Boquete: Chiriqui Viejo River Rafting Class 2-3 & Lunch

Paddle through Boquete's jungle rapids and stop for riverside lunch

You meet at the Boquete Outdoor Adventures office at 7:45am, paddle 8.5 miles of Class 2-3 whitewater on the Chiriqui Viejo River, stop for a riverside lunch with fresh local food, and return by mid-afternoon. The guide handles safety, commands, and route. You bring water shoes and a valid passport. Minimum two people to confirm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting adventure on river

• Meet at office at 7:45am
• Attend safety and paddling briefing
• Start rafting through jungle rapids
• Pause for riverside buffet lunch
• Continue rafting after lunch
• Finish trip at take-out point
• Return to Boquete by vehicle

The experience

"The river is high right now. You're going to feel it," our guide said when we pulled up to the office at 7:45am, and he wasn't wrong. The Chiriqui Viejo River runs Class 2-3 through the Panamanian highlands, which means you get genuine whitewater without needing years of experience. The safety briefing covers paddle commands (forward, back, stop), and how to brace yourself when the raft tips (it won't, but knowing helps). Then you're in the water, and the first rapid hits fast.

The run covers 8.5 miles and takes most of the day. You start with high-volume rapids that get your heart going, then settle into a rhythm of smaller drops and fast current threading through jungle. Around noon the guides pull over to a riverside spot and lay out a buffet: fresh fruit, vegetables, assemble-your-own sandwiches with local ingredients, and they handle dietary restrictions without fuss. You eat, rest, and then load back in for the second half. The Lost Waterfalls appear somewhere in the middle, though the river itself is the main event, not a sideshow.

By 2pm you're at the take-out, roughly three and a half hours after you started. The guides hand out beers and sodas, and your air-conditioned van is waiting to drive you back to Boquete by 3:30pm. The whole day is structured. You don't arrange transport, you don't worry about timing, you don't pack lunch. Helmet, life jacket, paddle, water, and photos all come with it. Bring your own water shoes and your passport for the immigration checkpoint.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or office pickup and return transport by air-conditioned van, a safety briefing and guide commands, use of helmet, life jacket, and paddle, the 8.5-mile Class 2-3 whitewater run on the Chiriqui Viejo River, a riverside lunch with fresh fruit, vegetables, and assemble-your-own sandwiches (veggie options available), empanadas with fruit, juice, snacks, and cookies, bottled water throughout, beers and sodas at the take-out, a download link for photos, and all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (10 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Boquete Outdoor Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day river adventure without arranging your own transport, safety gear, or lunch: the fixed schedule and included guide mean you show up at 7:45am and everything else is handled.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What experience do I need for Class 2-3 rafting?

None. The guide teaches paddling technique and commands during the safety briefing. The rapids are suitable for all fitness levels and ages 5 and up.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet with fresh fruit, vegetables, and assemble-your-own sandwiches is served riverside around noon. Dietary restrictions are accommodated.

What time does it start and end?

You meet at 7:45am at the Boquete Outdoor Adventures office. The raft takes out around 2pm, and the van returns you to Boquete by 3:30pm.

What do I need to bring?

Water shoes and your original passport for the immigration checkpoint. Everything else (helmet, life jacket, paddle, water, and snacks) is provided.

What if the weather is bad?

If the river conditions are poor, the tour is canceled and you can choose an alternative date or get a full refund.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, two people minimum to confirm the trip.

Do I get photos from the day?

Yes. A download link for photos is included.

What is not recommended?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. It is also not suitable for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces and river conditions.