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Costa Rica is a land dominated by mountains and an abundance of water. The flows for any particular month of the year are more reliable than those in North America. The reason for this reliability is the fact that the variability of precipitation is quite low throughout the humid tropic. The rugged terrain combined with the drainage network and the great volume of runoff provides more opportunities for whitewater paddling than any other area of comparable dimensions.
Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. These rivers plunge through spectacular, beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Whether an expert or beginner, nature lover or thrill seeker, rafting enthusiast or active kayaker, there is an unforgettable experience awaiting you.
Sarapiquí River This river has been a pioneer in tourism of the Fortuna area (near the Arenal Volcano), with local bilingual guides who offer extensive knowledge of the region and its diversity, as well as being qualified in rescue techniques and CPR. Due to its shape, flow and topographic conditions, the Sarapiquí River offers maximum security to its visitors.
The sections are clearly defined and travel is parallel the main road. This allows us to separate into smaller groups and make trips to different sections of the river, rejoining at lunch time. The spring of Sarapiquí River is located on the Barva Volcano. The water flow travels 85 kilometers through preserve and low population areas until it reaches the San Juan River.
Savegre River This full day adventure includes an incredible 4/wheel drive journey which takes you in to a very remote back country of the Savegre River for a 4-hour guided rafting trip with class II/III/IV rapids in 6-person rafts. There are great swimming holes and a large variety of birds and primary jungles including egrets, toucans, osprey, parrots, kingfishers, and cormorants. We will stop in a little village called “Río Blanco” for a Tico style lunch in a thatched roof restaurant with great views and a nature path. We also stop at some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area with many blooming heliconias in this shady forest.
Naranjo River A Class III/IV half-day challenge for more experienced paddlers. The Naranjo River drops steeply from the mountains above Quepos, through a beautiful jungle gorge, takeing you on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. Water levels can rise quickly on this river raising the difficulty and adrenaline levels, so rafters should be physically fit and adventurous. Fruits and snacks midway are included.
Pacuare River This river has been officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding deep inside of one of Costa Rica's most impressive primordial rainforests. You will traverse 18 miles of remote and scenic waters that wind through a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds.
On the way you will pass through the site of one of Costa Rica's most lovely rainforests, the Braulio Carrillo National Park. The ride to the put in at Tres Equis, including the breakfast stop, is approximately 3 hours. There, professional guides and the rafting equipment will be waiting.
After some brief security instructions, you'll start out on this incredible rafting journey. Rafting is filled with excitement as you squeeze through narrow openings between huge boulders and run long stretches of powerful rapids. You'll break for a delicious lunch served along the river's edge. While lunch is being prepared, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you marvel at the raw, pounding power of the untamed Pacuare River that for millions of years has coursed through this virgin tropical rainforest.
If you're ready for a very exciting day filled with wet and wonderful fun, the Pacuare is ready for you! Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary.
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