2025 Ida B Wells Costa Rica Adventure

Blog Day 7

Today was a pretty chill day.

Everyone worked up tired and a bit sore after our treacherous hike yesterday. We had a slow start to the day, a pretty chill breakfast, and a nice, long drive to pass most of the day on our way to Fortuna.

During the first part of the drive, most people were sleepy or fascinated by all the beautiful scenery as we drove through the mt pass. As we were going up, we took a detour to this beautiful stop at the top above all the clouds, where you felt like an island in a sea of white water. Then, as we headed back down for lunch, it felt like it was never gonna end. It took us ages to get there, and most people were annoyed at how long it took and finally relieved when we pulled over for lunch.

Lunch was yummy! It was really quite needed after such a long day of driving. But it was not done yet. Then, we got back in the bus and drove for another few hours. People began to pass the time by playing cards on the back of chairs, playing charades, and listening to music.

It ended up getting really dark really fast and super raining, so we stayed home til food came and we ate the food and it was quite exquisite, and we pet a white dog and went to sleep.

– John Duke and Max Urbina

Blog Day 6

Today was such a challenging but rewarding day!

We first woke up in the base camp very tired at 5:00 am to get some breakfast and get situated for the hike down the mountain. We started off walking up and down hill, and it was nothing compared to the way up!

Throughout the first 7kms down there were many different terrains and beautiful sights that we all got great photos at! Once we all made it to the halfway point, we sat dow,n took a brief break where we ordered tortillas con queso. We then continued down the steep slippery rocks for 7 more kms! Everyone kinda went at their own pace, but we all made it in the end and took nice warm showers back at the hotel. We had a couple of hours to chill before lunch. After lunch, we had a few more hours to relax and wind down before dinner.

We had our nightly meeting, which discussed tomorrow’s exciting plans and writing letters to our future selves in three years! That was all for today!

– Isabel

Blog Day 5

Today was a big day that started at 2:20 for my roommates and me! After a bit of an abrupt wake-up call, we quickly grabbed our gear and headed out to meet the whole group at 2:40.

We officially began our hike at 3 am, which was marked with a sign where we all got to take a group photo. We then started our long hike using only our headlamps and flashlights for light.

The hike was marked with kilometer signs to help us track our progress, and by the time we reached that first sign, I was already feeling the fatigue and had to take a quick Sour Patch Kids snack break.

Our goal was to stay as one group for the first 5 kilometers, and we had our first long break for breakfast at the 4-kilometer mark.

We then began to break into different groups depending on speed. We eventually all made it to kilometer 7, which had a bathroom, a water refilling station, and a little store for snacks and drinks. After a longer break there, we continued to the second half of our trip.

The moral was a little low because of how steep the second half began (with nearly 3 kilometers being straight up hill). But eventually we made it to the flat kilometer, followed by the downhill kilometer, which rejuvenated our energy a little bit.

That energy was quickly needed on the last kilometer that we dubbed as the “suffer fest”, comprising steep hills that appeared to have no end in sight. But eventually, it was over, and we arrived at Base Crestones after 11 long hours of hiking our way up the mountain.

We enjoyed a much-needed lunch, downtime, and dinner before everyone broke off to prepare for their adventures tomorrow: either summitting Mt. Chirripo or beginning the descent down early in the morning.

– Sophie Rogers

Blog Day 5

Today we woke up bright and early at 2:15 am to start our hike up Mount Chirripó, the highest point in Costa Rica. Our destination? A base camp 14km away, where we could spend the night. The day started out hard; everyone in my room was scrambling to change and fight the very present sleep deprivation. Though walking outside where the group was waiting had an energizing effect on everyone, thankfully on the ones who didn’t have any caffeine too.

The start of the hike was brutal. Technical difficulties with headlamps and flashlights, the energy starting to die down when everyone realized what they had gotten themselves into, and the rocky terrain that kept going into a never-ending hill are a few examples of the struggles we had at the beginning. But despite all of that, our group powered through and walked until we could see the daylight through the cloudy forest. We learned to savor the mist that came with the early morning as well as the fresh energy that came with sunrise. Many progress photos began here with the beautiful backdrop of the start of our 11-hour hike.

As we continued, many of us were learning about kilometers versus miles. How long is 14km in miles? Which unit should we count in? If we count in miles, will we feel even more exhausted versus in kilometers? Thankfully, we had all the time in the world to think while hiking the rocky and steep terrain of Mount Chirripó. Since Portland is at sea level, this hike was daunting to many people, as when we hiked higher, the air got thinner. I think this is where the best of our group dynamic showed through. In all honesty, I could not have made it to the base camp without the help of everyone else around me. People sharing snacks, water, carrying others’ bags (thank you, Mr. Olsen), and even finding sticks on the trail for each other to use as trekking poles were just some examples of the kindness everyone showed to each other during our hike. Unfortunately, despite this, many hikers did have injuries, or their bodies denied the whole idea of this hike. I knew a lot of people who, once we got to the halfway point, still wanted to keep going, but it unfortunately wasn’t safe for them to do so. Tomorrow, when we get back to the hotel, I’m sure many will be sharing photos and congratulating them nonetheless.

Among the group, many of us agree that the steep hills and the thin air of kilometers 8-10 were one of the hardest parts of the trip. After taking an hour-long break at the halfway point, it was a devastating reminder of how sore our legs actually were. Many of us tried to keep our spirits up, cheer everyone on, but the thinning air made it difficult to even talk. After kilometer 10, that’s when the rain started. Everyone was scrambling for their emergency ponchos, and unfortunately, many got soaked. With only 4km left, many were pushed to preserve despite this, and thankfully, the forgiving terrain of the next 3km made us to take minimal breaks. Once completed, there was only one obstacle stopping us from finally having a warm meal and a place to rest our feet. The 14th kilometer that the guides had warned us about since the very beginning. This last kilometer was the hardest part of our entire hike. Rocky and steep terrain without the trees we’ve been covered by so far to protect us from the onslaught of rain pouring down on us and the exhaustion from the previous 13 kilometers, making our muscles and lungs scream. We survived by taking frequent breaks and not looking up at the daunting hill in front of us.

What greeted us at the top of the hill was a flat, slightly downturned trail. I’m sure most of us would’ve run if we didn’t have 11 hours of hiking weighing us down, but we made it to the base camp. Many changed into warm clothes and had our first hot meal of the day. Overall, I think this is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Many of us were just happy for it to be over, and to finally lay down and take a well-deserved nap. This hike came with its challenges, but little moments like the misty air of the morning, the small mercy of a flat trail, and the downpour that reminded all of the homesick people that we’re still on the same earth as home made up for it. This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m proud of both myself and my fellow hikers for challenging themselves and coming as far as they did. Pura Vida!

– Emma Lopez

Blog Day 4

Our day in Costa Rica began bright and early with an awakening of howler monkeys and a delicious breakfast at the hotel. We had a chill morning as we packed up our bags and checked out, ready to travel to our text destination.

We traveled by bus and looked out at the beautiful nature and lush forests. We made a stop at a small, authentic market filled with unique fruits. Some included lychee fruits and water apples, both were delicious and new tastes.

After a lunch break, we stopped at two different points to check in at the national park and prepare for our upcoming hike. This included showing passports and picking out meals for the mountain.

Not long after, we continued to a local farm where cheese is produced. Here we learned about the traditional methods still used today and even got a chance to milk cows. This was a fun experience and it was fascinating to see the process of cheese from start to finish. Sampling different kinds of cheese at the end was delicious, and the history of the farm was an interesting story.

Following a dinner of options including pasta, Casado, and nachos, we gathered for a group discussion to prepare for tomorrow’s hike. We’re feeling both excited and nervous for the early adventure ahead.

– Maya Hristic

Blog Day 3

Today was an adventurous day, pushing many people to be open to trying new things. We started the day off with a buffet breakfast at the hotel consisting of pancakes, pineapples, plantains, and more. After that we took a short walk to the beach to begin our surfing journey.

We practiced our stance on the beach, followed by brief instruction by Alejandro the surf master. Everybody was able to surf to their hearts content and could stand up. The surfing was followed by a fantastic body surfing and boogie boarding session. We then came back to the hotel for lunch, having dishes like Casado de Pescado and chicken quesadillas.

After lunch we set out to go souvenir shopping at some local stores. We had planned to visit the beach once again to continue swimming, but our plans were squandered when a thunderstorm attacked us. The thunderstorm sent us back to the hotel with frowning faces and wet clothes. We spent a couple of hours trying to swim in the hotel pool when the lighting struck a tree atop a hill and set its leaves and trunk ablaze. The rising smoke from the tree was a cautionary tale to the dangers of lightning.

Once the storm ceased a small group of us set out for the beach. The swimming was incredible, the breathtaking pink- orange sunset combined with the glassy water made for a perfect evening. After the amazing swim, we went and ate dinner. Dinner consisted of courses like; Hamburgers, pasta, chicken and rice, and a lovely passion fruit beverage.

We were serenaded by the sounds of a local band that was performing, We then retired for the evening, with tired bodies and full stomachs.

– Owen Prater

Blog Day 2

After a much needed night of rest and sleep, we all embarked on our first full day in Costa Rica.

After eating a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we started our bus ride to the beach, and all enjoyed the beautiful tropical scenery along the way. Our first stop was at a bridge overlooking a small river — and there were crocodiles! All of them were basking in the sun and looked like they were taking a good nap. We then walked to a group of shops — food and souvenirs — where there were smoothies, snacks, and cold water for us all to enjoy.

Our next stop was at a supermarket where we could buy little snacks for the road. When we arrived at the hotel, we all sat down for a lunch of typical Costa Rican food, which was nourishing after a long bus ride. We then went to the beach and all swam in the Pacific Ocean the water was warm and fresh, perfect for body surfing and swimming. There were some jellyfish though! and a couple of us got stung. No need to worry, though, the stings quickly went away.

There were lots of vendors at the beach selling snow cones and fresh coconuts, too. That night, we headed to dinner at a restaurant just up the road, complete with an old-fashioned wagon where people could enjoy their food if they wanted to. The food was delicious and was needed after a long day.

We headed back to the hotel soon after and hung out by the pool until it was time for bed.

– Eloise Blaine

Blog Day 1

Wow, what a day. Every great adventure has its difficulties and I would definitely say that travel days can be considered a tricky point of most journeys.

The 4 hour red eye that we caught from PDX left majority of us sleep deprived and ready for coffee when we arrived in Dallas. The four hour layover was a long one but we used the time to get food from panera, einstein’s bagels, smoothie king and starbucks, the few stores that were open at 5 in the morning. After a gate change and 20 minute delay, we boarded our flight to Costa Rica, ready for our adventures to begin. Only to find when we arrived, a long line for customs and an extremely humid spot to wait for our bags.

Thankfully our in country guides quickly found us and we went to our first Costa Rican meal all together in a restaurant with an amazing view overlooking a dense tropical valley. The food was delicious and left us all feeling nourished after our long period of airport food. After lunch we arrived to our hotel and spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or catching up on showers and sleep.

Travel days are no joke and this one in particular put all of us to the test. However, we all made it and are ready for the adventures ahead!

– Mia Durham-LeBus

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