Today made the wet season feel very real because the rain affected almost everything we did. Walking through the rainforest canopy on the hanging bridges was wetter, muddier, and a little more slippery, but it also made the forest feel more alive. The rain brought out the sound of water, the smell of the trees, and the feeling that we were actually inside a tropical ecosystem instead of just looking at it from a distance. To be completely honest, I am not a fan of the rain, so I had a significantly worse time. Traveling with the group and Hosay made it much better but otherwise my experience was dampened. I am sure this is the case for other people as well. Kayaking on Lake Arenal was also shaped by the weather because the rain made the activity feel less predictable and a little more uncomfortable, even though it also made the experience feel more authentic. It ruined my relaxation period and made kayaking against the current much harder.

For businesses and farmers, the slower season probably takes a lot of planning. Tourism companies likely have to offer flexible schedules, smaller tours, discounts, or backup activities because rain can change plans quickly. They also have to maintain trails, bridges, boats, and equipment since constant rain can wear things down faster. At the sugarcane plantation, the rain seemed both helpful and challenging. It helps the crop grow, but too much rain can make harvesting, transporting, and managing the land harder. It was crazy because while we were getting the chocolate desserts it was pouring rain on and off in gaps of 15 minutes. Overall, today showed me that Costa Rica’s economy has to work with nature, not ignore it. The low season may bring fewer tourists, but it also forces companies and farmers to adapt.