Costa Rica is a top destination for whitewater rafting.  It offers a wide array of wild warm tropical rivers throughout its territory that are active for rafting almost all year round; however, the rainy season is the best because the rivers get incredibly high, in fact, some become so dangerous that they are banned for rafting.  During the summer, you can always hit the Atlantic side, where it is more humid and there are many adventurous options.

Here we offer you a list of the 5 rivers for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica that will most certainly give you an adrenaline rush:

1.Río Reventazón
Its name means “bursting river”, and it definitely is.  It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner at rafting or a pro, you will love this river.  It is always full because the Cachí Dam controls its water flow.

Reventazón is Costa Rica’s most popular and one of the best whitewater rafting rivers. It is close to San José and offers excellent access to connecting spots at the beginning of its four sections.  These sections vary in difficulty:

-Powerhouse to Tucurrique (Class III-IV)

-Tucurrique to Angostura (Class III)

-Angostura to Peralta (Class V)

-Peralta to Siquirres (Class IV)

2.Río Pacuare
Even though the Reventazón is more accessible, longer and more popular, the international rafting community sees the Pacuare River as its jewel.  It is among the top ten rafting and kayaking rivers worldwide because of its exhilarating beauty and thrills; you will never forget running the Pacuare.  It has two main sections:

-Bajo Pacuare- San Martín (Class V, VI)

-San Martín- Siquirres (Class III, IV)

It is called “the quintessential tropical river”, with narrow courses that twist along dense forest canyons portraying around 20 waterfalls, among which you will see one of Costa Rica’s natural wonders, the 150 feet Huacas Falls.  The primary rain forest that surrounds it houses jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of birds.

3.Río General
This river has over 1,000 miles of good rapids; however, one section gets all the attention: San Isidro- El Brujo (Class III, IV).  This is a very long river that carries huge amounts of water from June to November, offering a very different experience from other rivers in Costa Rica.  It is not easy to access though, since it is located in one of the most remote areas in the country and requires a trip of four days.

4.Río Sarapiquí
This is an Atlantic option that suits everyone.  It offers wild, gentle floating, and intermediate whitewater sections.  It is perfect for people who love nature and bird watching.  Its main sections are:

-San Miguel- La Vírgen (Class IV, V)

-La Vírgen- Chilamate (Class III)

-Chilamate- Puerto Viejo (Class I, II)

5.Río Corobicí
This river houses the most popular floating experience in Costa Rica.  Along its section Cañas- Bebedero (Class I, II), you will delight your eyes and ears with the nature surrounding you.  It is a run suitable for all ages, where you will find over 300 bird species: ospreys, mot-mots, herons, cormorans, kingfishers, jacanas, and many others.

These five rivers delight whitewater rafting fans and professionals in Costa Rica; however, the quest for discovery never ends.  There are two recent additions to the best whitewater adventures: Río Savegre and Río Naranjo.  They offer challenging Class III runs and beautiful scenery on the Pacific side.