When Massi Devoto used to guide small groups around Costa Rica, he noticed that out of all of the experiences the tourists shared, the ones they enjoyed and talked about the most were the simplest. Buying tropical fruits at a roadside stand. Watching a monkey in a tree. Meeting friendly folk in a rural town. Walking through the rainforest.

The realization led him to start his own tour company in 1999 with his associate, Ronald Bottger. Their goal was to combine adventure and the natural attractions of Costa Rica with the cultural experience of meeting the friendly, happy people for which the country is well-known.

Fifteen years later, Explornatura is one of the top adventure and nature tour companies in Costa Rica.

“We always try to combine adventure with nature and culture,” said Devoto. “We don’t do any adventure that involves motors – no ATVs, etc. We want people to enjoy nature and have contact with the communities where we do our adventures – whether indigenous communities or local Costa Rican populations.”

Based in the rural town of Turrialba, two hours east of San Jose that is named for the Turrialba Volcano, Explornatura focuses mainly on rafting, canyoning, hiking and biking. They also offer horseback riding, a coffee tour and a cultural visit to the Guayabo National Monument archeological site.

“We want to make real adventure accessible to everybody,” Devoto explained. “We try giving the best experience of our country. We’re a small company and we care about giving the best service … just like we would to our own families and friends. We try to spend as much time as possible doing the adventure, and not rush to get to the next tour.”

Turrialba being the “whitewater rafting capital” of Costa Rica – a top world whitewater rafting destination – means some of the country’s best rivers are right in Explornatura’s backyard. The company rafts the traditional 16-mile lower section of the famous Pacuare River – one of the world’s best – but also the lesser-known top section. Additionally, they guide hiking tours to the indigenous communities by the Pacuare River, and can combine rafting and hiking for those interested. Easy family rafting trips are conducted on the Pejibaye River.

Business partner, Ronald Bottger, was the first to formally bring the sport of canyoning to Costa Rica. Explornatura’s canyoning tour on a private reserve in the Puente Vigas Canyon by Turrialba takes you on an unforgettable adventure. You start by rappelling down the first waterfall, then cross two zip-lines, rappel down a second waterfall, cross two more zip-lines, traverse a 132-foot hanging bridge, rappel a third waterfall, climb up a rock wall, and finish with a rappel down a fourth waterfall.

“You don’t have to be in perfect physical condition,” assured Devoto. “We adapt the tour for everyone, from kids who are 7 years old up to persons who are 70 years old.”

Devoto said in addition to offering unique adventures, Explornatura is committed to the local communities where they operate. “We hire local guides from our communities, especially within the indigenous community. And we have a particular focus to encourage Costa Rican women to become guides,” he said. “We prefer to work in the countryside. Costa Rica is unique because of its people, and out in the rural countryside, you will find the real Costa Rican people. There you will find the deep traditions of our country.”

Explornatura is located in Turrialba, Costa Rica. You can make reservations online, by emailing to [email protected] or by calling (506) 2556-0111.

Article by Shannon Farley
Shannon Farley writes English-language blogs and handles social media marketing for Enchanting Costa Rica and Profimercadeo in San Jose, Costa Rica.