by Carlos Oviedo – Desafio Finance Manager

In 2009, during my early days at Desafio, I embarked on my first tour along the Rio Balsa. A slight mishap caused me to miss the regular morning rafting tour that most clients opt for. However, luck was on my side as I discovered a community group of local high school students from La Fortuna gearing up for a day of rafting and tree planting.

Accompanied by about 20 enthusiastic students, we made a pit stop in Santa Clara for some fresh fruit and to engage in tree-planting activities. The experience was not only enjoyable but also entertaining, with some Costa Rican high school students attempting to ride cows in a nearby field. Amidst the laughter and unforgettable moments, I encountered a small hurdle when one of my shoes fell apart, leaving me to navigate the rest of the day barefoot. Lunch at the river house was a delight, with delicious food adding to the overall experience.

My guide for the day was Cuca, who made the adventure even more enjoyable. He even allowed me to take control of the raft in a calm spot along the river. It was on that day that I fell in love with both the company and the thrilling sport of rafting. From then on, I dedicated my time to mastering the sport, progressing to solo kayaking adventures on the river. To this day, whenever the office gets busy or there’s a shortage of guides, I step out to cover the safety kayaks on rafting tours – a refreshing break from the daily grind.

If you want to delve deeper into the wonders of the Balsa River, click here to learn more. For those interested in engaging in community activities and contributing to tree-planting initiatives, feel free to contact our office here.

La entrada Carlos plants a tree and falls in love with rafting se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.