River Rafting… Is every river the same?

Not at all! However… let’s start by the beginning!

What is White Water River Rafting?

Wikipedia says: Rafting and white water rafting are recreational outdoor activities which use an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water. This is often done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, and generally represents a new and challenging environment for participants. Dealing with risk and the need for teamwork is often a part of the experience.

Now, another question: Why rafting in Costa Rica?

First of all the logical answer to the question: Because you can do it: You are on vacation, you can enjoy the relaxing, the mindfulness and the fun without any other thoughts or stress.

But then there are other answers: Because the water is warm and pristine, the rainforest around is a breathtaking view, the guides are happy and extremely efficient and because of the Costa Rican topography allows it to be magnificent! And then, on the technical side: Rafting in Costa Rica is a little different than other parts of the world because our rivers have steep radients with lots of rapids and are a little more technical and shallow, which makes it a great ride!

And then, the question of this article’s title:

Are all the rivers the same? Oh! Far from it! Differences go by location, time of paddling, difficulty degrees, minimum ages, distances, etc.

Let’s start with location:

Central Valley:

From the Central Valley you can enjoy the following: Pacuare, Reventazón and Sarapiqui rivers.

 

Pacuare, the most known internationally and among rafters, the river of rivers (Check Noelia Moya’s experience in The magical moments of the Pacuare RIver Rafting), one of the ten best rivers in the World. It is not an overly challenging river, but it has many rapids. Few rivers in the world can offer you so many.

Difficulty: Class III-IV
Distance: 30 kms/18 miles
Number of rapids: 52
Approximate river time: 4 hours
Minimum age: 12 years

 

Reventazón, a river that has a big influence in our history and society, with luscious surroundings and great possibilities to see wildlife, this one is ideal to enjoy in a family trip.

Difficulty: Class II III
Distance: 10 kms/7miles
Number of rapids: 9
Approximate river time: 2 hours
Minimum age: 6 years

 

Sarapiqui, this river has different sections, from I to IV, and even V in the upper areas. It is in one of the most diverse and luscious areas of the north of Costa Rica. We will see here the middle one, class II to IV.

Difficulty: Class III-IV
Distance: 11 kms/8 miles
Number of rapids: 11
Approximate river time: 2 hours
Minimum age: 12 years

La Fortuna River Rafting.

In the area of La Fortuna you can find: Balsa and Toro Amarillo and Caño Negro and Peñas Blancas for Loating (Second articles of the series)

In the area of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano we find:  Balsa and Toro Amarillo rivers.

Balsa River, 45 minutes from La Fortuna, this is a great trip for a family trip, surrounded by most magnificent nature and gorgeous landscapes.

Difficulty: Class II-III
Distance: 10 Km (7 miles)
Number of rapids: 20
Approximate river time: 2 hours
Minimum age: 12 years

Toro River, 55 minutes from La Fortuna, this river name says it all: The Bull, and yes! It is aggresive. Great for experienced riders and daring beginners.

Difficulty: Class III-IV
Distance: 13 Km (9 miles)
Number of rapids: 45
Approximate river time: 2 hours
Minimum age: 12 years

 

Look for part II with the rivers of Mauel Antonio and NIcoya Peninsula.