La Fortuna Sarapiqui Whitewater Rafting

Are you ready for a whitewater adventure that careens down 40 Class III and IV rapids on a nearly 14-mile-long rafting trip? Satisfying for experienced rafters and suitable for first-timers, the untamed Sarapiqui River awaits.

You arrive at El Roble de Sarapiqui, a hamlet set alongside its namesake river. It's here you'll huddle with an experienced bilingual guide to go over some safety basics and suit up with pro gear: a life jacket and helmet.

Then you shove off, getting a bit of practice with your paddling as you ease through calm waters toward the thrilling whitewater that awaits. As an extra safety precaution, guides in kayaks bring up the rear and keep watch over the outing. Paddling through these tumbling waters is tricky enough, so best to strap on a GoPro if you want video of the trip as camera phones aren't practical. Don't worry if you don't have a GoPro, a professional photographer is along for the ride and a collection of shots of you in action are available for purchase after the run.

Wild Whitewater Comes Up Quickly

A Fruit-Filled Break on the Riverbank

Then you're off again for the second leg of the adventure. While the rapids tend to run higher and faster during the Green Season, from May to November when there's more rain, you can almost always count on the Sarapiqui to offer wild rides.

Speaking of, after you tumble through the last of the whitewater the trip glides to an end. Onshore, a guide greets you with a dry towel and a bag to carry any wet clothing you wish to free yourself of.

Finish with a Fine Meal

Back at home base, you may wish to shower off and slip on a fresh set of clothing in a changing room. Though you may not even take the time as a tempting buffet awaits at an open-air riverside restaurant, loaded with traditional Costa Rican cuisine that's sure to satisfy all. Choose entrees such as grilled chicken breast or go with vegetarian options including grilled vegetables, slow-cooked plantains, candied pumpkin, and sweet potato puree among the farm-fresh items. Top your garden salad with a choice of salsas that spans five intensity levels, from mild passion fruit to fiery pineapple chile salsa.

Enjoy the serene haven a bit, perhaps glide on the idyllic swing by the river to enjoy your last few moments in the tranquil haven. Then it's off for a ride back to your hotel, where you'll probably be torn between watching the scenery slip past and using the free WiFi to get your Dropbox pics to post online.

So if a whitewater challenge is on your must-do list during your trip to Costa Rica (as it should be!), this thrilling river expedition is an excellent choice.