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White Water Rafting
Costa
Rica white water rafting and kayaking. The warm, rushing rivers
which sweep through Costa Rica's lush countryside offer world
class white water rafting and kayaking opportunities. From the
Reventazón, the famous Pacuare and the class 5 Chirripó,
all in the southern reaches of the country, to the spectacular
Peñas Blancas, the mighty Toro, and the Sarapiqui, all
of which are located in the northern central area of Costa Rica,
rafting enthusiasts from around the world pit their skills against
these wild and turbulent rivers. Known not only for their exciting
rides, these rivers offer scenic beauty unparalleled anywhere
in the world. Lush tropical rainforest, spectacular waterfalls,
and abundant wildlife line the hundreds of rivers which continually
feed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Rio Reventezon
flows from the damn of the same name in the Orossi Valley down
the Atlantic slope to the Caribbean Sea. With multiple sections
of the river available for rafting, there is something for beginners
and experienced rafters alike. The most popular section is the
Tucarrici, with level two and three rapids throughout. For those
looking for a little more excitement, the Powerhouse section is
a more demanding category four. Starting at the base of the damn
and plunging its way through the descending gorge carved out of
the side of the mountain, this ride is fast, strong and exciting.
The Rio Pacuare
is generally considered to be Costa Rica's premier, and most accessible
river. Lined with stunning natural beauty, this river is quite
literally overwhelming. With year-round accessibility and genuine
level four rapids, the Rio Pacuare is perfect for both experienced
rafters and experts. This river is an experience not to be missed,
especially since the Costa Rican government plans to install a
hydra-electric damn by the end of the century. For those experts
looking for the most difficult and challenging rapids in the country,
Rio Chirripó is it. Flowing down from the second highest
mountain in all of Central America, Rio Chirripó is a difficult
class five. Only available from late August through early November,
at the height of the rainy season, Chirripó is fast, exciting
and big. Yearly, the greatest kayakers in the world converge on
this river to test their abilities against the best that Costa
Rica has to offer.
On the west
coast, the Rio Sevegre and Rio Naranjo begin their descents from
the mountains which stand tall behind Manuel Antonio National
Park. Accessible both during the dry and rainy seasons, these
challenging rivers plunge towards the pacific coast before emptying
into the cool, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Always susceptible
to the local weather conditions, the Sevegre and Naranjo rivers
can at one moment be at tranquil experience, and within minutes,
a wild ride.
If you travel
north to the Volcano Arenal or Monteverde areas, make sure you
check into an exciting variety of beautiful and lesser known rivers
that are becoming the new Hot Spot for Costa Rican white water.
The Peñas Blancas river (..called "the white water
gem of Costa Rica's Atlantic slope" in the guide book; The
rivers of Costa Rica drain directly out of the private reserves
of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's Rain
Forest Reserve, making it hands down, the cleanest and most pristine
white water run offered in the country! The class 4 section of
this river passes through fauna and wild life rich, forested canyons
that rise up to over 700 feet in sections. Also found in this
stunning canyon are natural volcanic hot springs, and picturesque
water falls (some falling into the river from over 120 feet!).
The Peñas Blancas has two half day sections (one class
3, the other class 4) that leave twice daily from La Fortuna,
San Carlos or you can combine the two and add a great hot lunch
to make it a full day excursion. The Toro river is a full day
trip that combines some of, if not the best continuous class 4
white water in the country, with beautiful deep canyons and old
growth forest scenery. Also in the area is the gorgeous class
2, 3 and 4 sections of the Sarapiqui River, offering some rarely
ever run (or seen) class 4 and 5+ rivers or steep creeks; ideal
for the hard core kayaker.
These and
other great rivers are available through a number of different
tour operators. Prices for the different rivers vary and multiply-day
trips are available for many of them. If you have only a limited
time to see the wonders of this beautiful country, river rafting
is not only one of the most enjoyable way to see Costa Rica, it
is also one of the most exciting.
For kayak
enthusiasts, over 750 miles of coastline provide a unique perspective
of the country's pristine and virgin shoreline, in addition to
the numerous rivers mentioned above. Most rafting operators also
rent kayaks, as well as offer instructional classes. Little kayaking
experience is required to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape,
inland canals, or environmentally protected estuaries.
 Reserve
Now!
A
tropical getaway at your pace
Costa
Rica Rentals Contact
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