We had a great day beginning with out tour guide, Gerrardo with Greenway Nature Day Tours. He was on time, picking us up at our hotel in San Jose in a very comfortable Hyundai mid-size SUV. He provided bottled water, and was great in answering our questions along the way about Costa Rican culture, life, and some of the great things Costa Rica is doing, as well as challenges for the future of the country. Gerrardo was also very accommodating, stopping a few times along the way to allow us to take pictures at scenic sights. Once at the site of the chocolate tour and suspension bridge hike, Carolina took over as our guide. She has an undergraduate in biology from the University of Costa Rica. She was very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, as well as pointing out different insect, amphibian, and tropical wildlife while hiking to the jungle cultivation site. The walk across the suspension bridge was amazing, with wonderful views of the river and the surrounding area. With her co-worker Theresa, they talked us through the traditional method of producing chocolate from the cacao, including cultivation and its historical impact both locally and globally.
