Waterfall

Researchers and tourists aren’t the only visitors to Villa Carmen; we also entertain students from local schools who are interested in learning about the jungle.  I’ve only helped with a few school programs so far, but  has been a quick tour of the property followed by a short hike to the Pini Pini river.  At the river we are met by a small boat which is often one of the more exciting parts for the kids, many of whom have never been on a boat before. 

The boat drops us off at the base of a steep, winding trail that eventually leads to a fifty foot waterfall, making the hot, buggy hike well worth it.  From that high the water lands with enough force to create a sustained wind, providing welcome relief from any insects.   There is a shallow pool at the base of the falls to relax in and you can get a high pressure shoulder massage if you slide under the falls themselves.  The water, coming down from the mountains, is clear and cold and actually chills you if you stay under long enough.  After spending enough time in the hot jungle, being a little cold is actually a welcome sensation.

After the waterfall we take the kids back to the station where we give them lunch and show them the macaws or the snakes if they haven't seen them already.  I wish my Spanish was a little better so I could actually do some teaching but it is still a lot of fun interacting with and learning about the kids.