Rafting in the Costa Rica rainforest at Arenal Volcano

 

When the Costa Rica green season rain gets going, river rafting trips in the top adventure travel destination get really exciting. As the rivers swell with rainwater, it’s your cue to go for a fun, wild ride down a beautiful rainforest river.

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is a top travel destination not only for its great rivers, but also its lush rainforest, deep canyons, and largest fresh water lake in the country – Lake Arenal.

“There are more paddling options in the Arenal area than anywhere else in Central America,” declares Desafio Adventure Company, which operates whitewater rafting trips in Arenal.

Desafio operates river rafting trips in Arenal on the Balsa River (class 2-3), a Safari Float on the Penas Blancas River (class 1), combo rafting tours with rappelling or canopy zip-lining, and private tours.

If you want fun and excitement without being too crazy, the Balsa River is a perfect Arenal Costa Rica whitewater rafting adventure.

The half-day tour down class 2 and 3 rapids is right for persons with little to no rafting experience and also for families. The river flows down a long, rainforest canyon, 30 minutes outside of the town of La Fortuna by the Arenal Volcano. You will paddle down 10 kilometers of rolling rapids like “Morning Coffee” and “Rock around the Croc”, with tranquil pools along the way to catch your breath and see the scenery and wildlife.

The tour includes: Rafting equipment, snacks, drinks, lunch, towel, bilingual certified guides, private river entrance and exit with changing rooms and bathroom, and transportation to/from your Arenal area hotel in a Wi-Fi equipped van.

What to Bring: quick-dry clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, strap-on sandals or athletic shoes, and a change of clothes.

Desafio Adventure Company is a family business run by adventure enthusiasts Suresh and Christine Krishnan. Suresh founded the company in 1992. Desafio provides outstanding Costa Rica adventure tours in whitewater rafting, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking, hikes to waterfalls and active volcanoes, and activities in other popular Costa Rica destinations.

Article by Shannon Farley