Bigger Rapids.
Wilder Drops.
The Tenorio.
Paddle Class III-IV rapids through a rainforest canyon on the Tenorio River, with a certified guide and raft dedicated entirely to your group.
View pickup areas
Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Conquer the Rapids of the Tenorio River
Challenge yourself on one of Costa Rica's premier white-water rafting adventures. The Tenorio River offers exciting Class III–IV rapids, breathtaking canyon scenery, crystal-clear waters, and an unforgettable journey through one of Guanacaste's most spectacular tropical landscapes.
White-Water Rafting
Paddle through exciting Class III–IV rapids with experienced professional guides, enjoying one of the country's most thrilling rafting experiences.
Rapids & Waterfalls
Navigate exhilarating rapids, rolling waves, and dramatic river drops as the Tenorio River winds through untouched tropical rainforest.
Rainforest Canyon
Drift between towering canyon walls surrounded by lush rainforest, where spectacular scenery accompanies every section of the river.
Professional River Guides
Your certified rafting guides provide expert instruction, high-quality safety equipment, and support throughout the adventure, ensuring an exciting and safe experience.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Safety Briefing & Gear Fitting
Class III-IV Rapids
Snacks on the River
Traditional Lunch
Ride Back to Your Hotel
- Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing underneath. You will be completely soaked.
- Leave valuables, phones and cameras at the resort or secured in the provided dry bag. The Tenorio is not forgiving of loose electronics.
- Apply sunscreen before departure. Helmets and life jackets are provided and inspected before every launch.
- Secure-fitting water shoes or sandals with straps are strongly recommended. Flip-flops will be lost on the river.
- A GoPro with a secure chest mount is the best way to capture the experience. Handheld cameras are not suitable for Class III–IV.
A 25% deposit confirms your booking, and the remaining 75% is due no later than 72 hours before the tour. Bookings made within 72 hours of the tour are paid in full at the time of booking. Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the tour receive the refundable amount paid, less any applicable non-recoverable payment-processing costs when legally permitted. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour are non-refundable, subject to any mandatory consumer rights under Costa Rican law. Read the full Booking & Cancellation Policy.
No-shows are 100% non-refundable, subject to any mandatory consumer rights. Guests are granted a complimentary waiting period of up to 1 hour after the scheduled pickup time; beyond this period, the booking is considered a no-show.
Date changes can be requested more than 72 hours before the tour, subject to availability. Within 72 hours, there is no automatic right to reschedule; any exceptional change is at Wild Papagayo's discretion and subject to availability and supplier conditions.
Guest safety is our priority. Experiences canceled by Wild Papagayo due to unsafe river or weather conditions will be rescheduled whenever possible. If rescheduling cannot be arranged, a full refund will be issued.
River conditions are monitored closely; rafting is a weather- and water-level-dependent activity.
Departures may be adjusted or rerouted for safety if river levels are too high or too low.
If Wild Papagayo cancels due to unsafe river conditions, we'll reschedule whenever possible or issue a full refund.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Extra set of clothes
✓ Towel
✓ Water shoes / sandals
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your raft and certified guide are reserved exclusively for your group, not shared with other travelers.
No prior experience is required. Your guide gives a full safety briefing before launch, though a baseline comfort level in moving water is recommended given the Class III-IV rapids.
The recommended minimum age is 8, and participants should be comfortable being in and around whitewater.
Yes, helmets, life jackets, paddles and a dry bag are all included and inspected before every launch.
A GoPro with a secure chest mount is the best way to capture the rapids. Handheld phones or cameras are not recommended on Class III-IV whitewater; a dry bag is provided for storage between rapids.
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch and river snacks are included.
Pricing varies by pickup location and group size. Reach out on WhatsApp or through the booking form and your Wild Papagayo concierge will confirm an exact quote.
Tenorio River White Water Rafting Class III–IV
Private Class III–IV white water rafting on the Tenorio River, racing rapids, plunging over falls and lush tropical wildlife. Snacks and lunch included. Certified bilingual guide exclusively for your group.
Private Guide Only
Your certified private guide, exclusively dedicated to your group, for guests arriving in their own vehicle. Guide pickup included on the way to the destination. Excludes rafting equipment, river operator fee and lunch.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ Full Class III–IV Tenorio River rafting experience
✓ Snacks on the river
✓ Traditional Costa Rican lunch
✓ All safety gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle, dry bag)
⚡ River flow and rapid intensity are strongest during the May to November rainy season, though the Tenorio runs rafting trips year-round.
Best fit: You specifically want Class III-IV whitewater rafting with rapids and a waterfall drop on the Tenorio River.
Consider instead: Floating Tenorio if you would prefer a calmer wildlife-watching float on the same river instead of whitewater rapids.
