Costa Rica is an adventure lovers paradise. Its outdoor recreation options are endless and some of the best in the world. Zip lining through a rainforest? Yep. Hiking to a deserted waterfall? Got it. Surfing some of the world's most beautiful waves? Yes, yes, and yes.
I love a good adrenaline rush. I'm no sky diving fanatic or cliff diving enthusiast, but I do love a good thrill and Costa Rica always offers me plenty of adventures.
Every time I visit Costa Rica, I fit at least one new adventure into my itinerary. On our first visit in 2012, we stayed in Manuel Antonio and spent a lot of our time exploring the beaches and national park. And on a whim, we booked a white water rafting tour with Amigos del Rio, based in Quepos, which was only 20 minutes away.
The tour company is owned and run by locals and as soon as they pick you up for your tour you know they love their job. They are extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife in their country and take great pride in their culture. Their passion about Costa Rica and the Pura Vida lifestyle is contagious and they make the white water rafting experience even more memorable.
The rafting tour is on the Savegre River which was just recently recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The scenery surrounding the river is pristine and you can tell Costa Rica takes great care of their rainforests and wildlife. There are multiple waterfalls hiding along the river and during our tour we were able to stop at one for a snack and some photos.
The lower Savegre River has class III rapids so its exciting to an experience rafter but gentle enough for a beginner. The tour lasts 4 hours from start to finish and the entire time I had a smile from ear to ear. It was more incredible than I could've imagined. Between the adrenaline pumping through my veins as we paddled through rapids and the beautiful flora along the river, there was never a dull moment.
When there was a break in the rapids, we all jumped out and floated the river to relax. While floating our tour guide spotted a boa constrictor sun bathing on a tree. Its unreal how amazing and wild Costa Rica is.
White water rafting was one of my favorite expeditions we've had in Costa Rica. I had such a great time, every year when we return we book another tour with Amigos del Rio. There is always something new to see and its a great bonding experience for our family.
Between the locals that give you a close up look into the culture of Costa Rica, to the unique wildlife that flourishes along the river, white water rafting in Costa Rica is a memory that will last you forever. Pura Vida!
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