The driver Esteban was right on time. We climbed in the air-conditioned van and were whisked (literally, he was quick) off to our adventure for the day.
So the basis of Xplor... its one large ecological adventure park with basically five activities: ziplining, zip-hammocking, swimming underground rivers, paddling kayaks through caves, and driving amphibious vehicles. Its all-inclusive and includes food and drinks as well. I highly recommend it.
As you walk between activities you are hiking through underground caves or jungle. We had lots of fun taking photos along the way!
At the very center of the park is a large heart that you can hear beating that helps you find your way back to the middle after each activity.
Our first swim on the underground river was amazing! We were alone... it was fairly dark... and so very quiet. It was easy to forget where we were and we just enjoyed the quiet floating. It was pretty magical. You know we were relaxed when even the bats hanging over head didn't bother us. The activity wraps up with a swim into the center of a circular waterfall. We joined together in the middle and just giggled with glee as we looked overhead at the sky above and the falling water. It was perfect!
Next we headed to the intro course on the amphibious vehicles. It was a little less than thrilling when we all got hung up behind a very cautious driver and had to drive the remainder of the course slow and steady.
However, the slower pace did allow us to see this crazy animal up in a tree. It's called a coati and looked like this...
After we wrapped up there, we stopped for lunch because its all-inclusive and a buffet and who says you cannot eat lunch twice in one adventure-packed day? Next we did the zip-hammocks and had a great time splashing down into the water.
Then we headed back underground to the paddle boats. Less than 5 minutes in, Sammy announced she didn't like the paddles so I would be on my own for our boat. But she stuck with it and although not her favorite, we did alright! The long route took about 30 minutes and was quite a workout.
Next we headed back to the amphibious vehicles but this time were allowed to take a longer route. I decided to drive separately this time so Scott and Tyler led the way, followed by JC and Mary, with Sammy and I taking up the rear. This route was much longer... definitely more fun... and allowed us to go fast and bounce and slide around curves. It was loads of fun.
Along the route Tyler spotted a pretty big iguana and as I was pointing it out to Sammy, we may have hit a tree. I don't mean we grazed it, I don't mean we clipped it. We full on hit a 4-inch diameter tree. I had to put it in reverse to move on. I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING! I was super embarrassed but there was no one there to see it. I should never have mentioned it but it was just too funny not to share.
We had just enough time for one last activity and decided on the river swim. A great way to finish our day and cool down before the ride home.
Needless to say, we had a blast... when we returned home at 5:00 pm we had logged over 15,000 steps and were exhausted.
As we arrived at the lobby, I decided to grab a Starbucks because I thought I'd want a dessert later and didn't want to walk the steps twice. We all ordered a drink and then paced ourselves for our final stair climb of the day. Imagine our surprise and sheer delight when we rounded the corner only to see the signs were taken down. Wow! I was so excited I literally laughed out loud.
We started on supper right away for two reasons: 1) we were hungry after all that exercise and 2) I knew if I sat down even a minute I wouldn't want to get back up. Luckily though we had lots (and lots) of leftovers from our meal with Francis and Maria and just needed to microwave to prepare.
We filled up on chicken and shrimp fajitas and quesadillas and chips & guacamole. Then watched as the eyelids got heavy. We sat out on the balcony for just a bit and enjoyed the evening breeze and another gorgeous sunset.
Then it was off to bed for everyone.
