The Rio Sarapiquí is one place you can enjoy Costa Rica white water rafting while experiencing tropical rainforest flora and fauna. The Sarapiquí is one of the rivers that flows down from the Cordillera Central, the mountainous central highlands.
The class of rapids is dependent on the location and the time of year. After an abundant rainy season, the river will be considerably more active than right before the next rainy season begins. When the river is low, it will be necessary to paddle more between the rapids. The raft will not go down the river without help from the paddlers. The overall experience will be less intense and slower than when the river is flowing briskly. It’s wise to contact prospective rafting companies in advance to see if your planned trip jives with your expectations and comfort level..
One option is Hacienda Pozo Azul. This venue is located approximately 90 minutes north of San Jose near La Virgen. This site has biodiversity and offers both moderate (Class II & III) and exhilarating (Class IV) white water rafting tours. The former is ideal for first time river rafters while the latter is geared toward experienced adventure seekers.
First timers shouldn’t fear the experience. This family-run business uses guides that prep participants with an intro to paddling and a safety talk. Each person is provided a life vest and safety helmet. In addition to the experienced guide in each raft, one or more kayakers accompanies each group.
This Costa Rica experience has a duo focus—the thrill of rafting combined with observing nature. It is an enjoyable way to learn about Costa Rica’s geography.
Photographs can be purchased afterwards. If you prefer to take your own photos, don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera. Along the way, there will be limited photo opportunities to take pictures and almost no chance to take photos while going through the rapids. The photos taken by professional photographers will be pricey.
Half-day adventure seekers can eat a buffet lunch at the facility. Vegetarians can select salad options.
Are you ready for your first or next rafting trip on the Sarapiquí? If you go, please share your experience in the comment section below.
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 20, 2016. IT IS BEING REPOSTED ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THE EXAMINER.COM SITE SHUT DOWN IN JULY, 2016. SOME PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND THE ORIGINAL SLIDE SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.
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BIO
Sandra Bornstein is a freelance travel writer. She shares her travel experiences and recommendations on this blog and on other websites—One Travel: Going Places, Cheapoair.com Miles Away Travel Blog, We Said Go Travel, Mom It Forward, Boulder Jewish News, and Family Circle. Her travel tips also appear in the Denver metro magazine, Golden Living.
Sandra is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. This memoir highlights Sandra’s living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. As a licensed Colorado teacher, Sandra has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses.
The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.
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