The main attraction on the property is the recently created waterfall rappelling tour. Customers first must change into proper footwear, and be suited with their harnesses. Rental water shoes and sneakers are available for those who do not have shoes. Visitors are then taken to the top of the property, which is cleared of trees and has breathtaking views of the valley. There they pick out gloves and harnesses.
\The tourists then hike into the forest on a small, hilly trail. Within 10 minutes they reach the first waterfall. They are greeted by the father of the family, who is harnessed in at the top of the first fall, which is only about 10 feet. This serves as sort of a practice rappel, though it is nonetheless very nerve wracking. Adventurers are dumped into a knee deep pool of water, which they must walk through towards the next fall. The hikers then move through a series of falls and pools of water. The tallest decent is over 140 feet. While hikers rappel down, they are being directly blasted with the waterfall as they attempt to gain footholds on the slippery rock. Employees yell directions to them if they become confused or are bumping into the rocks with their bodies. On the final fall, hikers are unexpectedly dropped into a chest-deep pool of water.
The waterfall tour is a textbook example of adventure tourism. Visitors are given a thrill, an adrenaline rush, and there is some risk involved (although helmets are worn to prevent head injury). Other aspects of the businesses, such as the night tours, hikes, and farm tours could be described as ecotourism. Unfortunately, in my visit to Finca, I did not have time to explore these other offerings, but I hope to come back someday to check them out!
No comments:
Post a Comment