River rafting in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are together responsible for one of the best white water river selections in the world. Costa Rica is the perfect place for a first white water rafting experience, since it has several rivers that offer a combination of reasonable rapids and beautiful floats.

About half a dozen rambunctious rivers are regularly run by experienced rafting outfitters, and those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, they also pass some gorgeous scenery. 

The river routes available to rafters range from the turbulent waters of the lower Reventazon to the meandering curves of the Corobici. All rafting trips can also be done in kayaks, but kayakers must be experienced. A wide selection of operators run trips down the country's most accessible rivers using trained river guides and modern equipment. One-day river trips include transportation to and from the river, breakfast and a picnic lunch on the riverbank. Overnight trips often include lodging in riverside cabins and all meals.

Reventazon: There are 2 sections of rafting in this river. The Tucurrique section is easy enough and is for first-timers. The Pascua section is very wild, and requires previous rafting experience.

Pacuare: The country's longest and most spectacular trip in this river can be run from mid May to mid March.

Sarapiqui: This is a beautiful river, which has good trips for beginners. These trips can be run out of San Jose or Arenal area, from mid May to mid March.

Savegre: This is another beautiful river that is perfect for first-time rafting experience. River trips leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, from May to January.

Naranjo. This is a wild river near Quepos that requires some experience for rafting. Rafting trips run from June to November.

El General: This river offers a popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip that is done best during the height of the rainy season, i.e. September to November.

Corobici: Flowing by the town of Canas, in Guanacaste, this is an easy river good for beginners and families and offers great animal and bird watching.

The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids. Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife.