Rafting in Guanacaste isn’t just an adrenaline rush — it’s an immersive nature experience. With lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and rivers like the Tenorio roaring through tropical canyons, each rafting tour becomes a journey through one of the most biodiverse corners of Central America.
Whether you’re staying at Dreams Las Mareas, Four Seasons, Andaz, Secrets, Westin Conchal, Occidental Papagayo, or JW Marriott Guanacaste, Best Tours CR will bring you face-to-face with unforgettable scenery and wildlife.
Keep your eyes on the trees as you paddle downstream. You’re likely to spot:
White-faced capuchins 🐵 leaping from branch to branch
Howler monkeys 🗣️ calling across the forest with their echoing roars
They’ll watch you raft by — often as curious about you as you are about them.
Rafting in Guanacaste is a birdwatcher’s dream. Along the riverbanks and in the treetops, look for:
Keel-billed toucans 🌈 flashing their rainbow bills
Scarlet macaws ❤️💛💙 traveling in pairs
Ospreys & kingfishers 🐟 swooping down to catch fish
Bring a waterproof camera — you’ll want proof.
Guanacaste’s prehistoric residents love the sunshine. You’ll see green iguanas and other reptiles stretched out on hot rocks or dangling lazily from tree branches. They’re calm, quiet, and totally unfazed by your raft passing by.
In calmer sections of the Tenorio River, you’ll drift quietly past herons and egrets, standing still like statues, waiting for fish. Their elegance and patience provide a meditative contrast to the roar of the rapids ahead.
Spotting one is rare — but the forest you’re rafting through is home to Costa Rica’s most elusive big cats. Even just hearing a story from your guide about recent sightings adds mystery and depth to the journey.
The rainforest along the river is a flutter with vibrant butterflies, especially the iconic Blue Morpho, which can grow the size of your hand. Their shimmering blue wings are a magical part of any rafting trip.
Best Tours CR offers hotel pickup and custom rafting tours for guests at Guanacaste’s top resorts:
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
All-inclusive, family-friendly resort near the Tenorio River. Great for couples and kids.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Ultra-luxury retreat at Peninsula Papagayo, with exclusive access to eco-adventures.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Chic, eco-conscious resort with stylish vibes and deep rainforest access.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults-only paradise, ideal for couples looking for romance and thrill.
Westin Reserva Conchal
Eco-luxury meets all-inclusive convenience near wild rivers and forest trails.
Occidental Papagayo
A peaceful adults-only resort on the Gulf of Papagayo with great adventure access.
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Colonial charm and five-star comfort just a short drive from prime rafting spots.
We design private and small-group tours to match the level of service our hotel partners provide.
Our certified guides are born and raised in Guanacaste — they know every rapid, bird call, and tree root.
Life jackets, helmets, and rescue-trained staff
Pre-tour safety briefings
Emergency response-ready vehicles
We leave no trace, support conservation efforts, and educate guests on Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
You relax. We handle the logistics — from pickup to paddle.
Don’t just visit Costa Rica — feel it. Let the river carry you through wild canyons, past jungle wildlife, and into the heart of Guanacaste.
Water shoes
Towel
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Dry clothes
GoPro (optional!)
Yes! Our Tenorio River tour is designed for first-timers and families, with calm sections and expert guides.
Participants should:
Weigh under 250 lbs
Not be pregnant
Have no recent surgeries, heart issues, or mobility challenges
Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Green season (May–October) offers stronger rapids. Dry season (November–April) has better weather. We operate year-round!
Rafting in Guanacaste is more than just an outdoor excursion — it’s a wildlife encounter, a thrill ride, and a cultural immersion rolled into one. With Best Tours CR, you get safety, expertise, and VIP service every step of the way.
✅ Book your adventure
✅ Capture unforgettable moments
✅ Experience the real Costa Rica