Hiking in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

We had the full day to ourselves in La Fortuna today. I opted for the full day excursion to hike with a group in Tenorio Volcano National Park. I’ve done my fair share of hiking, but this was my favorite hike so far! It was my first time hiking in the rainforest. It was challenging terrain and I hiked miles through mud, slippery rocks, and steep inclines, but it was so worth it!

I consider myself to be a beginner hiker, but I was determined to do this hike. I was probably one of the slower people in the group, but I wasn’t trying to slip and fall on the slippery rocks and leave Costa Rica in a cast. Through the sweat and humidity, I had some moments of doubt where I thought to myself- “what is a Guyanese girl from Queens doing hiking in the rainforest in Costa Rica?” But I didn’t let those thoughts get the better of me. It was then that I realized how much your mindset truly affects your ability to accomplish something. I kept saying to my self, “if you think you’re going to slip and fall, then that’s exactly what is going to happen. Just breathe and take it all one step at a time.” And that’s exactly how I made it through the hike. I took every rock, every exposed root, every bridge, one step at a time, and I made it. I always learn something new on every hike, and I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons learned on this hike.

The pictures tell the story way better than words can, so here goes!

The guide spotted a venomous baby snake!

500 steps down to the waterfall but so worth it!

Sweaty but feeling super accomplished making it down to the waterfall!

So serene and beautiful!

Hike to the blue lagoon

After our hike, we grabbed lunch nearby and saw a sloth chilling in a tree

After a long day of hiking, a few of us opted to go a hot springs to relax. It was the perfect way to end a day of hiking and exploring. I don’t have any pics from the hot springs since I was too busy soaking it all in!