Today really showed how unpredictable Costa Rica’s climate can be. At Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, we got to see some really cool things like spider monkeys, leafcutter ants, and rare birds while walking through the rainforest. The rain made the entire forest feel greener and more alive, but I also feel like it made it harder to fully enjoy and look at everything around us. The bridges and trails then became slippery. Since it was raining so hard at times, I think I may have missed seeing some animals because I was focused more on watching where I stepped than on looking up into the trees. What surprised me most was how quickly the weather changed. One minute it was sunny and nice, and the next there was a torrential downpour. It showed how fast conditions can change in a tropical rainforest.

While kayaking on Lake Arenal, the weather affected us more because we were out in the open. When the rain came, strong winds followed, and the current became much heavier. At one point, while paddling back, it honestly felt like survival mode because we were struggling against the wind. We were trying hard to move forward, but realistically, we kept getting pulled to the side and had to paddle even harder to stay on track. The rain made the activity so much more physically demanding than I expected. Even though it was exhausting, it also made the experience unforgettable.

The rainy season clearly affects both tourists and businesses in Costa Rica. Since fewer tourists visit during the low season, companies have to plan ahead by maintaining trails and equipment or adjusting activities depending on the weather. Businesses adjusting to the weather were clearly shown during our tour at the sugarcane plantation. When we ate, and throughout most of the tour, we would be under covered areas to keep us dry whenever it started pouring. During the chocolate tasting with marshmallows and fruits, we were also inside a building to avoid getting soaked. It showed how businesses in Costa Rica have adapted their tours and activities around the rainy climate so visitors can still enjoy the experience. Even though the rain can make activities more difficult, it is also what keeps Costa Rica so beautiful and full of nature.