Tenorio River white water rafting: Class III & IV rapids

Feel the rush through Guanacaste’s dry forest, ending with a fresh Costa Rican lunch

White water rafting on the Tenorio River in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where you navigate Class III and IV rapids through tropical dry forest for 10 miles with a live guide, helmet, PFD and paddles. The river tests your nerve with continuous drops and turns; all participants need moderate physical fitness. Lunch and snacks are included after the run.

The Experience

The Tenorio River in Guanacaste runs Class III and IV rapids for 10 miles, which means continuous challenges — twists, turns and drops that demand focus and paddling power. You'll work through the rapids with a guide who speaks English or Spanish, wearing a helmet and PFD, and you'll need to be in good physical condition to handle the intensity. Bring swim trunks and clothes you don't mind getting soaked, rubber-sole shoes, a change of clothes, towel, sunblock and a hat with a secure strap.

The 4.5-hour experience includes the run itself plus a typical Costa Rican lunch afterward: green salad, your choice of beef steak, chicken fillet or fish filet, dessert and a natural drink. Snacks are provided during the day. The river's location in the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste means you're paddling through wildlife scenery and dense vegetation — the setting itself is part of what makes this trip distinct from other rafting runs in the region.

RCR-RAFTING has run trips on this river since 2004 and knows the Tenorio's character. The company provides all the gear you need: helmet, PFD and paddles. You show up ready to paddle; they handle the rest.

What’s included

• PFD, helmet and paddles.
• snacks during the run.
• typical Costa Rican lunch after the rapids with your choice of beef steak, chicken fillet or fish filet, plus green salad, dessert and natural drink.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by RCR Rafting Guanacaste

Is this one for you?This is a shared group trip led by a guide, so you're paddling with other travelers and following the guide's lead through the rapids. Choose it if you want the adrenaline of Class III and IV rapids but prefer having an experienced guide navigate the river and manage the group, rather than going solo or arranging your own route.

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Top questions

What are Class III and IV rapids like on the Tenorio River?

Class III and IV rapids on the Tenorio River mean continuous challenges — you'll navigate twists, turns and drops over 10 miles that demand paddling power and focus. The river tests your nerve and requires good physical condition to handle safely.

What should I bring for the Tenorio River rafting trip?

Bring swim trunks, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet, rubber-sole shoes, a complete change of clothes, towel, sunblock, sunglasses with secure head straps and a hat that fits tight. The guide and company provide helmet, PFD and paddles.

Is lunch included in the Tenorio River rafting trip?

Yes, a typical Costa Rican lunch is included after the run: green salad, your choice of beef steak, chicken fillet or fish filet, dessert and a natural drink. Snacks are also provided during the day.

How long does the Tenorio River rafting experience take?

The full experience is 4.5 hours, which includes the 10-mile run through Class III and IV rapids and the lunch afterward.

What's the landscape like on the Tenorio River?

The Tenorio River runs through the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste, so you paddle past dense vegetation and wildlife scenery. The river's location and setting are part of what makes this run distinct from other rafting trips in the region.

Do I need rafting experience for the Tenorio River?

No prior rafting experience is required, but you must be in good physical condition to handle the Class III and IV rapids safely. The guide will lead you through the run.