27 April 09
We are on one awesome adventure! So it was quite fitting that today was a day of, well, adventure!
We are staying in Rio Verde at a camping/lodge area called Pequeño Paraiso (translated to mean "Little Paradise" - this couldn't be more true). This is just outside the town of Baños (note: the word baño in Spanish means "toilet" so I am a little concerned as to why a town would be named "Toilets"…).
We are basically nestled between mountains in lush rainforest so the weather is really tropical minus the humidity - wet, but not cold. We are tenting it, but there are a few cabins around. The owner, a British guy named Rich, has it set up so well here. He has a great common area for all guests which houses the kitchen, bar, dining area, TV and roaring log fire…it feels like I could be in some ski lodge (without the snow of course). Its super cosy. Plus, there are plenty of hammocks overlooking the canyon and river below - perfect for some quiet reading or a nap. Ahhh…
Sorry - I got sidetracked again. The 'adventure' part…right.
Today we went CANYONING. This is one of the most exciting activities I've ever done. Im officially hooked!
In a nutshell, canyoning involves following the course of a river down a mountain, over waterfalls and rocks, using ropes and your own two legs! Some waterfalls we slid down, some we jumped off (the highest was 7 metres - YEEOOWWW!) some we zip-lined and some we abseiled down. I felt like Lara Croft in all my get-up, with a touch of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. It was sensational, and a bit chilly after a while. I didn't want it to end, but after 4 or so hours, we had to head back to camp. I am now on the lookout for more canyoning experiences! If anyone knows or hears of any, please let me know!
We are here for another 2 nights, which is great because there is so much to see and do here.
Nearby is the '6th best waterfall in the world' - although Rich doesn't know what the classification 'best' really means (haha). We will see though.
Plus, there are many hikes through the jungle and viewing platforms to take some snaps and…a bridge swing. It's similar to a bungee but with extra ropes so you literally 'swing' underneath a bridge. Ooo! So exciting! We are SO going to do it! BPPPOOOOOO!!! (hope I don't chicken out…).