Dramatic landscapes threaded with beautiful, blue rivers. Simple, self-sustaining farmers. Powerful, demanding river rafting. Charismatic, friendly guides and staff.
The one unfortunate factor was the rain. It was suppose to be summer in South America, but for the 6 days that I was in the mountains it was raining. Everyone mentioned how unusual this was, and how it was sunny and hot only a week before. I tried not to let it bother me too much. I was getting wet in the river most days any way. The rain also meant that the water level in the river was very high. In some spots, the water level was too high to safely raft, so I wasn't able to raft the entire river.
I got to try some sea kayaking and river kayaking in an inflatable kayak. It was enough to make me interested in trying some more river kayaking. Maybe in a couple years, I may have enough experience to return to The Futa in a kayak.
As always, I wish I could have stayed longer. It felt like I was packing up to leave just as I was finding a good routine and establishing relationships with the guides and other guests.
