Rock Climbing in Costa Rica does exist and the whitewater is plentiful

Although not well known for its rock climbing, while traveling around the Turrialba area we were able to find one area developed for climbers. A private owner of land has a rock that is about 350-400 vertical feet in height and has developed over 20 singlepitch sport climbs ranging from 5.6-5.12 in difficulty. Not expecting to climb but only there simply to scout the area out. The owner a passionate climber happened to be there with gear and invited us to do a little climbing. We took him up on this opportunity and climbed a few routes which were well bolted and very clean. It was a great opportunity to become familiar with the area and although the climbing was great the area surrounding the climb was simply magical. To access the climbsite you crossed a crystal clear river with a 10-12 ft high canyon. The site was beautiful.

The property owner had developed a very basic lodge for camping and he also had plenty of space for tents. Off to one side of the campground a natural cool spring pool was avaialbe for soaking your muscles after a long day of climbing, mountain biking, running, or exploring the canyon. This area was a great climb site, but an even better training camp for endurance and adventure athletes. As we walked away from this place I had mentioned to Massie, our friend who brought us here, "this would be a great place for us to host an adventure racing camp out of."






While to find the rock climbing in Costa Rica takes quite a bit off local beta the whitewater is not only well known but world renown. After completing our time in Turrialba having had the opportunity to paddle the Pacure River twice, visit a world renown international tropical tree and plant research institute, a coffe making plant, a rare climbing area, and a canyon; we were on our way to Fortuna for some more adventure with Desafio Adventure, who had originally invited us down to experience their trips and adventures and discuss the possibility of working together.

Day 1 in Fortuna found us on the Rio Toro River a Class III-IV River run the Toro had over 40 rapids in its action packed 8 miles. This river unlike the Pacure is narower and reminded me of a large creek in some ways. The rapids are long and quite continuous. Desafio Adventures started their company running this river. They were the first commercial company to consistently run this river and have been doing it for some time now. In relation to the Pacure River which is filled with companies the Toro has limited companies consistently offering trips on this river and until a few years ago Desafio nearly had the river to themselves. The guides at Desafio were well trained some had experience guiding in the US, while other had trained in an intense raft guide school that was recognized by the country of Costa Rica and taught by Daniel Arguedas one of Costa Rica's first official rafting guides.

The river itself was action packed with lots of bending rapids that caused high water flows to crash into the canyon walls. The diffiulty of the rapids for the most part was class III with a few exceptions of class IV but the length of the rapids, tightness of the canyon, and the lack of slower water in between rapids made for an action packed trip.

One last thing the first day in Fortuna ended with Bungeeeee!

Turrialba Costa Rica Adventure and Ecotour Vacations

Our Final Day in Turrilaba was spent was spent first visiting a Costa Rican Coffee Plantation. We were once again amazed by our guides knowledge of the process of coffee making from the seedling of the plant all the way through to the roaster. He also explained to us how the different qualities of coffee are determined and seperated from one another.

The trip ended with a coffee tasting where you could taste the difference of first quality and second quality coffee. One of the most amazing things about the coffee plant we visited was the amount use they got from each plant trying to make the farming practices more sustainable. Some examples were using the older bushes to heat the incinerators necessary for part of the coffee processing, as well as using the final composting as fertilization for future plants.

Costa Rica Adventure and Ecotour vacations with Pura Vida Adventures

Costa Rica Exploratory Programs from Dec. 30th- Jan 10th Pura Vida Adventures is in Costa Rica experiencing what adventure opportunities are available and which companies we feel can provide the type of service our clients come to expect . We were invited down here by Desfacio Adventures who like us offer multi sport adventure opportunities. Our first five days however were on our own until we met up with a company in Turrialba named Explora Natura. The goal of this trip is to come back with a wealth of information about these companies so that we can recommend programs for our US and International clients:

Day one was spent on the Pacure River, considered one of the best whitewater trips in the world we were greatly pleased with the 20 miles of whitewater the Lower Pacure offered, as well as the scenic views. Our plan was to take the first day to scout the Pacure, only able to rent one kayak we, Julia and I, split time in the kayak while the other rafted. Photos of Day 1 River trip our included. Day 3 will bring us back to the Lower Pacure where now familiar with the river we will kayak as a team of two going at our own pace, scouting the rapids that need scouted, and having what hopes to be another great river day.



Day two became a two part adventure the first part of the day included a canyoneering trip with Explora Natura, followed by a mountain bike ride and educational tour of CATIE, an environmental research and study graduate institute.

First the canyoneeering tour I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting this area. I would explain it as a zipline canopy tour on steroids, but more than doable for most people. Explora Natura has put a lot of time and thought into creating a canyoneering trip that is safe and exciting. The amount of work they put into rigging, trail building, and setting ziplines over the years I can only guess. The result of the work however is a great canyoneering adventure that many more people can enjoy. The program includes 4-5 waterfall rappels, a hanging bridge, 4 considerable ziplines, and knowledgeable guides not only in the area of canyoneering but also in the flora and fauna you would see around the way.


The knowledge the guides brought to us in CATIE during the mountain bike ride was even more incredible. I would explain this trip as an experiential tour of tropical plants with transportation via mountain bike. The physical difficulty of this program is not to difficult and could be easily done by a person of basic fitness. If you can walk four miles without much difficulty, this program will not be too difficult for you. The trip includes riding through sugar cane and coffee fields, as well as experiencing in nature where palm oil, rubber, cocoa, cinnamon and various fruits come from. The guides also tell you how trees of the same family can be cross pollinated to avoid fungus or disease that are putting a species at risk.

Day three of our trip provided us with another opportunity to kayak the Pacure River. This time Julia and I were able to rent kayaks from Mario Vargas at Costa Rica Kayak tours. Mario not only owns a wide range of Jackson kayaks which he uses for teaching and some rental, but also is known as a world class boater himself. His boats are reported by many as the best fleet of kayaks in all of Turrialba, Costa Rica.

The trip along the river was great Explora Natura provided us with a shuttle, a delicious lunch and a couple of great river guides who were working a rafting trip but more than willing to provide us any information we needed during the trip. Julia and myself both had clean runs on the river and were sorry to know that this would be our last day on the Pacure River for this year's trip. The rivers 23 mile trip and continuous class 2 and 3 rapids along every turn brought two great days of river action during our river trip. Below you can see video of Julia running the river right creek line on one of the class four rapids called Lower Huacas.

More info to come on this blog. to learn more info about our travel vacations to Costa Rica visit our website: http://www.pvadventures.com/travel/Costa%20Rica/index.html

American Canyoneering Association instructor Rich Carlson and Pura Vida Adventures' 5 day Canyoneering Course.

Pura Vida Adventures is proud to announce that we will be offering an American Canyoneering Association Instructional Program hosted by Rich Carlson (founder of the American Canyoneering Association) Feb 1-5/2010. Spots are limited. More info available at below as well as at http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html#canyoneering instruction.



Cost/ Dates/Location $495 a person, dates are Feb. 1st-4th 2010, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.

Prerequisite Knowledge Interested students should have experience and knowledge with rappelling, as well as be familiar with and know most basic climbing knots.

What to bring Particpants should bring carabiners, harness, and helmets, as well as other basic rope gear. This equipment can be provided if you do not have it.

Topics covered This program is a fast track course it will include material from American Canyoneering Association Technical Canyoneering, Advanced Canyoneering and Canyoneering Self-Rescue curriculums.
Instructor info Rich Carlson, founder American Canyoneering Assoc., Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast
More info and booking info to find out more about this course or to book a spot email us at contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005.

Shuttle Service, Frequently asked questions, and water sources along the Art Loeb Trail

The 34 mile Art Loeb Trail is one of the most popular weekend backpacking trails in the Asheville area. The trail begins at Camp Daniel Boone and travels through the High Balsams of the Wilderness Area and drops into the forest covered lands along the last two thirds of the trip. Ending at Davidson River Campground at the southern end of the trail the Art Loeb has been described as the highlights of the Appalachain trail compressed into 34 miles. Some of the highlights along the trail include Shining Rock Ridge, Tennet Mountain, Black Balsam Mountain, Pilot Mountain, and the rock face of Cedar rock.







The most popular hike is from North to South because it provides a little less elevation gain and provides for easy alternative exits if the trail or weather makes it difficult for hikers. Many backpackers with only a weekend who find the 34 miles a bit daunting will either hike the northern section from Camp Daniel Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway (approximately 14miles, shuttle cost $125) or the southern end the Blue Ridge Parkway to Davidson River Campground (approximately 20 miles, shuttle cost $80). It is important for backpackers hiking in the North Carolina area to understand their limits based on the elevation demands along the trip.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Art Loeb Trail,

Where are water sources on trail?
Water source 1 (WS1) Just before deep gap 1 where the trail makes its southern bend on the ridgeline, (WS2)after passing black balsam there is a short spur from the art loeb that takes you to the black balsam parking area. from there head north on Ivestor Gap trail for about 200m and you will see a spring on your right, (WS3) Deep Gap Shelter, (WS4)Butter Gap Shelter. ALL THESE WATER SOURCES WILL BE IN OPPOSITE ORDER IF YOU ARE HIKING NORTH TO SOUTH.
2. Should we carry a water pump purification system (or just chemical tablets)?
This is completely up to you either will work fine.

3. What is a good source (web site, etc.) of weather information for the trail (as opposed to cities in the Valleys)? NOAA weather website at Mount Pisgah. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much cooler it is at 6,000 feet than in Brevard? Typically 20- 30 degrees.

4. Any recommended economy places to stay in Brevard or nearby? Sunset Motel in Brevard has the cheapest rates. Once you have booked with us we can provide you a code for a discount at the Holiday Inn Brevard another option is the Hampton Inn Brevard.

5. Where are the bailout points?
Gloucaster Gap, Butter Gap Trail to the fish hatchery, Cat Gap Trail to the fish Hatchery, North Slope Connector trail

6. Any other advice you can give us? Be sure to pay attention to your map and compass, specifically on the northern end until you leave the wilderness area as the trail is only vaguely marked in this area. Please note that campfires are not allowed within the wilderness area on the northern end of the trail.


Pura Vida Adventures offers Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Guided day hikes of the Art Loeb trail, and multi day backpacking and slackpacking trips of the Art Loeb Trail. Please contact us at 772-579-0005 or contact@pvadventures.com

Canyoneering Western North Carolina's Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorge

The Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorges which flow into the East Fork of the Tuckaseege River are two of the steepest narrowest Gorges in the Western North Carolina area. The large boulders and narrow gorges make for some of the best canyoneering in the Western North Carolina mountains as well as the southeastern region.

The highlight of the wolf creek gorge is the 150 ft Wolf Creek Falls which creates the deepest part of the Wolf Creek gorge.

The most magnificent feature in the Bonas Defeat Gorge is also located in the deepest part of its Gorge where a rock face of 400ft protrudes out of the Creek bed. This rock face is what created the name for this gorge.

Legend has it that an old hunting dog, named Bonas, had been trained by its master to run game of the rock face causing the game to fall of the cliff deep into the gorge creating easy meat for the master. However, one day a smart buck caused the dog Bonas's death or defeat when he stepped away as the dog chased him causing Bonas to take the plunge that he had caused so many of his hunting prey to take prior to his own demise.

The Bonas Defeat and Wolf Creek Gorges are beautiful remote areas that consist of large boulders and narrow slots. This landscape creates an arena for grand adventure, but not without some risk.

Both Gorges lie down stream of a lake and spillway gates can open up and increase the water levels in either or both gorges at a quick rate. In addition the travel would becomes considerably more difficult in wet or rainy conditions when rock becomes wet and slick.

The final considerations for travel in this area is the difficulty of any type of rescue if evacution was required. During our travel through the gorge we tried to stick to the most straight forward and risk reducing form of travel however even with this philosophy our travel was not without risk. We decided to wear climbing helmets while in the canyon to minimize the risk of head injury in case of an unexpected slip or short fall.

Both the Bonas Defeat and Wolk Creek gorges are remote remarkable gems that offer incredible hiking and adventure opportunity but this adventure should not be taken lightly and should include well calculated planning.

Pura Vida Adventures Feb 2010 Expedition to Patagonia Argentina

Dates Janurary 30- Feb 8th 2010

(Dates can be customized in Feb for groups of three or more.)

Cost $3200 per person excludes airfare, exit tax of approx. $30, tips, alcohol and 5 meals.

Activities include: glacial mountaineering, backpacking, open water kayaking, camping, and trekking. (See Itinerary below)

Day 1:
Arrive to Bariloche Airport.
Transfer to Refugio del Lago
Dinner at La Marmite
Night at Refugio del Lago

Day 2:
Transfer to Pampa Linda. Hike up to Otto Meilling mountain hut. This is a five hour hike along the way we will see glaciers and waterfalls coming out of Glaciar Castaño Overa.
Night in the hut

Day 3:
Early wake up at 4am, prepare equipment and head out to Pico Argentino Refugio (approx 6-8 hours). This route will take you along glaciers on avarage 25 degrees slopes, with some steps of 40 degrees. Summit attempt of 12,000 plus ft. Pico Argentino (weather and time permitting), head back down to Otto Meiling mountain hut. Sleep in Otto Meiling Mountain Hut.

Day 4:
Glacier crossing of Glaciar Alerce, one of the glaciers that belongs to Mt Tronador.
Hike down to Paso de las Nubes heading Northeast, where we will see the Frias Valley and the Frias Valley Glaciars. All these glaciers stem from Mte Tronador.
We will put up our tents at the base of Mte Tronador where we are going to spend the night at 9,000ft. This area is called Selva Valdiviana which is comparable to a rain forest rain forest.
Night in tents

Day 5:
This day will include a short trek, hiking through the Frias Valley until the river runs into Frias Lake.
This area is like walking through a “jungle”, the vegetation is very thick and this area looks like a tropical rainforest.
The Frias River looks turquoise and brown, this color comes from the glacial sediments as it makes it way down the glacier. This water color is known as glacial milk.

We meet the kayaking guides at Puerto Blest, where we become familiarized with the kayaks and the rest of the group while we pack the boats. After a brief talk on kayaking safety and orientation, we are ready to begin our trip. A few minutes after leaving Puerto Blest, we are immersed in magical scenery, the Blest branch of Lake Nahuel Huapi is surrounded by Mount Capilla and Millaqueo, among others. We kayak part of the branch, and later stop for lunch by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. In the afternoon, we continue paddling until reaching a beach resembling paradise, where we set up our camp.


Day 6:
In the morning, we prepare our kayaks for the trip along the Nahuel Huapi lake, paddling the lake surrounded by high snow-peaked mountains, such as Mount Capilla and López, both towering above 6000 feet. We will visit Centinela island, to see Perito Moreno`s tumb. We keep paddling towards Fossils Islands and Victoria Island, where we will set our second camp site.

Day 7:
We will paddle the south side of Victoria Island, doing a long crossing to Peninsula San Pedro, and getting into the Campanerio Branch of the lake.
We will finish our trip at Playa Serena. Where the van will take us to Refugio del Lago for a nice hot shower.
Dinner at el Boliche de Alberto.
Night at Refugio del lago

Day 8: Morning free
Transfer to the airport

Additional activities and expeditions can be added to this program at an additional charge.

Contact Joe Moerschbaecher at Pura Vida Adventures for more details

772-579-0005

contact@pvadventures.com