Team Vivo's Zipline Adventure in Puerto Escondido
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By Clint Demers
We just had our annual Vivo team meetings here in Puerto Escondido at the end of August. For one of our team sessions we decided on a trip up to the zip lines. Since none of us had been there yet, even those of us that have lived here for years, it was a chance for us all to have a new adventure together.
Being that it is the rainy season, we had to do the trip early, so as not to get caught in the daily afternoon rains that fall in the mountains. We departed at 7:30 and after a 90 minute drive from Puerto Escondido, up through the beautiful mountain countryside, we found ourselves in coffee country. Some of the best coffee in Mexico is grown here on these steep mountain sides, and some of the most pleasant people as well.
Approximately 15 minutes off the highway down a dirt road we came to the town of La Chao. No cell phone signal, and no internet. It was awesome, nothing to distract us from having a great experience. We parked the vehicles grabbed ourselves some water and hooked up with the zip line tour guides to begin the 30 minute hike along the river up to the first line. What was waiting for us there was certainly a pleasant surprise. A 30 meter high waterfall, complete with a sandy beach, and large rocks to dive from. The water was crystal clear and very refreshing. Since we were such a large group, we had to split in half. So half of us hung out and relaxed at the waterfall while the others began the 35 minute descent, zipping through the tree tops over some of the most incredible scenery you may ever see. There are a total of six lines ranging from 490 meters long and 80 meters high to 425 meters long and 130 meters high. Seeing the looks of amazement and listening to the hoots, hollers, and giggles of the first team overhead zipping down the mountain just added to the great experience we knew we were about to have.
It seemed like no time at all before our guides returned. They had taken the first group down, had a drink of water and jogged back up, to then take us down. They caught their breath while we got our harnesses and helmets on, gave us the list of tips, and then we were off. That first time your feet leave the platform is quite the high, and then it almost becomes surreal, as you float over small coffee fields, rivers, mountain pasture land with grazing livestock, and jungle like forests. We reached the last line just as the clouds had started to roll in, and made it down to the little restaurant where the other half of our group was having a few beverages, and waiting to have lunch with us. We finished lunch just as the sky opened up, and the tin roof of the restaurant began to chatter away, but it was nothing compared to the buzz of excited conversation that filled the room.
All in all it was an incredible day, the scenery was beautiful, the guides were great, and it was an amazing experience. I would do it again and again!
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