commands to you out on the Río Toro during his rafting trips. Here he is sweating away on a big hike up to the extinct volcano Cerro Chato with fellow Desafío hardcore adventurers on an employee outing! |
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Victor Hugo |
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Canyoneering Guide
I hope to be a Physical Therapist one day.
If you don’t go on a tour with us you will be missing out on a beautiful new life experience!!!” |
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Adonay |
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Head driver
The best place to live in Costa Rica is La Fortuna, my favotite beach to visit is Samara Beach.
My dream job is to own my own tour company. |
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Gerardo “tomate” |
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Driver
My favorite place in Costa Rica is my home, San Pedro de la Tigra
I dream of traveling the world someday. |
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Lorenzo |
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Driver
My favorite place in Costa Rica is Quepos.
The best part of working for Desafio is that driving I get to see different parts of Costa Rica and meet all kinds of people. |
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Ericka Chavarria |
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Marketing
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Noelia |
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Naturalist Guide (Special Operations)
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Roy Vargas and Gabriela Benavides |
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Operations
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William Corrales |
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Accounting (Accounts Payable)
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Christian Vargas Araya |
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Accounting (Accounts Receivable)
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Carla Vargas Vargas |
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General Manager
Carla is a true adventurer -- she's not afraid of descending 200ft tropical waterfalls on our Lost Canyon Adventures canyoneering tour and she's also not afraid to be our General Manager of Desafío! She's smart, witty, super organized and looks great in a helmet! We're happy she joined our Desafío Team! Go Carla! |
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Christine Larson-Krishnan and Río |
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Can you think of anything better than working for Costa Rica's most-cutting-edge adventure company? It’s a dream job, and as the name “Desafío” implies, every day is a new “Challenge” for us and we hope to exceed your vacation expectations and make YOUR dreams come true! |
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Greg “Mameluco” |
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Naturalist guide, internet reservations
The best part about my job is meeting new people everyday. |
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Janet Ellis |
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Manager of Desafio Monteverde for over 8 years, the small satellite office of Desafio Adventure Company, offering tour advice, hotels and transport in the Monteverde zone and other areas. Canadian born but lived in England for most of life. Came to Costa Rica on a holiday, travelled all over the country and fell in love with the beautiful mountains of Monteverde. Bought a horse, married a cowboy and now the proud owner of 20 horses with no plans to leave! Owner of the web sites wwww.monteverdetours.com and www.arenalvolcanotours.com which exclusively sell the quality tours of Desafio Adventure Company. |
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Suresh “Gangster Kayaker” |
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Suresh Krishnan is considered the pioneer of adventure tourism in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica and is credited with many first descents of local rivers and canyons, as well as developing a variety of unique, personalized tours, such as our horseback ride between La Fortuna and Monteverde. His favorite quote is from Nobel Prize Recipient: “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” Linus Pauling, American Chemist. Read more about Suresh, the “Adventurous Entrepreneur” in East West Magazine. |
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| Our Company History |
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Desafío Adventure Company was the first high-adventure company to open
its doors back in 1992 in Costa Rica's tropical Northern Zone. Its
founder, California-native, Suresh Krishnan, an experienced whitewater
rafting guide and kayaker who spent 6 years in the U.S. military, was
invited to Costa Rica to work as a raft guide.
Suresh recognized early-on the potential for adventure tourism in the
Northern Zone of Costa Rica. He opened his adventure headquarters in
La Fortuna, at the base of the Arenal Volcano and another office in
the cloud forests of Monteverde. Both offices now offer a
full-spectrum of adventure activities and transportation in the
fast-growing adventure tourism market of Costa Rica.
Desafío Adventure Company is well-known in Costa Rican as being on the
cutting edge of adventure and consistently offering unique,
personalized tours like its brand-new Lost Canyon Adventures 8
waterfall rappel canyoneering tour.
In fact, with Suresh at its helm, Desafío Adventure Company has had
many firsts:
- First to operate rafting tours on the Peñas Blancas Class
3-4 (which has since been dammed and no longer has sufficient water
levels for rafting).
- First company to commercially raft the Class 4 Río Toro.
- First and only company to raft and kayak the Class 2-3 Río Arenal.
- First company to commercially raft the Class 2-3 Río Balsa.
- First rafting company in Costa Rica to develop a comprehensive evacuation plan for its river operations.
- First company to operate a horseback tour between La Fortuna and Monteverde that serves as a unique and adventurous way to
travel between two of Costa Rica's most-popular tourist destinations and part of one of the important biological corridors in the world.
- First company to have 2 offices in the Northern Zone (one in La Fortuna and the other in Monteverde).
- First and only company operating canyoneering with SETENA government permissions.
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| About Our Tours |
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Our tours are active, fun and safe–perfect for all
adventurers. We specialize in whitewater rafting, kayaking,
canyoneering, horseback rides between La Fortuna and Monteverde, hikes
to waterfalls and active volcanoes, mountain biking and many other
activities. Plus we emphasize small–group experiences;
traveling, participating and learning together. Our tours also offer
many opportunities to explore on your own and interact with local
people.
We have modern transportation equipped with CD player, cellular
telephones, friendly drivers. Company-owned whitewater rafting/kayaking
and canyoneering operations and we pride ourselves in our big, healthy,
well-maintained horses in partnership with Costa Rican horse legend
Franklin Arce. Group tours include experienced bilingual local guides
throughout the tours. They are charismatic, knowledgeable in
biodiversity, culture and history of Costa Rica.
Desafío Adventure Company prides itself in being a
responsible tour operator. We have been working with the community to
train young people and give work and business opportunities to local
people while engaging in activities that have a low environmental and
cultural impact. We also strongly support conservation efforts and the
sustainable use of lands in our tour operations. Check out our upcoming community calendar to learn about the Desafío annual Easter Egg Hunt for local children, our Adrenaline Festival, Children's Day event, tree-planting and river clean-ups.
We would be happy to provide letters of recommendation and references from clients and companies with whom we work. If you're interested in getting up to Monteverde from the
Arenal-La Fortuna area without taking the grinding four-hour drive,
there's an alternative: the ever-ingenious Suresh Krishnan, a
transplant from California, has a wonderful adventure out of his tour
agency Desafío Adventure Company. The 4 1/2 hour guided horseback
trip takes you around the southern shore of Lake Arenal and on to
Monteverde. The trip involves taxi service on both ends, as well as a
boat ride across Lake Arenal. Desafío takes your luggage and
drives your car to Monteverde, if need be Note that many other
agencies in La Fortuna and Monteverde lead horseback tours over a
muddy, poorly-maintained trail, and some riders have returned with
stories of terrified horses barely able to navigate the way. Stick with
Desafío." Eliot Greenspan, author of Frommers Guidebook, 2003.
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| Reservation Policies & Information from our Adventure Waiver Form |
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Welcome to Desafío Adventure Company! To make your trip more enjoyable and safe, we’d like to tell you about some of our policies for our exciting adventures:
- For reasons beyond our control (climate, river levels, etc.), we may change to a more-suitable tour with an equal or similar difficulty rating and adventure-appeal. Our Head Guide makes the final decision. Desafío Adventure Company also reserves the right to cancel any trip due to unsafe conditions and will only run a tour according to established company policies. Full refund is given if (on rare occasion) no tour is run.
- Rafting, canyoneering and many of our other adventures involve some inherent risk and physical exertion, so you must be in good physical condition without any recent surgery, heart condition, pregnancy or injury. If you take medication such as allergy pills and need them with you or have other medical concerns, please inform your guide.
- The natural environment of Costa Rica is filled with insects, snakes, crocodiles and a variety of other wildlife. In addition, landslides, falling rocks and sudden flash floods are possible, so we may not be held responsible for an encounter with any of the above.
- Desafío Adventure Company has a $1-million civil responsibility insurance policy, a contract with a specialized paramedic company and our guides and drivers are trained in first aid and CPR in case of emergency. However, we highly recommend clients have their own travel insurance prior to participating in a tour.
- Recommended ages for tours operated by Desafio: Río Toro class 3-4: 13-55; Río Balsa class 2-3 & Venado Caves: 10-65; Canyoneering in the Lost Canyon & Cerro Chato: 13-55; Safari Float & nature walks (Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges, Río Celeste, Nature Combo 6x1): 6-65; Horseback riding: 8-55; Community, Culture & Conservation or Proyecto Asís & Luna Nueva: no age limit (under 5 free.) For those outside of the age recommendations or if there is an adult accompanying a minor child, we ask that you request and sign a special Waiver form for such cases
- The maximum weight limit for whitewater rafting, canyoneering and horseback riding is 200 lbs. We may also cancel any client seen unfit to do a tour for their own safety and/or the safety of clients and guides. Clients must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- We recommend closed-toe shoes for hikes, horseback & canyoneering. For rafting, clients should be able to swim.
- Do not take valuables on our tours such as jewelry, money, cameras or passports. Desafío Adventure Company and its affiliates are not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items. We have a lost & found box for our tours & services and donate items after 2 weeks left behind.
Payment Policies
- All tours must be prepaid: Prepayment can be made in US dollars, Costa Rican colones, credit card via a signed credit card authorization form (Visa/Mastercard/American Express). Credit cards are charged once the authorization form has been received in our office. Your reservation is not confirmed until we acknowledge receipt of credit card authorization form.
- Confirmation subject to availability: Due to our small, personalized tours, we cannot guarantee your reservation until we have confirmed receipt of your payment.
- If payment is made via deposit, wire transfer or credit card. Please send deposit slip as confirmation of pre-payment. Direct deposits can be made to our Banco Nacional de Costa Rica colones account: 100-01-057-1424-3 or dollars account: 200-02-057-0379-3.
- Cancellations for day tours must be made no later than 48 hours prior to the service. For package tours cancelled less than one-month in advance, we cannot give a full refund as many hotels do not allow for short-notice cancellations (see policy below.) No refunds for no shows.
Payment policy for package tours:
- Payment policy for package tours is 50% at booking and the remaining 50% one month before the start of the tour package.
- Up to 31 days before tour starts: refund of 50% deposit minus 10% administrative fee
- 30 to 2 days before tour starts: 40% (the 60% we keep would cover the hotel costs which are usually 40-50% of the total package price plus 10% for administrative costs)
IMPORTANT: Any cancellation by a client must be made in writing and acknowledged by Desafio Adventure Company. The date on which the request to cancel is received by us will determine the cancellation charge applicable.
Booking your tour:
Airline tickets can be purchased through most travel agents in your area or calling major airline companies flying to Costa Rica such as Delta, American Airlines, Continental and Frontier.
In fact, check out new direct flights with Frontier:
www.frontier.com
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| THE RULES, GOVERNMENT PERMITS AND INSURANCE INFORMATION |
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Notice to Participants
Desafio Adventure Company avoids unnecessary risks and maintains a very safe operation; having all operating permits, certification from the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Institute), and a high umbrella insurance policy. Nonetheless, there are certain risks involved in participating in a Desafio adventure.
For your protection, we recommend that you:
- Check your personal medical insurance for coverage outside of your home country. Desafio Adventure Company's insurance policy covers injuries sustained in our operation, under the National Health Plan (INS - Instituto Nacional de Seguros.)
- Avoid carrying valuable items or leaving them in your vehicle, as car theft is common in Costa Rica. Desafio Adventure Company must limit liability on all personal items lost, stolen, or damaged while participating in one of our adventures, to a maximum of $100.00 US
- Obtain travel insurance for lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, and medical emergencies from your travel agent or check www.travelinsure.com
Upon arrival all participants will be required to sign and return a waiver form similar to the one that follows:
Adventure Waiver Form
Welcome to Desafío Adventure Company! To make your trip more enjoyable and safe, we'd like to tell you about some of our policies for our exciting adventures.
Desafío Adventure Company has the right to cancel any trip due to unsafe conditions and will only run a tour according to established company policies. We may also cancel any client seen unfit to do a tour for their own safety and/or the safety of clients and guides.
The natural environment of Costa Rica is filled with insects, snakes, crocodiles and a variety of other wildlife, so we may not be held responsible for an encounter with any of the above. For reasons beyond our control (climate, river levels, etc.), we may change to a more-suitable river or tour with an equal or similar difficulty rating and adventure-appeal. Our Head Guide makes the final decision. Full refund is given if (on rare occasion) no tour is run.
Things to remember:
- Rafting, canyoneering & many of our other adventures involve physical exertion, so you must be in good physical condition without any recent surgery, heart condition, pregnancy or injury.
- You must wear secure shoes and clothing to get wet in. For river tours, we sometimes fall out, so you should be a competent swimmer.
- If you take medication such as allergy pills and need them with you, the Head Guide can put them in our dry box.
- Clients must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Do not take valuables on our tours such as jewelry, money, cameras or passports. You can leave valuables with our driver – he stays with the vehicle at all times.
- Desafío Adventure Company and its affiliates are not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items.
I fully understand that my participation in a tour offered by Desafío Adventure Company is completely and absolutely of my own decision. I assume all risk of injury or losses for activities preliminary and subsequent to my participation in a tour with Desafío Adventure Company.
Here are our insurance policy and permits:
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| WHAT TO PACK |
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It's best to pack light: 1 backpack and small day backpack is
recommended, passport (with 2 copies kept separately), casual clothing
(shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, 1 light jacket, rain gear) and some
more-formal clothing for evening activities. You will have the
opportunity to send clothing for washing during the trip. Hiking boots
and/or tennis shoes, secure sandals, swim suit, hat, suntan lotion, any
necessary personal medicine, long pants or jeans for horse riding,
camera, additional money in the form of traveller's checks (to change
at local banks) or credit card is recommended.
For further information, please e-mail us at info@desafiocostarica.com or call (from the US) 011 (506) 2479-9464 in Costa Rica.
See you in Costa Rica! Top |
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