#savegre river

[tucanestours]

Unveiling the Wonders of Manuel Antonio with Tucanes Tours

Welcome to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, where nature's beauty and adventure blend seamlessly. We're excited to introduce you to this enchanting destination through our thoughtfully designed tours at Tucanes Tours.

Manuel Antonio is celebrated for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Our expertly curated tours allow you to immerse yourself in this tropical paradise while experiencing thrilling adventures and the hospitality of Costa Rica.

A highlight of our tours is exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, a biodiverse sanctuary. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, you'll trek through dense jungle trails, encountering playful monkeys, colorful birds, and elusive sloths amidst towering trees. Don't forget your camera – endless photo opportunities await!

For adrenaline seekers, our adventure tours offer exhilarating activities like zip-lining through the canopy and rappelling down waterfalls. Experience the rush of navigating the rapids of the Savegre River on a white-water rafting expedition or enjoy an ATV adventure with panoramic coastal views.

If relaxation is your goal, our leisurely tours offer opportunities to unwind on pristine beaches or enjoy boat tours along the coast, spotting dolphins and witnessing breathtaking sunsets.

Manuel Antonio is not just about natural wonders – it's rich in culture and history. Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s vibrant traditions with visits to local indigenous communities.

At Tucanes Tours, we're dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that showcase the best of Manuel Antonio while ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction in our Manuel Antonio Tours. Join us on an unforgettable journey and discover why Manuel Antonio is truly a slice of paradise on earth. 

Book tours in Manuel Antonio with Tucanes Tours today!

[fieryartemisproductions]

Suspension bridge, Savegre River, Costa Rica Discover the grace and beauty of the Suspension Bridge over the enchanting Savegre River in Costa Rica, an experience you won't want to miss.

[anomolie-themes]

Suspension bridge, Savegre River, Costa Rica Walk on air and witness the magnificent aerial views of the Savegre River from the majestic Suspension Bridge in Costa Rica. Indulge your adventurous spirit and make memories that will last a lifetime.

[cbarry-allens]

Suspension bridge, Savegre River, Costa Rica

Discover the grace and beauty of the Suspension Bridge over the enchanting Savegre River in Costa Rica, an experience you won't want to miss.

[leslierodgers01]

Beyond Ziplining Exploring Costa Rica's Other Adventure Activities

Costa Rica is famous for its ziplining adventures, but there are plenty of other activities to explore for those who are seeking a different kind of adventure. From water sports to hiking to cultural experiences, Costa Rica has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best alternative activities that Costa Rica has to offer.

Water Sports

Costa Rica's stunning coastline and beautiful rivers provide plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts have some of the best surf spots in the world, making it a great place for surf enthusiasts. The country also has many rivers and rapids, providing ideal conditions for white-water rafting and kayaking.

One of the best places to experience water sports in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio. The area has several beaches with gentle waves, making it an ideal place for beginners to learn to surf. For more advanced surfers, Dominical is a popular spot with bigger waves. Additionally, the Savegre River is an excellent destination for white-water rafting and kayaking.

Hiking and Trekking

Costa Rica is a hiker's paradise, with its lush rainforests, volcanoes, and national parks. The country has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that offer stunning views of the landscape and opportunities to spot wildlife.

One of the best hikes in Costa Rica is the Corcovado National Park. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer different views of the diverse ecosystem. The park is home to many plant and animal species, including jaguars, tapirs, and macaws.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to its natural beauty, Costa Rica also has a rich cultural heritage. The country is home to several indigenous communities, each with its unique traditions and customs. There are several cultural experiences that you can participate in, such as visiting indigenous communities, learning to cook traditional Costa Rican cuisine, or learning to dance salsa.

One of the best cultural experiences in Costa Rica is visiting the Boruca indigenous community. The community is known for its intricate masks and crafts, which are used in traditional dances and ceremonies. Visitors can participate in a mask-making workshop, learn about the community's history and culture, and even watch a traditional dance performance.

While ziplining is undoubtedly a must-do activity in Costa Rica, the country has much more to offer beyond that. From water sports to hiking to cultural experiences, there are plenty of alternative adventures to explore. Whether you're a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or a cultural enthusiast, there's something for everyone in Costa Rica.

If you're ready to explore the alternative adventures that Costa Rica has to offer, contact us today to plan your trip. We'll help you create a custom itinerary that includes the best water sports, hiking trails, and cultural experiences that the country has to offer.

[mikemulrain]

Monday 27th March

Bags outside for 6am and leave at 6.30, and we were all ready, except for our breakfast packs, finally off at 6.50 and goodbye to the Savegre Hotel! After just over an hour we stopped for coffee and a spectacular view, we also managed another first, a pair of swallowtail hawks. Another short stop, this time around for the bank and then headed on towards the pier to join our boat to Drake’s Bay, our final destination, where we will stay for 3 nights before heading back to San Jose.

After a very bumpy boat ride, first along the river and then on to the Pacific we arrived at our latest home, upon arrival we were straight into lunch and then off to settle in to our latest bungalows, not the most beautiful buildings but the view from the veranda was stunning. The remainder of the afternoon was our own to check out the sun beds, before the sun disappeared, swim in the pool or take a short walk to the nearby beach where swimming is recommended.

We all met for dinner and before we had a chance to start our meal the waiters told that there was a tapir outside, we all rushed out, with cameras as the pair, one male, one female wandered around outside of the restaurant oblivious to our presence but within touching distance, they were both pretty big, standing over a metre tall. As it was Kate’s birthday we were treated to a very generous slice of birthday cake, then headed off for what had become the norm, an early night, as tomorrow we are off to walk in the Corcovado National Park. Breakfast will be at 5.30, the boat leaves at 6.30!

[susansz28]

Water World, Part 1

Water World, Part 1

Yesterday, we had our first water adventure: white water rafting. We thought we were getting class V rapids but the trip we were on only had class II and III.  I’m still not sure we got the tour we originally booked (or thought we booked); nevertheless, we had a blast. We took a bus ride up and around a mountain with the rest of our intrepid group: a young couple from New York and 6 community…

[costaricagivesus]

Tour for “La Zona de los Santos”, the ideal place to connect with the natural environment.

Los Santos is located in south-central Costa Rica, this region is composed of three cantons calls Tarrazú, Dota and León Cortés. The region has many mountains, ideal for hiking, on the other hand, this region has rivers like the Savegre, the cleanest river in Costa Rica. The region has also has a great variety of flora and fauna, that include many endemic species in the area, one of them is the Quetzal and other birds that live in the area.

La Zona de los Santos is also known for the production of the famous Tarrazu coffee, one of the best coffees in the world, which has won international recognition for its high quality.

To be able to easily reach Los Santos, you have to follow the Interamericana Sur route until you turn off the street that enters “ Los Santos”, after passing the El Empalme restaurant.

Activities  you can do!

1- Visit La Lucha in León Cortés.

 Finca La Lucha, owned by the former President of the Republic, Mr. José “Pepe” Figuerres, is of great importance in the history of our country. La Lucha offers tourism services in the historical and natural environment. You will find camping areas, natural lakes, trails, ranches, boat, horseback tours, cross track, paintball field, historical tour and restaurant.

2-  Quinta Galeon Lodge in Santa Maria de Dota.

This is one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph hummingbirds. It is a private place of peace and tranquility. With cozy accommodation facilities, it is ideal for mountain tourism, rest, and contact with nature.

3- Visit “ La Terraza del Cafetal” in San Marcos de Tarrazú.

To taste the culinary wonders of the area, this place has two environments, where you can enjoy a typical breakfast, a lunch of international quality, of course the best coffee in the area or have a glass of wine. With very accessible prices and a very varied menu, where its famous trout in coffee sauce stands out, this restaurant will be the ideal option to please even the most demanding taste.

[costaricafishingexperts-blog1]

ABOUT COSTA RICA

Bathed by two oceans and bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is 19,700 square miles of forests, volcanoes, mangroves, mountain ranges and beaches.   Costa Rica protects nearly 26% of its territory with national parks and private preserves, and holds around 6% of the world's bio-diversity, spread in twelve tropical habitats that range from the tropical dry forests in the north, to the densely wet rain-forest in the south. However, there are few corridors of protected areas to link together the national parks and reserves.  Another ecological problem is that there are logging and poaching endeavors which seek out farmers and landowners boardering national parks who will take bribes for access into the national parks. Interesting Stats:       878 Bird species 228 mammal species 218 reptile species 175 amphibian species 360,000 insect species 10,000 plant species estimated 505,000 species, only 85,000 have been described

Why Costa Rica?

Not only does Costa Rica hold an amazing amount of diversity (6% of the world) and some of the most fragile ecosystems, it has a government that endorses preservation efforts and has a friendly attitude towards international environmental and educational non-profit organizations. However, there are few biological corridors of protected areas to link together the national parks and reserves, thus species are isolated in islands of forest between cattle farm, farmlands, urban centers, etc.   Another reality is that there are organized logging and poaching groups that seek out landowners bordering national parks and offer them bribes for access into the national parks.  Furthermore, many small landowners (agriculturalists, ranchers, etc.) are struggling economically and are being forced to sell their lands and migrate to the cities or the United States.  Their lands then become part of an oil palm plantation, a large commercial cattle ranch, a resort/hotel, etc.   In conclusion, although Costa Rica is on the forefront of conservation efforts relative to its neighbors, there is still much work to be done.   IMPORTANCE OF AREA - Why Perez Zeledón Region? The Division/Savegre River Valley, within the Perez Zeledón region, in the Southern Pacific Lowlands of Costa Rica, is important for the following reasons: 1. Within the Mesoamerican Biological Hotspot, one of twenty five areas of the world being recognized by Conservation International and other organizations as holding most of the Earth's biodiversity.   Mesoamerica contains some of the highest biodiversity levels in the world, containing about 8% of the world's known species in only 0.51% of the Earth's surface.  Furthermore, there are currently at least 42 mammals, 31 birds, and 1,541 plants in this area that are endangered.   The region is also a critical migration corridor for many bird species and the wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly. For more information, please visit:  www.undp.org.ni/cbm and www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/mesoamerica 2. Within the Corredor Biológico Paso de la Danta, an area identified by ASANA, the Nature Conservancy and others as critical for endangered species habitat, such as tapirs.  These groups envision a communication route for the flora and fauna of the forests of the Corcovado National Park and the Los Santos Forest Reserve.  This area harbors 13 endemic species of fresh water fish, 64 species of reptiles and amphibians, 191 species of birds, 5 types of wild cats (inc. jaguars), and 58 species of bats. For more information on this, read The Path of the Tapir by Quint Newcomer, Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at: www.umich.edu/~esupdate/julaug2002/newcomer.htm Also, please visit ASANA's website at: www.pasodeladanta.org 3. Within the Rio Savegre Watershed.  Division River starts high up on the Cerro De La Muerte mountain peak in a town called División, nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The river works its way down through the southern edge of the biological reserve Cerro Vueltas and Los Santos Forest Reserve, past the rural towns of Los Angeles, Savegre Abajo, El Llano, and El Brujo, and connecting with the Savegre River, which pours out to the Pacific Ocean, near the coastal town of Savegre. This area provides an important watershed to wildlife, including many endangered and threatened species.  With only 1.15% of the national territory, the Savegre watershed contains approximately 20 % of all the registered species of Costa Rica.  Many groups have conducted studies in the area, including ARAUCARIA, INBio and MINAE.  A new sustainable development zoning plan is going to be presented to government officials and local agents by 2005.   Read an article about this important watershed that is also a biological corridor at: www.ots.ac.cr 4. On the southern border of Los Santos Forest Reserve.  Created in November of 1975, the reserve totals 153,000 acres of pre-montante and montane rainforest. Premontane forests are the second most endangered life zones in Costa Rica, after tropical dry forests.  With CRCT's efforts, these ecosystems can be expanded past the reserve borders. 5. Refuge for threatened and endangered species: The area is home to several endangered and near threatened species including jaguars, the resplendent quetzal, black guan, Baird's tapir, and the squirrel monkey.  

[puravidaeh]

LOOKING FOR COSTA RICA WHITE WATER RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNTS? WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO DISCOUNTS FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING TOURS WHEN BOOKING THE DAY TOUR THROUGH PURA VIDA! EH? INCORPORATED. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR TO OBTAIN THE RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNT. CON MUCHO GUSTO (YOU’RE WELCOME) AND PURA VIDA! 🙂

Ricky; rafting the Sarapiqui River

WE HAVE RAFTED COSTA RICA’S RIVERS 2000+ TIMES. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

We are no strangers to the field of white water rafting in Costa Rica (especially white water rafting the Pacuare River, which, combined, we have done more than two thousand times). We know the rivers both personally (being avid rafters) and professionally (both working as a tour guide on the river and handling rafting tour reservations), so it is no surprise that so many travellers turn to us for help getting their Costa Rica rafting tour questions answered.

If you’re planning to go rafting in Costa Rica, you may be asking yourselves many of the same questions that other travellers wonder about, too. On the chance that you are, we have compiled the below list of the most popular Costa Rica rafting tour questions that we receive, including our answers to each. Need to know about the river’s rapids? A particular tour operator? Rafting seasons? What to bring rafting? If your child can participate? No problem! We’ve got you covered, and remember, if we haven’t yet answered your Costa Rica rafting tour question below, you can always leave your question as a comment for us below and we’ll add it (as well as our answer) to our list.

Note:

Some of the answers and tips provided below were pulled from our other rafting-related blog posts, The Best River For Rafting In Costa Rica, The Pacuare River Rafting Tour, White Water Rafting In Costa Rica: Go Big Or Go Home, and The Pacuare River Family. For all of the information we have to share about white water rafting in Costa Rica, we recommend reading each blog post linked to above in its entirety.

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky and Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; with Exploradores Outdoors’ Costa Rica tour transportation

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with members of our Pacuare River family

COSTA RICA RAFTING TOUR QUESTIONS

Is previous rafting experience required for participation in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

No. All Costa Rica rafting tours include a safety demonstration (and all necessary rafting equipment) regardless of a participant’s level of experience with the activity. While rafting experience is an asset, it is not required.

Do I need to be able to know how to swim in order to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

No. Being able to swim may help you feel more comfortable in and around water, and that level of comfort may heighten your overall rafting experience. But, all Costa Rica rafting tours include life jackets (among other safety equipment), so knowing how to swim is not required.

Do I need to be in good physical condition in order to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

Yes. You do not need to have completed an Ironman competition or run a marathon to do so, but you should be mobile (i.e., able to climb into and out of the raft without issue), have the ability to use your upper body and arms to paddle, have the ability to bend your knees to sit comfortably in the raft, and not have any preexisting medical conditions that could be worsened by adrenaline-inducing activities, sudden and jerky movements, and/or physical exercise.

How old do you have to be to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

This depends entirely on the river you plan to raft, the rapid class of the river, and the tour operator running the tour. In addition, although every rafting tour outfitter has a minimum age requirement for participation in their rafting tour(s), the limit may be negotiable with the tour operator according to the time of year you plan to travel during (especially if you plan to be in Costa Rica during the dry/summer season), the height and weight of your child, and his or her level of rafting experience.

Costa Rica white water rafting tour minimum age limits by river, rapid class, and tour operator:

Pacuare River; class III/IV (Exploradores Outdoors): 12 years old Reventazon River; class II/III (Exploradores Outdoors): 6 years old Sarapiqui River; class III/IV (Desafio Adventure Company): 13 years old Sarapiqui River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Balsa River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Tenorio River; class III/IV (Desafio Adventure Company): 13 years old Tenorio River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Naranjo River Chorro Section; class IV (H2O Rios Tropicales): 15 years old Naranjo River; class III/IV (H2O Rios Tropicales): 8 years old Savegre River; class II/III (H2O Rios Tropicales): 6 years old

What is the difference between a class II/III river in Costa Rica and a class III/IV river in Costa Rica? Should I choose a class II/III river or a class III/IV river?

River “classes” (sometimes referred to as “grades”) signify river difficulty. In general, class II signifies a novice class, class III signifies an intermediate class, and class IV signifies an advanced class. Classes are often grouped together (e.g., as class II/III or class III/IV) when the river includes a combination of easier and more difficult sections. In Costa Rica, most white water rafting tours are run on either class II/III or class III/IV rivers. In layman’s terms (at least in Costa Rica), class II/III rivers would be best chosen by timid rafters and/or rafters with children who may be too young to participate in class III/IV river rafting tours. In contrast, class III/IV rivers are the most common rafting tour option; they are available to all travellers above the minimum age limit for participation, they are ideal for both beginner and experienced rafters, and they provide the most thrilling rafting tour experience.

What colour/clarity is the river’s water?

Unfortunately this is impossible to predict, as the clarity (and colour) of a river is dependent on a number of factors (most notably, the degree of dirt/mud flowing into the river from its surrounding landscape/mountains upon recent rainfall) which changes from day to day. Throughout Costa Rica, we have rafted rivers nearly crystal clear, just as we have rafted rivers of what felt like flowing chocolate.

Will I see wildlife during my Costa Rica rafting tour?

Unfortunately this too is impossible to predict, as the act of wildlife-spotting can never be 100% guaranteed. This being said, while rafting, we typically spot a variety of birds and butterflies flying overhead, egrets and herons perched on the shorelines, and the occasional iguana sunbathing on a tree branch. From time to time, monkeys can be heard, as can the river’s natural soundtrack of bird calls, cicada buzzes, and roaring rapids. The trouble with trying to accomplish more in-depth wildlife-spotting during a fast-paced activity such as white water rafting, however, is that the nature of the flowing tour makes it impossible to stop along the way to study any fauna seen. As a result, to avoid disappointment, our best recommendation for all Costa Rica rafting tour participants is to recognized in advance that the activity is not a wildlife-focused tour (it is an adrenaline-inducing adventure tour), but that a variety of critters will likely be encountered along the way.

What happens if it rains the day of my Costa Rica rafting tour?

Given that Costa Rica is part rainforest, rain is inevitable, and for this reason, the majority of tours and activities run rain or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather, such as significant rainfall that could increase a river’s water to a dangerous level, the river rafting tour would be cancelled by the tour operator.

What happens if my Costa Rica rafting tour reservation is cancelled?

In the event of a rare river tour cancellation issued by a rafting tour operator, the tour operator will either offer a rafting tour experience on a alternative river (if available and safe) or make an attempt to reschedule the original river rafting tour experience for a different day/time (usually the next day). If/when neither of these solutions is possible, payment for the cancelled tour is not required; if no prepayment has been provided to the tour operator, then no payment upon tour cancellation would be due, and in the event that a prepayment has already been provided to the tour operator, a refund would be issued.

Are Costa Rica rafting tours ever cancelled for reasons other than high river levels?

Not usually. We cannot say “never”, because life is full of surprises and anything is possible. However, throughout our entire history rafting Costa Rica’s rivers and working with rafting outfitters, we can only remember a few times when rafting tours were cancelled due to non-water-level issues (the cancellations were due to obstacles blocking river access, such as fallen trees or mudslides). While cancellations that result from high river levels are rare, cancellations that result from other causes are even more infrequent.

What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour?

In short, wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind being wet in. Most men wear bathing suit shorts with a t-shirt, and most women wear shorts and a t-shirt or tank top with a bathing suit underneath. Water shoes, running shoes, or strap-on sandals are a must as flip flops or the use of other unsecured footwear is not permitted. Hats are also not permitted, as a helmet must be worn during the tour (if you have long hair, consider leaving your hair down or tying it in a low ponytail/bun to prevent discomfort while wearing the helmet). Do not wear any valuable jewelry or accessories to avoid losing them in the river.

What do I bring for my Costa Rica rafting tour?

If you plan to use your Costa Rica rafting tour as a city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour (as described in our related blog post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations) bring all of your trip luggage with you to the Costa Rica rafting tour.

Separate from the rest of your luggage (if you plan to use the rafting tour as a city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour) and in addition to the clothes you plan to wear during the rafting tour (as described in our answer to the question “What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour” above), plan to bring a towel and a set of dry clothes (including a t-shirt or tank top, shorts or pants, undergarments, and footwear) to change into upon completion of the rafting tour. Although most tour operators provide tour participants with plastic bags for storing wet clothes in, it is not a bad idea to bring a plastic bag of your own, in case one is not provided. Bring a high SPF waterproof sunscreen for adequate sun protection while on the river, any medication you may need to take throughout the course of the day, and cash for purchasing rafting tour souvenirs (such as photo CDs and/or t-shirts) after the river trip.

What do I bring with me in the raft?

In addition to the clothes you plan to wear during the rafting tour (as described in our answer to the question “What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour” above), the only other items you should plan to bring with you to the river (i.e., in the raft) are a high SPF waterproof sunscreen for adequate sun protection while on the river, and any medication you may need to take throughout the course of the day. Your tour guide will indicate where you should leave your other belongings (such as your towel and change of dry clothes/footwear) while you are on the river.

Is there an option to buy rafting photos or videos from the day as a tour souvenir?

In most cases, yes. Unless by fluke a photographer is not available the day of a particular tour, a “paparazzi” photographer will accompany the rafting tour group in order to capture photos and/or videos of the day’s events. Access to such photos and/or videos is typically available for purchase at the end of each rafting tour. Although the souvenir cost varies, it typically ranges in price from approximately $20.00-$40.00.

Is it possible to use the Costa Rica rafting tour as a means of transportation between cities?

Yes! As we describe in our related post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations, many Costa Rica rafting tours offer complimentary transportation between two separate Costa Rican cities. For a complete list of our recommended Costa Rica rafting tour options that include a pick-up in one city before the tour and a drop-off in another city after the tour, please visit our article linked to above.

I plan to use the rafting tour as a means of travelling between two destinations; what do I do with my luggage while I participate in the rafting tour?

Depending on the river you plan to visit and the tour operator running the rafting trip (as each outfitter has their own luggage storage plan), your luggage will be safely secured for you while you raft. In most cases, luggage is stored in lockers (large enough to contain multiple suitcases), however for more remote river trips, luggage may be stored in the tour operator’s tour transportation vehicle, which is locked and guarded by the tour operator’s driver.

What happens to my city-to-city transportation service if my Costa Rica rafting tour reservation is cancelled?

The transportation service is still provided. Since many travellers use city-to-city transportation-inclusive tours as a way of travelling between destinations, the transportation portion of the reservation is still provided regardless of whether the rafting portion of the day’s activities is cancelled. For example, if you plan to use a Pacuare River rafting tour as a mode of transportation between San Jose and La Fortuna but the river trip is cancelled the day of your tour, you will still receive transportation between San Jose and La Fortuna to help maintain your scheduled trip itinerary. In these cases, when a rafting tour is cancelled (and an alternative river is not able to be run in its place) but a city-to-city transportation service is still provided, the rafting tour is charged at a discounted rate; the entire reservation cost does not apply since no rafting tour was run, however partial payment is due to cover the cost of the transportation service provided between cities, as well as the cost of any meals or other services provided. The exact discount awarded depends on the river and the tour operator selected, as each tour operator’s cancellation policies vary from the next.

Are meals included with Costa Rica rafting tours?

In most cases, yes. The majority of Costa Rica rafting tours are 3/4-day or full-day excursions that include lunch (in some cases, breakfast and lunch). The few half-day rafting trips that exist in Costa Rica typically do not include a meal, but they usually include a snack (such as fresh fruit and/or cookies, as well as a beverage).

Do I tip (and how much do I tip) my Costa Rica rafting tour guide?

Although Costa Ricans tend not to tip, tipping is a common practice exercised by many foreign travellers who opt to visit Costa Rica, and as a result, it has come to be expected by tour guides who offer a valuable service worthy of appreciation. For tipping amount recommendations (assuming your rafting tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, fair, safe, and contributed to your enjoyment of the Costa Rica rafting experience), aim for 10%-15%.

How long does it take to get to the river?

This answer depends entirely on which river you plan to raft and where you plan to depart from. Since river trips can depart from nearly every popular city in the country, the drive time could be anywhere from ten minutes to three hours long. If you have a specific Costa Rica rafting tour in mind, as well as a specific departure location, please post these details as a comment at the bottom of this page and we will respond with an approximate driving duration for the route.

Can I drive myself to and from the river?

In some cases yes, and in other cases no. For many Costa Rica rafting tours, the tour operator has a meeting spot, center, or clubhouse of sorts nearby the river. When this is present, travellers may drive themselves to and from the meeting spot if they would prefer to do so, as secure parking would be available onsite (the tour operator’s transportation vehicle would then be used to get from the meeting spot to the river put-in site, as well as from the river take-out site back to the meeting spot). In the event that a tour operator is not able to provide a meeting spot, center, or clubhouse of sorts, we strongly recommend that travellers do not try to drive themselves to and from the river. Not only will vehicle parking be unsecured at the river, but since the river take-out site would be different than the river put-in site, there would be no way to get back to the vehicle upon completion of the rafting tour.

Ricky; with representatives from Exploradores Outdoors

Nikki; with representatives from Desafio Adventure Company

Rick; with a representative from Rios Tropicales

COSTA RICA RAFTING TOUR TIPS AND IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

In addition to the questions posed and answered above, familiarize yourself with our helpful Costa Rica rafting tour tips, advisories, and other important things to know.

River levels are determined by the amount of rainfall that a river receives the day/night before (and early morning of) the rafting tour date.

Costa Rica’s rivers are typically higher during the rain/wet/green season (May-December) and lower during the summer/dry season (January-April). This being said, a significant amount of rain received overnight on any day of the year can increase the river’s water level and affect a rafting tour’s ability to run the following morning. For this reason, river levels and rapids are difficult to predict and cannot be guaranteed in advance. This means that unfortunately there is no surefire way to know whether a rafting tour will or will not run on a particular date, and similarly, there is no way to know whether the rapids will be awesome or average on the day you plan to raft.

When is the best time of year to go rafting in Costa Rica? If we considered (on average) all of Costa Rica’s class III/IV rivers for white water rafting and gave the water/rapid level a score between 1 and 10 (1 being the lowest level we have seen and 10 being the highest level we have seen), this is what to expect from month to month:

January: 5 February: 3 or 4 March: 2 or 3 April (first few weeks, depending on whether the rain/green season starts early or late): 1 April (the last week, depending on whether the rain/green season starts early or late): 5 May: 5 or 6 June: 5 July: 5 August: 5 September: 6 October: 7, 8, or 9 November: 8, 9, or 10 December (first few weeks, depending on whether the dry/summer season starts early or late): 8 December (last few weeks, depending on whether the dry/summer season starts early or late): 5

Rafters absolutely must wear secure shoes, a life jacket, and a helmet when participating in a Costa Rica rafting tour.

The use of a life jacket and a helmet during a Costa Rica rafting tour is nonnegotiable. So too is the requirement to use secured footwear; flip flops and other shoes that can slip off easily are not permitted. In fact, many tour operators will deny travellers participation in the tour or require them to purchase water shoes or strap-on sandals onsite when improper tour footwear is presented.

No rafting tour operator wants to see any harm done to any traveller (nor do they want to risk their company’s reputation), so if a river was ever unfit to run, the day’s rafting tour would be cancelled.

One of the most common questions we are asked about Costa Rica rafting tours is “is the river safe?”. The short answer is, “Yes,”, however we could also add, “…the rafting tour operator wouldn’t risk the lives of its tour participants and tour guides if it weren’t.” Safety measures (literally, river level measurements) are taken daily to ensure the river is not too high to run, so if the river trip on any given day is a go (provided the tour operator can be trusted), the river is safe to run. Although there are many Costa Rica rafting tour outfitters available to choose from, we recommend Exploradores Outdoors, Desafio Adventure Company, and H2O Rios Tropicales with the most confidence.

Some Costa Rica rafting tours are city-to-city transportation-inclusive tours (i.e., tours that allow you to get picked up at one destination before the rafting tour and get dropped off at a different destination after the rafting tour).

Costa Rica rafting tours lead the pack of possible city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour options (to learn more, don’t miss our related blog post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations). This means that if you plan to travel between two of Costa Rica’s popular destinations (including San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Coco, Hermosa, Papagayo, Liberia, and more), your chances of finding a rafting tour option that connects the two are good. As we outline in our related blog post Planning A Trip To Costa Rica? Read This First!, we recommend a bottom-up approach to trip planning, which encourages tour preferences to be decided on before other trip decisions are made (such as decisions regarding which destinations to visit, which hotels to stay at, and which transportation services to travel with), not the other way around. If you plan on going white water rafting while in Costa Rica, give your Costa Rica rafting tour choice preferential treatment; doing so can save you precious vacation time and travel funds in the end.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have a Costa Rica rafting tour question that we haven’t yet answered above? Leave it for us below!

Pura vida!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a moment to view our gallery photos below from some of our Costa Rica rafting tour adventures.

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Ricky; rafting the Sarapiqui River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with representatives from Exploradores Outdoors

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with members of our Pacuare River family

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with Danny, Yonder, and Michael (members of our Pacuare River family)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky and Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with Lonis and Carlos (great tour guide friends)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Cimarrones swallowing the raft whole

Ricky (aka. Ricky Bobby) – Guiding on Pacuare

Your Costa Rica Rafting Tour Questions Answered! LOOKING FOR COSTA RICA WHITE WATER RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNTS? WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO DISCOUNTS FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING TOURS…

[primortravel]

New Post has been published on https://primortravel.com/latin-america-10-ways-solotravelpricingtracker-solo-trekker/

Latin America 10 Ways-SoloTravelPricingTracker | Solo Trekker

Latin America 10 Ways-SoloTravelPricingTracker: Spotlight on Latin America: After more than a year of lowdown, summer 2021 has been off to a rocky restart as COVID-19 restrictions constantly change.  However, top solo travel deals for single travelers for 2021-2022 are at unheard of lows. With Latin America relatively “nearby”, check out the three easy steps below to access 140+ top solo travel deals-Latin America.  Since no single supplement deals are always limited in number, book as far ahead as possible.

Follow the three easy steps below for no to low single supplements or solo-priced rooms/cabins using our free SoloTravelPricingTracker.

Go to the drop down menu, and select “LATAM”.

(For more information on their wide variety of trips, connect with UnCruise Adventures using our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net.)

Day 2-3 From San José, you will be off to La Fortuna.

You have lots of choices: You can start by relaxing in a local hot springs. Alternatively, you can begin with going whitewater rafting. If you want to really get your heart pumping, you can have an adventure rappelling down a waterfall!

You can hike around the famous Arenal Volcano’s base. Monkeys may greet you as you make your way.  To cool off,  you can swim in the nearby waterfalls.

Other ideas?  Go for a bike tour. Explore a wildlife refuge. Go for a horseback ride. Learn how to paddleboard.

Bird watchers and nature lovers will enjoy seeing the three hundred and fifty different local species. You may even see a sloth high overhead in the treetops. At ground level, you may spot really large lizards!

Day 4-5 From La Fortuna, you are off to Monteverde.

The day will start with a bike ride along the banks of Lake Arenal. You will have a boat trip and van to Monteverde. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is cool even in the summer. Like Indiana Jones, you will cross suspension bridges high over the forest below.

For an exciting add-on, try out ziplining. You will get a true “birds’ eye view” from the tree tops!

For a real change of pace, you can visit the local Butterfly Garden.  It has thirty different types of butterfly so have your camera ready!

Fellow coffee lovers will enjoy the tour of the Monteverde Coffee Plantation. You will learn how your morning coffee makes the long journey home to you. Then it will be time to enjoy some samples of really fresh coffee!

Day 6-7 You will leave Monteverde and head to-Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

Day 8 After a final swim or surfing adventure at Malpais, you will head back to San José.

You will arrive in time for dinner and to see local nightlife.

Day 9 Your Costa Rica vacation for singles adventure travel packages comes to an end as you head home.

Costa Rica Two Ways: Ecotour Deals for Solo Travelers: Insight Travels:

BE SURE TO SAY SOLO TREKKER 4 U SENT YOU FOR SPECIAL SAVINGS!

Solo Travel Destination-Costa Rica a Top Eco Tour and Adventure: Sample Tour:

Costa Rica is a full pageant of color. Rain forests combine with endless white, sandy beachy. Butterflies and frogs buzz by waiting for you to focus your telephoto lens. Once you get off the beaten path in Costa Rica’s national parks, you will see both endangered and other species from large cats to noisy macaws. There are lots of adventurous, active options from hiking to diving or more leisurely birding and whale watching.

San Jose:

Day 1:

The capital of Costa Rica has much to see and do. San Jose has many museums to prowl through. My personal favorite was the Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold). It has many exhibits that date back to the time before Columbus. Fashionistas will also be glad to see its gift shop. It has great fashion jewelry in gold based on the ancient items in the museum. Earrings and necklace replicas make special gifts to remind you of your trip.

Savegre:

Days 2-4:

Bird lovers get ready to be entranced!  Humming birds will hover starting at breakfast. You will find more than 170 species.  Sunrise is the best time to view Costa Rica’s colorful birds. If you have good luck, you may get a selfie with a new “friend”!

Hike the Quetzales National Park.  This 12,350 acre park has 14 eco-systems and 3 forest zones! It has both natural water sources and highland forests.

See the division between North and South America which occurs at the Continental Divide.

Spy on multiple local bird species in flight or nesting.

Relish awe inspiring views between the Central Volcanic Cordillera and the Talamanca Mountains. They are near by to both the southern and central Pacific coasts. (To the east is the Caribbean Sea.)

Behind is the tallest peak in Costa Rica known as Chirripó.

  Uvita:

Day 4-7:

Kayaking: Hatillo Mangrove Forest

Costa Rica has one of the world’s richest eco-diversity venues. Its mangrove swamps, filled with birds.  Species of birds range from the royal tern, brown pelican, little blue pelican and the bare-throated tiger-heron. Mammals include the exotic white-nosed coati, two and three-toed Sloth and the white-faced capuchin monkey. In addition, six crab species lumber through the forests. Also at home are massive boa constrictors and vibrant green lizards.

Hiking the Corcovado National Park

Founded in 1975, the Corcovado National Park has both ocean (2,400 hectares) and rainforest (54,539 hectares) sectors. It is a top venue for tourists from around world. It is rich with many species: 6,000  of which are lurking insects, 116 amphibians, 140 mammals and most popular? 400 bird species! The Corcovado National Park has 6 eco-systems. It serves as home for colorful scarlet macaws, tapirs and awesome poison dart frogs, leering crocodiles, fierce pumas and jaguars.

The Costa Rican Pacific Coast is home to the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Pristine beaches surround the island which is protected by a reef. As a result, it is perfect for snorkelling or diving. Year round you can see depths of up to 65 feet! You will see a wide range of species from whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and colorful tropical fish.

DAY 7 End of Tour

  Peru Solo Trekker 4 U Insights:

Machu Picchu is one of  the world’s most famous sights. For global tourists, Machu Picchu is the ultimate draw to stroll slowly leisurely through an ancient monument while enjoying modern conveniences. For an active holiday, it is an ideal spot for outdoor sports and hiking. You can choose either or a mix of both styles that fit your budget and interests.

As a result, Peru is a top solo travel destination as a standalone trip. However, it is also well located to combine a trip to Peru with a visit to its neighboring countries of  Chile to the south or Ecuador to the north.

  Peru Solo Travel Beyond Machu Picchu-Other Key Sights Not to Miss:

Peru’s Amazon:  Iquitos is a common launch point for Peru’s Amazon. You can choose an adventure tour going on an expedition with a small boat and crew. I did this in another part of the Amazon. With just fifteen new friends, we were able to make our way into remote areas not possible for larger boats. There is a real thrill to making your way through the rain forest with your guide cutting a path ahead of you. Another plus is that it is more likely that you can see wildlife in their native habitat by going “off the grid”! The Amazon region covers two-thirds of Peru’s territory.  It is a haven for wildlife viewing up close and personal! The sloth and monkeys high above the canopy are most often photographed. However, I fell in  love with the capybaras. These gentle giants can reach 120 pounds. They love to lounge in the natural pools that are throughout the Amazon. They are perfect for an exotic selfie!

However, if you would like a luxury 5-star river cruise, there are many great deals with no single supplements. A good choice would be combining Machu Picchu with the Amazon.

Solo Travel Deal for Peru: OAT Travel Sample Tour:

OAT Travel has 30 years’ experience in the travel industry and guarantees that groups will be no larger than sixteen people. Better yet: they have no single supplement* on land tours! It is not just the typical large tour model but a really unique, high-end tour at affordable prices. (Do book early while there is space available for solos to avoid paying a single supplement!)

Real Affordable Peru

 Lima • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cuzco

Explore Peru from storied Machu Picchu to the heights of Cuzco. See llamas making their way through the Andes and watch as local artisans create their handiwork. Sample top local cuisine and learn more about the ancient Inca empire.

Solo travel deal for Peru:

Lima:

DAY 1 Fly to Lima, Peru.

DAY 2 Arrive in Peru’s capital, Lima, and explore the Miraflores district.

DAY 3 See the sites of Lima’s old city before moving on to ancient Incan times.

Solo travel deal for Peru:

Sacred Valley:

DAY 4 Arrive in the heights of Cuzco and start your adventure in the Sacred Valley. Cuzco, once the Incan capital is is one of the highest points in the region at 11,000+ feet. This is a good way to take it easy and get use to the height. It actually dwarfs Machu Picchu which stands at a mere height of 7,874 feet! Luckily, the Internet is filled with tips on adjusting and avoiding or overcoming altitude sickness. Pisac, also located in the Sacred Valley, is largely known for its handicraft, open-air markets.

Solo travel deal for Peru:

Whitewater rafting adventure:

DAY 5 Time for an adventure: go whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River. This has always been one of my favorites for solos or families. It is an adventure for both novices and experts. Before viewing the ruins of Ollantaytambo, you will meet a local family for lunch, and have the chance to try local dishes.  Ask about the piranha! I was really shocked to find that they make very tasty appetizers.

DAY 6 Make your way by train ride through the Sacred Valley and explore fabled Machu Picchu. While Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous ancient sights, it was only discovered recently in 1911.

DAY 7 Continue through Machu Picchu and exploring the Sacred Valley and back to Cuzco. Ask about whether there are still horse trails to make your way through the Sacred Valley. For other options, you can join an active day tour for more hiking, biking and ziplining. For a really breath-taking view, join a ziplining adventure at the top of the canopy.

Solo travel deal for Peru:

Cuzco:

DAY 8 While you discover Cuzco, you will have free time to explore independently.

Solo travel deal for Peru:

Village life:

DAY 9 Visit Izcuchaca for archaeological ruins and trekking. Follow-up seeing daily life in the village of Chinchero.

DAY 10 Before heading home, you can see Oropesa, Tipon, Sacsayhuaman & Kenkoe. Located south of Cuzco, they boast more Incan ruins and history to view.

DAY 11  Time to fly back home!

  Other Great Tour/Cruise Operators for LATAM -SoloTravelPricingTracker

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#Backpacking #SoloTravel #SoloTraveling #Solotrekker #Travel #Traveling

[nunoxaviermoreira]

Savegre River by Chris Jimenez - Take Me To The Wild Like rainforests, cloud forests experience rainfall, but they also capture water straight from the air, water condenses on the leaves of the plants and drips through the canopy to the floor. In 1970, the original extent of cloud forests on the Earth was around 50 million hectares. Population growth, poverty and uncontrolled land use have contributed to the loss of cloud forests. The 1990 Global Forest Survey found that 1.1% of tropical mountain and highland forests were lost each year, which was higher than in any other tropical forests. The cloud forests of Costa Rica are one of the biggest sources of water, the Savegre River was recently Recognized by Unesco as Biosphere Reserve, the reserve host 20% of the total flora of the country, 54% of its mammals and 59% of its birds. https://flic.kr/p/2gbgHY8

[g281]

San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. 2019. #lacallefoto #travelphotoincostarica #documentingcostaricarelo #documentingcostarica #sangerardodedota #riosavegre #fujifilm #fujifilm_mx #x100t #cloudforest #river (at San Gerardo De Dota, Rio Savegre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwkmk3ahJKG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hzrv5dstlplp

[materialvision]

Costa Rica has reached a new record in clean energy production and received their latest Biosphere Reserve declaration by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)—solidifying their unshakeable commitment to sustainability.

During the first six months of the year, 99% of Costa Rica‘s electricity came from renewable sources, according to data from the National Energy Control Center (CENCE). In the last 30 years, renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, solar and hydroelectric have been responsible for the production of nearly 93% of Costa Rica’s energy, but this July they broke their own record. With a goal to be the first carbon neutral country in the world by 2021, sustainable practices can be observed in every region of the country, across all industries, adopted by all citizens and embraced by visitors. With almost all of its energy being produced by renewable resources, it’s clear that sustainability is embedded deeply in the culture and traditions of Costa Rica.

Another win for sustainability was earned in June when UNESCO declared Savegre River, located in the Zona de los Santos, a Biosphere Reserve. Biosphere reserves are specially designated areas for sustainable development that reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the proper use of natural resources. As stated on the UNESCO website: Biosphere reserves are ‘Science for Sustainability support sites’ – special places for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. Costa Rica already has four reserves, but this is the first with coastal marine components, as it includes the marine part of the Manuel Antonio National Park, in Quepos.

The Savegre River stands out for its great biodiversity. The reserve houses 20% of Costa Rica’s flora, 54% of the country’s mammals and 59% of its birds. The territory also includes seven protected wilderness areas: Manuel Antonio National Park, Cerro Nara Protective Zone, Portalón Mixed Wildlife Refuge, Hacienda Barú Mixed Wildlife Refuge, Los Santos Forest Reserve, Quetzales National Park, and Cerro Vueltas Biological Reserve.

It is clear that Costa Ricans are proud to live amongst and protect their country’s rich environment. The small nation holds five percent of the world’s known biodiversity, 3.5 percent of all marine life and 30 percent of the country’s territory is protected natural land. A pioneer in the area of sustainability, Costa Rica is a model for sustainable practices for many industries around the world. The tourism trade has had a huge hand in paving the way for growth in this area. Through the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, which was designed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), entrepreneurs can receive recognition and reward for their sustainable practices to help differentiate businesses within the tourism sector. Based on the degree to which they comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management, a large selection of attractions, hotels, and restaurants can be officially classified as sustainable.

Businesses in the CST program receive recognition by being awarded “leaves” or level markers. One leaf indicates that a business engages in minimal sustainable practices and a distinction of five leaves indicates that a business exemplifies the highest standard of sustainable practices in its respective sector. Businesses that hold five level markers (leaves) in the CST program are carbon neutral, integrate authentic locally made products into its offerings, give back to Costa Rica’s rural community and more.

CST was introduced in 1997 and has continued to evolve and change with the advancement of technologies over the years. As of May, more than 347 companies, ranging from lodging, tour companies, restaurants and car rentals, in Costa Rica earned CST certification. The program hopes to reach its goal of certifying 425 companies by the end of 2017.

With these two latest wins, it’s clear that sustainability is not only a practice in Costa Rica; it is a way of life.

Source: PR Newswire – Costa Rica Tourism Board

TRAVEL. Costa Rica Up to Become First Carbon Neutral Country by 2021. Costa Rica has reached a new record in clean energy production and received their latest Biosphere Reserve declaration by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)—solidifying their unshakeable commitment to sustainability.

[globalmunchkins]

Amazing Rivers for Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica

While it might be a small country, when it comes to whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, it is home to some of the most beautiful rivers you might ever raft down. There are a total of 14 major river systems in Costa Rica, providing plenty of options for a rafting adventure. A few years ago…

Amazing Rivers for Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica was originally published on Global Munchkins