Rafting in Central America

Rugged terrain, plentiful rivers and lavish foliage have turned this region into one of the most sought-after destinations among lovers of adventure tourism, especially those who enjoy rafting. For the world’s boldest rafters eager to pump up adrenaline, there are excellent conditions in quite a number of Central American rivers.

Among the many options for adventure tourists in Central America, perhaps no other brings up more satisfaction than rafting. And all the conditions are right in this neck of the woods: plentiful and zigzagging watercourses, as well as rugged terrains that guarantee a “bumpy” ride at pretty high speed in some segments, quite a challenge for the boldest rafters. Rafters are so drawn to Central American currents than in early October last year Costa Rica hosted the World Championships with a turnout of 370 competitors from thirty-something countries. The Pacuare River in Costa Rica was the venue of choice for this event that based on its excellent conditions, the skillfulness of the guides and nearby lodging opportunities. After an exhaustive assessment, the International Rafting Federation picked the Central American nation over the two other potential hosts: Italy and Australia. Penciled in as one of the world’s finest rivers for rafting, Pacuare boasts plentiful waterfalls like the 150-foot Huacas, considered one of the most amazing natural beauties this country has to offer. In addition to an abundant watercourse all year round and lush vegetation, nature has carved some ideal falls for the most skilled rafters, featuring a grade 5 to 6 course from Bajo Pacuare all the way down to San Martin, a segment recommended only for veteran athletes. Less challenging yet equally defying and shocking, the leg between San Martin and Siquirres stands as a grade 3 course. The restless watercourse of the Reventazon River also has some challenges to deliver. The section spanning Peralta and Angostura (grade 4), the rapids barely let rafters catch their breath, though there are other options for less seasoned buffs, like the stretch between Tucurrique and Angostura (grade 3) whose 12-plus miles make it one of the most popular courses in Costa Rica. The Sarapiqui River (grade 2 to 3) is the perfect choice for rookie rafters, featuring “nicer” options on the extremes and an in-between area of white waters. Other sailable currents –depending on the rafters’ experience– are provided by the Savegre, El Naranjo, El General and Corobici rivers, the latter “designed” for extreme sport beginners or just for travelers who prefer birdwatching and staring at the surrounding nature. This is a modality highly recommended for companies that seek to foster teamwork within their staffs because riders ought to follow the guide’s instructions or commands to safely steer the raft down the rivers. At the end of the day, it’s just what businesspeople want for their companies: staying afloat.

Rafting from Honduras to Panama The rainforests of Honduras’ Caribbean coast harbor several major rivers, some of them cut out for the practice of rafting. High on the list of rafters who travel to this region are the crystal-clear, rapid-laden waters of the Cangrejal River (grade 3 to 4) perched in the heart of the Pico Bonito National Park. Though access is more controlled here, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is just another interesting choice. The watercourse falls down rapidly from the mountains and flows into the Caribbean Sea in a stretch that combines lavish vegetation and the challenge of sailing past its many grade 3 rapids. The possibility of getting in contact with the native cultures of the Pechs, the Moskitos and the Garifunas adds a distinctive touch to this peculiar trip. On the other hand, less experienced rafters or beginners can opt for a much calmer sailing down the waters of the Sico River, whose grade 2 and grade 3 rapids pack an emotion wallop from time to time. In the meantime, there’s a chance to watch colorful birds and many other wildlife species. El Salvador has also jumped on the rafting bandwagon in the Central American region thanks to the Lempa, Metapan and Banderas rivers, with rapids that range from grade 1 to 5 depending on the time of year. The country has turned out to be a must-see among rafters coming to these lands. Near the border between Costa Rica and Panama, the Chiriqui Viejo River offers world-grade white waters following a seven-hour drive or just a half-hour airlift from Panama City. With over 80 miles of slithering currents through mountains and forests, this watercourse dishes out challenges for both veteran and unseasoned rafters. The best part, though, is the chance to see sections that can be easily overcome by a bunch of boy scouts, while others are just reserved for dry-behind-the-ears pros. The river reaches its peak in the months of October and November, in the middle of the rainy season. However, the time between the months of March and May are perfect for those who come looking for milder rapids. Little more than half of the 11 million visitors who travel to Central America every year are estimated to come in search of adventure, while a whopping 80 percent of that total gets in direct contact with nature through different offers or modalities designed for this particular niche. Rafting undoubtedly guarantees a harmonic combination of both options.

Practical Rafting Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The rivers have some turbulence degree and are called white water rivers due to the color of the building froth. They are also called rapids. The most common boats used in this practice are rafts, canoes or kayaks, either inflatable or featuring solid hulls.

The rapids Below are the six grades of difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries. Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill Level: Very Basic). Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. (Skill level: basic paddling skill). Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills). Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill level: whitewater experience). Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering. (Skill level: advanced whitewater experience). Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill level: successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill).