In memory of Rafael Gallo, Rios Tropicales, Costa Rica

It’s almost impossible to honor the life of a man like Rafael Gallo with the words he merits, when he described himself so accurately as a ‘dream planter.’ Rafael, or Rafa as he was most well known, was and will always be a much loved leader in Costa Rica and the world’s river rafting community. He founded Rios Tropicales in 1985 and was a true pioneer not only of river descents in his beloved country but also in conservation and responsible outdoor adventures. Rafa went on to found the International Rafting Federation in 1997 and was Board Chair at the International Whitewater Hall Of Fame (IWHOF). 

Rainforest protection and rafting with a sustainable vision were at the core of all of Rafa’s work. This is why our paths converged in 2011 when we produced a film about him. He took his forward-thinking messages with him everywhere he went, inspiring tourism stakeholders on his Pacuare River doorstep and also around the world to raft responsibly, protect the rainforests and rivers. Rafa was relaying ecotourism principles and practices long before the word became ecochic, telling us over a decade ago, “If we are going to run this beautiful river which is going to give us financial sustainability, we should give back in environmental sustainability. It feels right. It feels great.”

This ‘feel right, feel great’ ethos of Rios Tropicales’ ecolodge and activities spread throughout Rafa’s home village of Bajo del Tigre and neighboring Siquirres. They not only employ many people locally but have also enabled and supported many other ecotourism businesses. As a dedicated rafter, Rafa instinctively knew that teamwork is what is needed to keep things afloat. Even during the pandemic and his own personal health issues, Rafa talked with us about keeping things together in our #TourismStrong video series: “When the pandemic happened, it was like the first descent of a river. No one had ever navigated it before. But if you’re able to, protect your community, protect your neighbors.”

Rafa once described the Pacuare River as a living being that had taken him by the hand. For decades he has led countless people by the hand towards creating change in tourism and conservation, while all the time reinvesting in the environment by buying land for reforestation. Consequently, many of the dreams he planted are only now starting to grow, but his legacy will live on for generations. 

~ Team GLP