Many people perceive flowing water as a form of natural therapy that offers a chance to cleanse and restore mental balance. The photo was taken by Pelle Eriksson when Karla Vargas (@passionforvintangejewelry) and @Swetours visited the waterfalls.
Today, Valentina and Natalie from Barbilla Rainforest Lodge will guide the excited women on the "Barbilla Waterfall Tour". This hiking trail was listed by Lonely Planet in 2024 as one of the seven must-see hikes in Costa Rica!
The guides explain that there is an approximate elevation change of 150 meters down to the Tapir River, a distance of 1.3 km, with relatively steep sections. The women listen with interest but are eager to get going. They have traveled to Costa Rica with Ulrica Riedel (@aktivgladjemtpe) and Marita Jansson (@maja_yoga) from Sweden, who organize fitness trips that combine exercise with exciting experiences.
Valentina points out that they should resist the impulse to hold onto tree trunks for support. While it is fascinating to see, for example, the world's largest ant, the bullet ant, she doesn’t want anyone to experience the pain of a sting since the goal is to reach the waterfalls and have a fun day 😊. Everyone has been given hiking sticks, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Upon reaching the river, the hikers need to wade through the water to get to the other side. All choose to keep their shoes on. The girls seem childishly delighted to walk straight into the river, and someone cheerfully mentions that they are already sweating. Most of them are wearing swimwear underneath their clothes and appear more than ready for a swim!
On the other side of the river the national park boundary begins. The hikers continue along the riverbank. Here, the towering trees of the untouched rainforest rise majestically. It is clear that this is pristine rainforest. They must balance and navigate among the rocks as they search for the entrance that will lead them back into the rainforest toward the waterfall. Butterflies flutter by, warm, gentle breezes are felt clearly near the water, and the rustling of the high treetops occasionally blends with the constant drone of cicadas. This soundscape overwhelms all other noises, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that envelops the women in the new panorama they have arrived at. The conversation fades.
The women leave the riverbank and follow their guides into the rainforest. After hiking along a small stream, sometimes over and under fallen tree trunks, the group finally reaches "Dos Caídas" ("a two-tiered waterfall").
Valentina climbs up a tree trunk while someone takes a photo. The waterfall with its double cascades is incredibly beautiful. The light that shines on the upper fall creates a sparkling effect that enhances its grand beauty. Several people take on the challenge of jumping from the trunk into the lagoon, and their laughter soon echoes along the steep volcanic cliffs surrounding the water.
Later in the day, they continue their hike to “Cascada Terciopelo,” the Waterfall of the Fer-de-lance. It’s an unusual name, but someone once saw that snake there. When the National Park began organizing hikes to the waterfall, a name was needed, and this one was chosen.
Photo: Jeffrey Ortega @jeff_ortegam (https://www.facebook.com/ParqueNacionalBarbilla/photos/pb.100064327856534.-2207520000/627604325458053/?type=3)
Soon, the lagoon under the waterfall is filled with bathers enjoying the cool water. Today, this group is the only one here, far from tourism. Some are eating snacks and chatting quietly, while others explore the various shades of green in the landscape.The women let themselves be enveloped by the tranquility of the waterfall, and its calming atmosphere surrounds them.
What’s fascinating about these hikes is how people, who otherwise lead quite hectic "city lives," can feel a natural connection to nature. After a while, people synchronize with the surrounding calm. Nature has a soothing effect. With little effort, we become calm, but also more present and focused.
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