Rafting is much more than simply floating down a treacherous river in an inflatable boat that looks like it’s ready to pop. It’s more than just a cheap adrenaline rush. And it’s not just another thing to do for the rich holiday maker.
From the moment you depart the bank of the river, you lose yourself in the timeless rhythm of the current. You are forced to go with the flow and in doing so become a part of nature.
You can think of nothing but paddling as a team and maintaining balance. And after surviving countless 2 meter drops, you can’t keep a goofy grin off your face.
It is a Runaway Adventure that can re-connect you with the natural world and even with yourself. It is fast and frightening, but exciting, and it is something everyone can and should experience.
Rafting In La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The Pura Vida or pure life spirit makes Costa Rica one of the best countries to go rafting in. It is also probably one of the safest and most beautiful countries for rafting.
Although there are multiple locations and tour companies that offer rafting in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Descents in La Fortuna is one of the most inclusive, the best value, and is the only company that offers class 5 rafting tours.
Central square in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
If You Don’t Paddle, You die!
If you’ve never been rafting or even on a boat before, fear not. The guides teach you everything and give you all the equipment you need in an hour training period before you hit the water.
The guides are very experienced, fluent in English, and want nothing more than to keep you safe and share the pure life with you. Although you do have to sign your life away on a mandatory waiver, at least you’re in very good hands.
Learning how to stay alive
The River
The river rests gloriously within it’s deep jungle filled ravine. It creates a surreal setting and a paradise unrivaled. It is fast and intense but just enough to make you temporarily question whether you’re going to make it out alive.
If you take class 4 rapids, which I highly recommend, you will fly down 4 to 8 feet drops and get spit out of whirl pools in glory. Someone might be tossed into the rapids at one point or another. You will get water in every orifice and maybe even fear for the continuity of your lineage.
Although it sounds insane and dangerous, if you’re fit enough to paddle, class 4 is the best way to start no matter what your experience. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
The last I ever saw of my Canadian friend Luke
Half Time
After two hours of intense rafting you pull into a rest stop and the guides reveal big bags of fruit. Here you can either relax and replenish with watermelon and pineapples or even repel down a 150 ft waterfall (Definitely worth it!).
Organic Dinner and Shots Of Sugar Cane Moonshine
After another hour of rafting you arrive at the pick up point. Here you are given much appreciated towels and are bussed to Costa Rica Descent’s private organic farm for an even more appreciated dinner. After dinner you are given a tour of the farm, which includes a perfect end of the day shot of home made sugar cane moonshine.
Conclusion
Although rafting in Costa Rica is not cheap, it is definitely an adventure that should not be passed on. It is an experience that will redefine your relationship with the natural world. It is a natural high that you will lose yourself in for hours.
Plus if you go with a tour like Costa Rica Descents in La Fortuna, you don’t just get a few hours rafting but a whole day of food, insight into Costa Rica’s culture, and moonshine inspired good times.
See here for more info on rafting in Costa Rica with CR Descents.
Massive thanks to Rodger, Aby and Trey for helping make adventures like this one possible. If you can help me keep doing what I love to do, check out my FEED ME page for information and rewards on becoming a sponsor.
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