About This Tour


The Tenorio River Whitewater Rafting Tour offers an active full-day experience through one of Guanacaste’s most impressive river canyons. The route combines powerful rapids, calmer sections, tropical forest and volcanic rock formations.

Your day begins with private pickup from your hotel, resort or vacation rental. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle toward the Tenorio River operations center near Cañas, passing rural communities, farmland and mountain scenery.

Upon arrival, meet the professional river guides and receive the required helmet, life jacket and paddle. Before entering the river, the guides provide a safety briefing and explain the commands used during the rafting experience.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle then transports participants to the river launch point. The rafting portion normally lasts approximately two to two and a half hours, depending on river levels and weather conditions. The course includes Class III and IV rapids separated by calmer sections where guests can enjoy views of the canyon and surrounding forest.

Possible wildlife sightings along the riverbanks include tropical birds, iguanas and monkeys, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Depending on the operating route and river conditions, the experience may include the well-known final drop near Cascabel Falls.

After completing the rafting course, return to the operations center, change into dry clothing and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Your private driver will then provide transportation back to your Guanacaste accommodation.

This tour is intended for active participants who are comfortable in moving water and able to follow the river guide’s safety instructions. Previous rafting experience is not normally required, but participants must meet the operator’s age, health and equipment requirements.

Rate this product

From: $120.00

Inquery now

Pick up place?

Please choose your hotel from the list below. If you do not find your hotel, contact us directly to better assist you:

Tour Details

Duration 8 hours
Location Tenorio River
Service Type Private Tour
Departure Time 7:30 AM
Minimum Age 8 years old

Tour Highlights

  • Professionally guided Class III and IV rafting adventure
  • Approximately two to two and a half hours on the Tenorio River
  • River canyon, tropical forest and possible wildlife sightings
  • Traditional Costa Rican lunch after the rafting experience
  • Private round-trip transportation from selected Guanacaste hotels

Tour Itinerary

1. Private Hotel Pickup: Your driver will meet you at the confirmed hotel, resort, condominium or vacation rental. Departure is normally scheduled for approximately 7:30 a.m., although the exact time depends on the pickup location.

2. Journey to the Tenorio River: Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle through the Guanacaste countryside toward the rafting operations center near Cañas.

3. Check-In and Safety Briefing: Meet the professional river guides and receive a helmet, life jacket and paddle. The guides will explain the safety procedures, rafting commands and current river conditions.

4. Transfer to the Launch Point: Board a four-wheel-drive vehicle for transportation from the operations center to the Tenorio River launch area.

5. Tenorio River Rafting: Navigate Class III and IV rapids during an approximately two- to two-and-a-half-hour guided river experience. Calmer sections provide opportunities to enjoy the canyon scenery and search for wildlife.

The exact route and individual rapids may change according to water levels, weather and the rafting operator’s safety assessment.

6. Lunch and Changing Time: After leaving the river, return to the operations center, change into dry clothing and enjoy an included traditional Costa Rican lunch.

7. Private Return Transportation: Meet your driver after lunch and return comfortably to your Guanacaste accommodation.

Important: The tour operates according to river, weather and safety conditions. The operator may modify the route, delay the departure or cancel the rafting portion when conditions are unsuitable.

What's Included

  • Private round-trip transportation
  • Pickup and drop-off at selected Guanacaste accommodations
  • Air-conditioned vehicle and beverages during transportation
  • Professional bilingual river guides
  • Helmet, life jacket, paddle and rafting equipment
  • Four-wheel-drive transportation to and from the river
  • Seasonal fruit snack and traditional Costa Rican lunch

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing
  • Secure water shoes or sandals with heel straps
  • Towel and complete change of dry clothes
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Waterproof protection for personal items
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Photo identification and required personal medication