Day Trips · Full Day · Class III & IV
Whitewater Rafting from Playas del Coco: Tenorio River Adventure
Eight miles of world-class Class III and IV rapids deep in Guanacaste's volcanic mountains, finishing with a 12-foot drop at Cascabel Falls.
About This Trip
Costa Rica's Best Whitewater, a Day Trip from Coco
Strap on your helmet for the most thrilling day trip from Playas del Coco. Our Tenorio River whitewater rafting tour takes you through 8 miles of Class III and IV rapids deep in the volcanic mountains of Guanacaste, finishing with a heart-stopping 12-foot drop at the legendary Cascabel Falls.
Costa Rica has some of the best whitewater rafting in the world, and the Tenorio River is one of its best rides: towering canyon walls, lush jungle riverbanks, howler monkeys overhead and non-stop rapids. Hotel pickup from Playas del Coco and the surrounding area is included.
On the River
What You'll Experience
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8 Miles of Class III and IV Rapids
Navigate more than 22 rapids through a volcanic canyon on one of the only Class III and IV rivers in Guanacaste. Twists, drops and surging whitewater keep your heart pounding for the full 2.5-hour run.
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The Cascabel Falls Drop
Finish with the optional 12-foot plunge over Cascabel Falls, sending your raft airborne before it crashes into the pool below. The most iconic moment on the Tenorio River.
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Wildlife and Jungle Scenery
The Tenorio canyon is alive with howler monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas and tropical birds, and your bilingual guide shares the natural history of the region along the way.
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Authentic Costa Rican Lunch
After the river, refuel with a traditional casado (rice, beans, fresh vegetables and your choice of protein) at the riverside lodge before the scenic drive back to Coco Beach.
Trip Information
- Duration
- Full day, with 2.5 hours on the river
- Pickup
- About 7:00 AM pickup, back by 4:00 PM
- Minimum age
- 12 years
- Difficulty
- Class III and IV rapids
Requirements
Guests should be in good physical condition. Not recommended for anyone with heart conditions, back or joint problems, recent surgery, or pregnancy. Four guests per raft, plus a guide.
Round-trip hotel pickup included from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, RIU Guanacaste, RIU Palace and Gulf of Papagayo resorts.
Prices
- Per person $140
Prices in US dollars. Private group rates available on request.
Trip Highlights
- 8 miles of Class III and IV rapids on the Tenorio River
- Optional 12-foot Cascabel Falls drop
- Expert certified bilingual river guides
- Monkeys, toucans and tropical birds
- Authentic Costa Rican lunch included
- Hotel pickup from Playas del Coco and the surrounding area
What's Included
- Round-trip hotel transportation from Playas del Coco and the surrounding area
- Certified bilingual river guide
- Helmet, life jacket and paddle
- Safety briefing and practice session
- 2.5 hours on the Tenorio River
- Optional Cascabel Falls drop
- Authentic Costa Rican lunch and refreshments
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Change of dry clothes
- Secure closed-toe water shoes (no flip-flops)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Towel
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us online, by phone or on WhatsApp and we'll reserve your spot. Transportation is available from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, RIU Guanacaste, RIU Palace Costa Rica and resorts throughout the Gulf of Papagayo.
The minimum age is 12, although requirements may vary with river conditions and water levels. Guides provide helmets, life jackets and a full safety briefing, so it's a great fit for active families with older children and teens. If you're traveling with younger children, contact us and we'll help you decide.
The Tenorio has Class III and IV rapids, which suits adventurous beginners as well as experienced rafters. Your guide provides the safety equipment, paddling instruction and support throughout the trip.
Cascabel Falls is a 12-foot drop near the end of the run, and the most talked-about moment of whitewater rafting in Guanacaste. It's optional.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, secure footwear that can get wet, sunscreen and a waterproof camera if you have one. It's best to leave valuables and electronics at your hotel unless they're waterproof.
The river runs through rainforest where guests often spot monkeys, iguanas, toucans, scarlet macaws, butterflies and other tropical birds.
Absolutely. It's one of the best adventure day trips from Playas del Coco, combining Class III and IV rapids, rainforest scenery, wildlife and non-stop whitewater action.
Plan Your Day
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Book Your Whitewater Rafting Trip
The Tenorio River is waiting: Class III and IV rapids, a 12-foot waterfall drop, jungle wildlife and a traditional Costa Rican lunch, the best full-day adventure from Coco Beach. Hotel pickup included.
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