5 Top Places to go Rafting in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers – you can hike and bike through the landscapes, or even zipline over them. It is also a popular destination to take a rafting trip, with some incredible waterways offering rapids of varied difficulty. Here are five of the best places to go rafting in Costa Rica, and some of the trips that will get you there.

Pacuare River

Considered one of the top rafting rivers in the world, the Pacuare River is famed not only for its collection of incredible rapids but also its biodiversity and natural beauty. The gorge cuts through verdant rainforest and is framed by steep facades with dense green foliage spilling down the rockface. It is popular for single day rafts, but also offers multi-day rafting trips on III and IV Class rapids paired with overnight jungle lodge stays.

Find the experience – Costa Rica: Raft, Surf & Kayak

Savegre River

If you are looking for some thrills as well as some calmer stretches of pristine waterway, then the Savegre River might be just perfect. Here there are a series of II and III Class rapids that offer a blend of exhilaration and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Wearing the title of one of Central America’s cleanest rivers proudly, the Savegre River serves up breathtaking scenery as it coils through the forest.

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Balsa River

Presided over by the Arenal Volcano, rafting along the Balsa River is a family favourite. With II and III Class rapids it gives you time to drift along and take in your surrounds – think lush forests with abundant wildlife flitting through the trees. There is also enough whitewater for plenty of fun and a memorable adventure the whole family can enjoy.

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Naranjo River

The Rio Naranjo is a popular rafting river snaking its way through narrow ravines en route to Costa Rica’s west coast where it spills into the Pacific Ocean. Flowing from the mountains it passes through varied landscapes, offering thrilling rapid systems (III and IV Class) as well as more gentle sections where you can enjoy the scenery passing by.

Find the experience – Costa Rica: Hike, Raft & Zipline  

La Fortuna

An adrenaline junkies dream, here there are plenty of exhilarating activities to pack into every incredible second – including white water rafting. The region is home to a series of waterways overlooked by the Arenal Volcano,  with rapids of varying levels. Spend some time racing through the whitewater and perhaps top off your trip with some waterfall rappelling or paddleboarding in this hub of adventure. 

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