Tag Archives: kayak costa rica

Whitewater Kayaking Season Is Almost Upon Us

Kayak Costa RicaWell it is that time of year again when you whitewater kayaking junkies start thinking about heading south for the winter to get your off season fix. At Costa Rica Rios we have been planning for your arrival over the past several weeks and our team is raring to go.

Boasting the largest fleet of whitewater kayaks in Central America, Costa Rica Rios is still the country’s number one outfitter. Our guides have been busy over the last year with our four head kayaking leaders, Walter, Arnaldo, Davies and Daniel all gaining certification as ACA level 4 instructors. We are now the only kayaking company in the Costa Rica that has local guides with such a certification.

Next month will see us step up our preparations in earnest and we will be heading on scouting missions all over the country to see how our rivers have are. As many of you have paddled here in the past will know, our rivers change constantly with the amount of rain we receive in the rainy season. We’re always one step ahead and by the time you get here we will have all the insider knowledge that comes with being based in-country year round.

This week saw our first kayakers of the season join us as part of their honeymoon. We spent two days on the Pacuare, with a compulsory overnight stop at the Pacuare River Lodge, before paddling out the next day. The river was a perfect medium flow and it allowed our honeymooners to kick off their first few days of married life together in adventurous style.

Our season is starting to fill up with January close to being full already. We still have availability on our October and November kayaking trips so for all guys starting to think of getting away this winter, now is the time!

kayaking the pacuare river, costa ricaWe can’t wait to see all of our repeat guests this winter and we’re looking forward to hosting some new faces down here in the tropics. Enjoy the rest of your paddling season up north and we’ll see you all in a couple of months.

Pura vida!

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Enjoy Pristine Whitewater with Costa Rica Guided Tours Geared for Kayakers

Whitewater kayakers all know that when you are looking for new waters to paddle, or new destinations to experience, the last thing you want is a choked, commercialized stretch of river that holds more resemblance to a highway than the natural, amazing whitewater experience of their dreams.  Costa Rica Rios understands that when you are looking for new water to hone your paddling techniques on, and new destinations to add to your conquests, paddling the same congested waters everyone else is, isn’t a good time.   Which is exactly why we are proud to offer amazing costa rica guided tours geared towards adventurous kayakers of all skill levels.

For such a small country, Costa Rica is home to some of the most desired water in the world.  The Pacuare River has even been identified by National Geographic as one of the finest rivers in the world, both for its stunning rapids and its breathtaking scenery.  The Pacuare has been compared to the Middle Fork of the Salmon on more than one occasion.  Yet, despite these accolades, the rivers of Costa Rica remain happily non-congested and continue to provide excellent boating opportunities for paddlers of all ages and experience levels.

Costa Rica Rios celebrates the magnificence of our home’s superior water with our 8 Day Costa Rica Kayak Adventure Vacation.  Covering three rivers over six action packed days, this guided tour can show you the finest of Costa Rica’s pristine whitewater.  Starting with the Rio Pejibaye (on day two), then progressing to the Rio Sarapiqui (on days three and four) and ending with the best of the best, the Pacuare (on days five through seven)-this tour is the must experience for those seeking a paddling adventure in Central America.

Do you have a member of your group that doesn’t paddle? That’s not a problem with Costa Rica Rios non-paddlers option. Don’t leave your non-kayaking loved one home with this adventurous tour option. Focusing on exciting activities like canyoning, rapelling down cliffs and waterfalls, zip-lines, rainforest hikes, nature watching and so much more, the non-paddlers option is perfect for those in your party who do not kayak.

Costa Rica Rios is proud to offer “hassle free” guided tours that allow you to come and enjoy the world class paddling as opposed to worrying about planning for meals, lodgings, or transportation.  Each tour includes lodging for the entirety of the tour, all of your meals, and private transportation while within Costa Rica.  Our guides are all English-speaking, highly skilled guides who will work to personalize your trip to match your kayaking skills.  They have recently completed the ACA Level 4 Kayak Instructors course and therefore the perfect team to help improve your skills.

ACA kayak instructors for kayak school costa rica

Costa Rica Rios also provides required paddling equipment, and covers park entrance and off-river activity fees.

Book you Costa Rica kayaker’s dream today with Costa Rica Rios and experience the mind blowing adventures the pristine waters of Costa Rica can provide.  Contact us today to ask about upcoming tours.

whitewater kayaking costa rica
Kayaking the Pacuare River  Costa Rica

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Birdwatching on Your Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica is well known as one of the top birding destinations in the world. More than 840 species of land and sea birds call Costa Rica home, far more than inhabit North America. A Costa Rica adventure should include some bird watching to really understand Costa Rica and its diverse habitats. It can be fun for amateurs and experienced birders alike.

The amazing diversity of birds that can be found in Costa Rica stems from some fortuitous circumstances. Millions of years ago, the continents were adrift and not in the same positions they are now. As they slowly floated about the oceans, the continents drifted together. With help from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the bridge of Central America slowly formed. The various species from North and South America met in the middle, and the mild climate allowed many of them to thrive and multiply. Migrants from both South and North America also visit Costa Rica during their respective winter seasons.

The current climate and terrain of Costa Rica provide excellent habitats for birds. There is an abundance of trees and bushes with fruit that birds feast on year round. The birds, in turn, pollinate the fruit and spread the seeds after feeding. A wide array of habitats, including mangrove swamps, wet Caribbean coastal plains, dry northern highlands, pacific lowlands and mountain ranges, provide a home for the various species.

When you visit Costa Rica, some of the bird species you may wish to find include the quetzal, the toucan and the frigate. The beautiful quetzal can be hard to spot, but with its long tail and glorious coloration it’s a favorite. Males have emerald green bodies with red breasts, and a long tail which grows during mating season. You may spot a quetzal in the cloud forests or mountainous areas in northern Costa Rica.

The jungles are full of toucans, easy to spot because of their large, distinctive yellow bill. While the bill seems too large for the body, they are actually hollow and very lightweight. Toucans eat mostly fruit. As the seeds pass through their bodies and are deposited in various places, trees are planted in other locations where they don’t have to compete for light with more mature trees.

Along the ocean, you can see frigate birds swooping and performing acrobatics. They often harass gulls or other sea birds into dropping their fish so they can fly in and steal them. There will always be more than one, and their formations while flying can be very entertaining.

When you’re in Costa Rica, make time to find and observe the amazing bird life. Whether it’s part of a hike, a river kayaking tour, a visit to a volcano or a formal garden, you’ll discover that birdwatching adds an exciting dimension to your Costa Rican adventure. Contact us to learn more about the best birdwatching spots in the country for your next trip. tucancillo verde could be seen on your costa rica honeymoon

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Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Costa Rica Adventure

While there’s no language requirement on Costa Rica Rios trips, it’s always fun to use a bit of the local dialect, right? Here are a few phrases to get you started; the locals might even mistake you for a Tico/Tica.

Más rápido, maeFaster, dude; may be useful with your whitewater rafting guide if you want to pick it up a notch (loco = crazy, by the way).

¡Pero tengo miedo!But I’m scared! This phrase is often followed by delighted screaming and laughing; say this right before you zip-line across a canopy.

¡Otra vez!Again! You loved that flight through the trees, didn’t you?

Te amoI love you. Surprise your new husband or wife with this phrase on your honeymoon as you gaze off into the Caribbean horizon.

¿Cuánto cuesta?How much does it cost? This will be useful in between adventures if you choose to snatch up a Costa Rican souvenir or two, like a bag of local coffee or artisan pottery.

¡Qué ola tan grande!What a big wave! While surfing, this may mean you either rush out to sea or rush back to shore, depending on your skill level. Or maybe you’re on the beach and want to warn your friends to pick up their towels.

¿Cómo se llama (pointing at something)? – What is that called? When you spot unknown exotic wildlife while snorkeling or hiking, use this phrase to learn their names, or ask about that volcano up ahead or the bright blue butterfly that landed on your bike.

Me duelen las piernasMy legs hurt. Speaking of bikes, your quads or hamstrings might burn a bit from that mountain biking portion of the trip; use this excuse to take a breather and a snap a few pics of the scenery.

¡Qué lindo/bonito!How beautiful! Use while pointing to that view, that flower, that sunset, that bird, etc. You’ll probably be using this one at least every five minutes if you’re not busy catching your breath or laughing.

¡Qué rico! How delicious! Compliment your chef or server, or just rave to your trip companions about the fresh fish on your plate or the fruit smoothie you’re slurping down.

¡Pura vida! – this ubiquitous Costa Rican phrase has a dozen meanings, which makes it applicable in most situations. Literally, it means “pure life” and often refers to the relaxed attitudes of Ticos (Costa Ricans). But it also can be a greeting, an exclamation of approval, a descriptor of how you’re feeling, a synonym for excellent, or just something you scream as you kayak down a rushing river.

For all your other language needs, our staff and guides have got you covered. Find the trip that’s right for you and contact us for more information. ¡Pura vida!

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Plan Your Own Costa Rica Adventure

What would your perfect vacation be? Do you think about riding around on a hot, sweaty tour bus? Or wandering around in a large group of people listening to a tour guide describe a long history of some building? Or are you looking for a wild ride down some whitewater rapids? How about a bike tour of a volcano? A zipline ride across rainforest treetops? What about all of them? Creating your own Costa Rica adventure means that you don’t have to choose just one. You can plan all the excitement you want into one big adventure.

Costa Rica offers all the adventure your family or group can handle. With a tropical climate and a variety of terrain, you can pick from the many activities that appeal to your outdoor spirit. Instead of being stuck in a pre-planned selection of a package deal, you can decide how short or long you want to go for, and what activities you do, creating your own vacation package.

If water is what you are dreaming of, you can choose to kayak, raft, or canoe on the Pacuare River where you can experience the beauty of the surrounding rainforest, with many chances to stop and swim, rest, and take in the views. Rather swim than paddle? You can take advantage of scuba diving or snorkeling in the waters off the Manuel Antonio National Park. If surfing is your thing, try catching a wave in Puerto Viejo. Or include a day to relax at one of the stunning beaches the country has to offer.

Waves and water not your thing? Try taking on mountain biking. You can choose to bike through the cloud forest as you journey to the shoulder of the Turrialba Volcano, with small villages along the way. Or choose to bike through the Orosi Valley. Pedaling too tiring? Try a saddle instead with horseback riding. You can mount up and travel up to the La Fortuna Waterfall or ride to the observatory of the famous Arenal Volcano.

Looking for a ride of a different kind? Zip line rides will have you flying above the jungle. Rise above the treetops to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Experience the rainforest like never before with a canopy tour that takes you across suspension bridges, rappelling down trees and even offers adrenaline pumping zip line rides over the trees.

With these and many more activities to choose from, you can find the perfectly balanced adventure. Take the worry and stress out of planning with all meals, lodging, entrance fees and permits taken care of. No need to have your own equipment or search for guides.  We can take care of everything.  Contact us and start planning your perfect Costa Rica adventure today.

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Top 5 Reasons to Vacation with Costa Rica Rios

1. Adventure

Conquer the Costa Rican rapids while whitewater rafting, paddle through twists and turns in a kayak, take a surf ride on a Caribbean wave. Bike down a volcano, zipline through trees, snorkel along tropical reefs. That enough adventure for you? Then you’re made for our high-adrenaline multi-sport adventure vacation package. Or, if one sport is plenty for you, try a week of canoeing or kayaking through Costa Rica’s pristine whitewater rivers.

2. Romance and Relaxation

Honeymooners rave about our tours, which, in addition to the aforementioned adventure activities, can be paired with plenty of quieter newlywed moments. Stay in a deluxe eco-lodge, enjoy a more low-key tour like the Rain Forest Ridge Walk. Go horseback riding near the Savegre River. Search for exotic critters in Manuel Antonio’s National Park. Simply relax on the beach or soak in hot springs with your amor.

3. Wildlife

Hear that hooting and hollering? That’s a howler monkey in the distance. What about the chirping that greets you in the morning? Could be a White Collared Manakin. Don’t miss the sloths; these funny-looking cuties can be seen at the sloth sanctuary or, if you’re lucky, in the trees during one of your other adventures. While canyoning in the rainforest, you may glimpse the transparent Costa Rican Glass Frog (are those its internal organs!?). Of course you’ll find fascinating fish on your snorkel dive, and you might catch sight of Green Sea, Giant Leatherback or Hawksbill turtles nesting at a marine national park.

4. Food

Pineapples, bananas, mangos, guanabanas. Fresh fish and meat paired with slow-cooked black beans and rice. You won’t go hungry in Costa Rica. Our personal chef prepares your meals daily with locally grown goods. Soon you’ll know the beauty of gallo pinto, frescos naturales, and sweet platano maduro.

5. Culture

From tour guides, to lodging staff, to vendors, and passersby, you’ll meet lots of friendly Ticos (Costa Ricans) willing to share their stories and culture with you. Of course our guides will be especially well-versed in the many facets of Costa Rican life and will be eager to share their knowledge of the country.

Browse the rest of our website, contact us with your questions, then tell your boss you’re going to need some time off.

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Supporting the Environment with our Costa Rica Guided Tours

As you can tell from what we do, the environment is an integral part of the success of Costa Rica Rios. Without our magnificent local rivers, mountains, beaches and forest canopies, we could not offer our spectacular Costa Rica guided tours. Because of this, we have made a commitment to supporting the environment, including the unique and breathtaking natural scenery of our many adventures.

We practice what we call Sustainable Tourism in a variety of ways. Much of what we do involves education. For our employees, there is always ongoing learning about how we can best support and preserve this delicate and fascinating natural environment in which we live and work.  As a company, we seek to work in harmony with other local businesses, such as when we donate all organic waste to an organic cocoa bean farm.

For our guests, the education can work both ways. We know our environment, and we teach our tour participants about how best to preserve the breathtaking natural resource that we share with them. We also welcome guest suggestions about how to improve our sustainability practices and procedures, because we know that we all have much to learn about the latest and greatest efforts to support the environment.

We have also woven some commitments to sustainable tourism into the fabric of our company’s business processes. We are member participants in 1% for the Planet, a world-wide network of over one thousand businesses that commit to donate 1% of their sales to environmental nonprofit organizations. We are seeking certification from a handful of sustainable tourism associations, so stay tuned for further news on this as our applications to these associations are completed and reviewed.

Finally, and fundamentally, we recognize that each of us as individuals has a role to play in preserving our environment for the enjoyment of future generations. What we model and teach to our guests, we hope you will take home with you, along with your pictures and memories, and apply in the special environments that you find in and near your own home towns. To learn more, contact us or check out our Sustainable Tourism webpage.

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A Costa Rica honeymoon: Because memories last forever

Your honeymoon isn’t just another vacation. It’s the start of a new life together. The memories you make on this trip are as significant and long-lasting as the ones you share on your wedding day.

So why go to all the trouble of selecting the perfect ring, writing your own vows and picking the perfect cake, only to celebrate your nuptials with a boring, cookie-cutter vacation?

Instead, explore the spectacular, natural beauty and varied attractions that make a Costa Rica honeymoon unique and exciting.

“Costa Rica is a great spot for active couples. It’s well known for its zip line tours, which send visitors swinging through the forest’s treetop canopy via a cable and a harness – not to mention the great surfing.” – CNN Money

Imagine telling your friends, and someday, your children about the exciting way your marriage began. Zip lining through a tropical forest, learning to surf, jet skiing, snorkeling and kayaking. You will always remember memories that you make in Costa Rica.

And experts say that there is no better way to begin your new life together than through shared activity! A new study from the University of Denver shows that couples who play together, stay together. Howard Markman, a psychologist who co-directs the university’s Center for Marital and Family Studies tells USA Today,

“The more you invest in fun and friendship and being there for your partner, the happier the relationship will get over time.”

Your honeymoon is the start of your new life together. Let Costa Rica Rios make it an adventure you’ll always remember. Whatever you choose, we promise it will be one vacation you will never forget.  See some sample itineraries at Costaricarios.com.

To learn more about planning your dream vacation contact us today!

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High Octane Costa Rica Adventure Vacation

Not everyone understands the allure of an adventure vacation. It’s okay, we are fine with that; because those who get it, really get it.

Adventure travel is discovery, exhilaration, endurance, and beauty concentrated into one never-to-be-forgotten experience. Like any vacation, the combination of offerings has to be just right, but with adventure travel, the stakes are even higher. The area must offer pristine beauty, biodiversity, and endless high-octane outdoor adventure.

Those that know will tell you will tell you that few adventures can deliver on that experience more completely than a Costa Rica adventure vacation. Nestled between both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on the Central American isthmus, its unique topography and geographic position makes Costa Rica a high value destination for adventure travel.

The stunning landscape is home to pristine beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and forests and packs in an amazing amount of natural wonder— and endless opportunity to experience it all first hand in a comprehensive, adrenaline pumping multi-sport tour.

Most that come to Costa Rica come for the beaches. Admittedly, the allure of 2,306 kilometers of pristine coastline is rather hard to resist, which is what makes it one of the most popular destinations in the world. Whether surfing or snorkeling the crisp blue waters, or soaking up some rays on the beach adventure travel enthusiasts know that the wonder of the region does not end at the shoreline.

Realizing the richness of the land and its ecosystems, much of the land is protected by the government and remains amazingly untouched and unaffected by human impact. Adventure seekers can explore and experience the thrill of discovery, much as its first inhabitants did. Whether biking a remote trail, whitewater rafting the Pacuare River or sailing above the lush canopy and varied landscape by zip line, visitors observe nature as it was intended—colorful, beautiful, thriving, and inspiring.

Sure, there will be those that believe that adventure travel is just about cliff diving, zip lining, and white water rafting, but they would be wrong. While those things are a wonderful part of Costa Rica adventure vacations, the whole experience broadens our perspective and colors our life. It is the possibility that each trip represents which drives our passion. It is the many facets of life that adds the true exhilaration.

Some things in life are so precious that they must be experienced to be fully understood. We welcome you to a world of wonder. Contact us today for more information.

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Costa Rica Rios’ Adventure Honeymoon Package Offers 8 Days of Pure Joy

Are you looking for a honeymoon destination that offers a fine mix of excitement and easy living? If so, why not consider spending a week or more in Costa Rica? The country offers much in both areas. We know, because we’ve been offering honeymooners exceptional Costa Rica vacation packages for years.

Take our 8 Day Volcanoes, Jungles, Beaches, Adventure Honeymoon Package for instance. It includes whitewater adventure on both the Pejibaye and Pacuare Rivers. For those unfamiliar with them, the rivers are nestled within the Turrialba Valley. The valley is also home to an ancient archaeological site and the Turrialba Volcano. The Pejibaye connects to the Reventazon River, which eventually makes it all the way to the Caribbean Sea. The Pejibaye offers Class I and II rapids, so it’s an ideal place to get try out whitewater kayaking for beginners. The Pacuare River, on the other, is a lot feistier, and perfect for whitewater rafting. Originating in the Talamanca mountain range, it boasts Class III and IV rapids, primary rainforest, steep canyons and stunning waterfalls.

Speaking of the Talamanca range, it is home to some pretty amazing animals. You may also potentially spy some of the creatures in Manuel Antonio national park. It is an exceptional place to check out a large portion of the country’s monkey population. A visit to the park is included within the adventure honeymoon package. Other highlights within the park are four beaches, coral reefs and the Punta Cathedral.

Of course whitewater rafting and national parks are not all that’s on offer in Costa Rica. Our adventure honeymoon package also includes opportunities to zipline through the jungle, surf, sunbathe, snorkel and enjoy the local cuisine. Eateries to consider visiting while in the area include the Barba Roja and the Kapi Kapi. Both offer tantalizing dishes and hospitality that are sure to satisfy all comers.

Would you like more information about our adventure honeymoon packages? Contact us through the Costa Rica Rios website or visit our Facebook page. You may also opt to follow our Costa Rica adventures on Twitter.

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