Echo 2: Awesome creatures and beautiful views in Guanacaste

Ryan Buchanan gives us an insight into life on the amazing Guanacaste Trek:

Three weeks ago, ten anxious and excited Venturers and their project managers embarked on the Guanacaste Trek across northern Costa Rica. The trek began gently with a five kilometre walk from San Domingo to the small town of Pataste Arriba, and ended with a 34 kilometre hike to finish on the beautiful Playa Junquillal.

Along the way Echo 2 met many kind people who offered them a place to stay and some even filled the gap in our bellies left by the Raleigh rations. As each day unfolded, a new challenge arose. From river crossings to steep climbs, we were often challenged physically. These challenges, however, merely brought the sweet rewards of pride and joy - and maybe a few sore feet!

As the days continued the group grew closer and became tighter as a unit. We were spoiled with amazing views of Lake Nicaragua, Volcán Arenal, waterfalls and hot springs. Echo 2 also got a taste of what Costa Rica’s flora and fauna has to offer, from the national Guanacaste tree, to spiders, white-faced and Congo monkeys, iguanas, racoons, snakes and tarantulas. These awesome creatures and the breathtakingly beautiful views made the trekkers realise how lucky they were.

On completing the trek, we were were all proud of our achievements, amazed by the kindness shown to us by the locals and moved by the stunning natural scenery. The team spirit of Echo 2 was so strong that few complaints were voiced when on the last day we had to walk an extra 4 kilometres to dig out our bus from a muddy road - twice.

With the trek now over all the Venturers and PMs leave with a new set of friends and a fresh outlook on life. The 230km journey was truly amazing and will provide all of us with many stories to tell the grandchildren in the years to come.

Pura Vida!