A favorite outdoor activity that’s been growing in popularity since the 1970s, an inflatable raft is used to navigate a river or body of water. This sport usually requires a team of paddlers, a guide and lots of teamwork.
The following are a few of the most convenient rivers for rafting:
Reventazón: The Tucurrique section (Class III) is easy enough for first-timers. The Pascua section (Class IV-V) is very wild, and requires previous rafting experience. Can be run year round.
Pacuare: The country's longest and most spectacular river trip (Class III-IV) can be run from mid May thru mid March. Two-day trip recommended.
Sarapiquí: Beautiful river (Class II-III), good trip for beginners. Can be run out of San Jose or the Arenal area, from mid May thru mid March.
Saavegre: Another beautiful river (Class II-III) excellent for first timers. River trips leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, May thru January.
Naranjo: A wild river (Class III-IV) near Quepos that requires some rafting experience. Run from June thru November.
El General: A popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip (class III-IV) best during the height of the rainy season, September to November.
Peñas Blancas in Arenal, Corobici River in Guanacaste or Sarapiquí- chilamate section: Beautiful Rivers (Class I), good trip for families, great opportunity to see wildlife. Can be run all year around.
The following classification has been created to assess the difficulty level of any given river:
On the map you'll find Costa Rica's tourism regions, where you can participate in these activities. For more information on any of these activities, contact your travel agent or hotel.