FORM OUR AIRBNB EXPERIENCES & ADVENTURES.
“Words cannot describe how incredible and adventurous this was. I lived in Costa Rica for 8 years, I have hiked a lot of areas, but none as adventures as this. We jumped river rocks, crossed fast rapids, camped in the rainforest, traversed many mud walls, it was phenomenal. Javier is himself is modern day rainforest verson of John Muir. His passion and knowledge are felt when he speaks about the region and his overall objective. I could go on and on about this, but this is an experience to be felt and had.”
“Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the people I met there were all very friendly and welcoming. This trip to a breathtaking waterfall with a 3-4 mile hike through the rain forest jungle not accessible until recently, brought me closer to nature and made me realize the true meaning of Pura Vida. We started the hike at 8 AM from Guipiles, a village located 1.5 hour scenic drive from San Jose downtown. The winding road courses the Braulio Carrillo Park. After getting all the gear ready, we started the journey. Initially you are not in the park, but soon you enter the national park boundary and quickly find yourself in the middle of almost virgin rain forest. The journey to the waterfall is mind blowing, involving crossing a river that you hike next to, several times. There were parts which were very muddy and parts where were relatively dry. Both, just add more to the adventure. Seeing the mother true among relatively young trees makes you understanding the evolving nature of this rain forest. The moderate (not strenuous) hike is rewarded at the end by the powerful roaring waterfall nestles in the canyon. The profound sound, intense sight and pulses of energy originating from the waterfall are omnipresent throughout the canyon. I spent a few hours just watching and listening to it and found my worries, thoughts of the past and work related troubles vanishing away, almost like how the water falling on earth in the waterfall turns into a cloudy mist and rise in the gorge to disappear in the sky above. We ate and slept in hammocks as soon as it the sunset. Sleeping in the rain forest is a truly unique experience and brings you a whole new set of sights of sounds of the creatures of the night. Next morning we were treated with a beautiful sunrise. Spent sometime looking at the waterfall before we headed back. Journey back to the trail head seemed quicker, probably because we were now familiar with the river and more comfortable in walking quicker through the dense flora of the forest. Javier, is a great guy. Even though we spent only two days together, we got to know each other well and I think of him now as my younger brother in Costa Rica. He is passionate about the forest and its easy to tell that he gets excited seeing the health of the rain forest returning back normal. He is knowledgeable, and knows this route like the back of his hand. He is respectful caring and protective. He made us delicious food and even let us borrow a rain jacket from him, cause we forget ours in our hotel room. He shared with us the effect the rain forest has on people, what he calls as “therapy” - and he is absolutely correct. ”
“I would highly recommend this tour for two reasons, the guides and the location. Both in ways are magical. This hike will always be very special for me. The day started with a pickup by Daisy , a beautiful human with heart of gold. We drove to meet another guide and the other group. Then the hike started, the hike is worth the destination. Beautiful mountains, the greenery and the mist. After the hike we all rested in a very beautiful home, where our guides made us feel royal , with yummy food and best coffee. The second day started with yummy breakfast and off course the coffee. Due to my ignorance towards not drinking enough water , before the hike was over my leg gave up. I travel alone , alone in a foreign country with strangers, I wish I could write the fear I experienced in that moment. For my surprise, Javier was so kind and considerate that he carried me on his back . A day I will always remember, the kindness shown by both of them will always be a debt for me. Thank you both of you for this memorable journey of nature , peace , beauty and kindness for strangers.”
“I have been to 41 countries and this being my first trip as a female solo traveler I couldn’t recommend this more. I have never experienced a more unique tour in the entire world- and it is hard for me to put into words how gratifying my 48 hours with Javier and Daisy were. From the minute they picked me up it was nothing but passion, love for their country, and a dedicated organization for perfection. Not only did they customize a tour around my dates and needs but they went well above and beyond making me homemade Costa Rican dishes, picked the perfect Airbnb in the mountains, but made me feel so safe and comforting with their hospitality. Javier told me I will week all of the answers I am looking for on the mountain and it will bring a transformative energy to me and he was exactly right. I took the leap of faith and never felt more accomplished in my life; we went through 6 different terrains of jungle, crossed blue and orange rivers, followed the way by making rock formations to guide us in the right direction while machetting our fresh path through the jungle. The best part about it was there was absolutely no bugs. Throughout the 2 days we hiked to 2 locations over the 2 miles through volcanic canyons , multicolored rivers, and essentially found the most lush waterfalls imaginable. This was such an exclusive tour I did not see one other person the entire time. Javier is a best selling author for his book of photography for the waterfalls most have no idea how to navigate to not to mention he was top 3 editor’s choice for photo of the year with National Geographic. One of the downsides to traveling solo is the lack of photo opportunities and to have a professional so passionate about the angles I can successfully make a scrapbook with the most beautiful photos I’ve ever taken. Daisy’s persistence to detail was another highlight of the trip, she went as far as carrying my water, lunch, towel, bathing suit, and everything else just to make me that much more comfortable. I cannot thank Javier and Daisy enough for- Javier was right the mountain provided me with a profound sense of internal gratitude and soul searching. Without hesitation you would be foolish to go to Costa Rica and not see the country from this local perspective that most have no idea it even exists. Hiking shoes are a must. I will be back again and look forward to many more adventures with this amazing couple.”
“Quite simply the single best hike we have ever been on in our lives. Nothing compares to this. I’ll let everyone attempt to describe the magic behind this journey, but unless you actually experience it there’s no way you can put words behind it. I would suggest doing what you can to contact Javier and figure out how you can arrange to meet up with him!”
“The hike with Javier is strenuous and muddy and wet and that’s the fun of it. There are several different possible hikes, so if you tell him you’re an experienced hiker, be ready to scramble over wet rocks, walk through rivers, slide down hills, climb up roots. The other hikes are more relaxing I believe. In any case, you end up in a beautiful waterfall oasis. We didn’t end up camping next to the waterfall because of possible flooding from the rain. Tips: The waterfall area was cold, maybe around 30-40 degrees F. If you’re a tiny person, have a few extra meals before you head off on this hike. My biggest regret was not having enough calories to burn to be able to swim in the water (it’s very doable if you keep moving and keep your metabolism up). Bring deet. Mosquitoes avoid lemon/eucalyptus but everything avoids deet. Bring questions about anything. Javier is very chatty and silly. It was a memorable, adventurous (and safe) experience I’d recommend to anyone who ever wondered what it’d really be like to camp in a rainforest.”
“Javier is a true mountaineer. The passion he has for the mountains of his native land transmits into the experience he offers. If you’re looking for a crazy adventure, love nature and waterfalls then this trek is for you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience with my sister and I.”
“Waao this trip is one of the best things that you can do! Costa rica rain forest is veryy beautiful and alive. If you love the nature waterfalls and adventure you have to do this you will be on another level. Javier is so nice person and a verygood cook the food was excellent all the time. Thanks for this supernice lovely experience that I will never forget ✌”