Meet another of our “Caballero del Rio” (Gentleman of the River!) Mariano Salazar AKA Sabanera. In 1986, “Saba” went to Coloma, California to participate in whitewater school and returned to Costa Rica to help improve the Rafting industry in Turrialba, the Mecca of Whitewater in Costa Rica.
Saba loves to play “El Quijongo”, a type of musical instrument that looks like a bow, used by the indigenous peoples, the sound is created by striking the string with a stick!
Saba is known well in the industry for his perpetual smile, fun histories, helping other guides to improve and providing a real Costa Rica Cultural experience to his clients.
Tune into the interview with our Amazing Vacations staff to learn about rafting adventures with Michael Kane in Costa Rica and California, adventures in Peralta with his good friend Miti, and the challenges posed by the government when they tried to dam the Pacuare River.
Saba is full of stories, from his first day guiding on Pine Creek in Colorado, to his numerous adventures on the General River in Costa Rica. His dedication to the sport of whitewater has helped grow the industry in Costa Rica and given the reputation of exceptional guides come from Turrialba. (We may be partial, but we think he’s quite right.).
Saba says that “Rivers have their own magic.” We are so grateful he has taken the time to share some of those magical stories with us.
Stay tuned to the end of the interview to hear about Arnaldo’s plane journey to California with Saba.
