Tenorio River: Whitewater Rafting & Cascabel Falls Drop

4.90

(152 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the mist clinging to the trees as our van pulled up near Tenorio. Our guide, Mario, handed me a paddle and grinned — “Ready for some real water?” I wasn’t sure if I was. The Tenorio River looked louder than I expected, like it had somewhere important to be. We squeezed into our helmets and vests (mine slightly askew) and set off with a mix of nerves and excitement humming in my chest.

The first rapid hit quick — cold spray in my face, everyone shouting over the rush. It’s hard to describe what it feels like when you’re suddenly part of the river instead of just looking at it. In between the chaos, Mario would point out toucans or monkeys overhead (I only caught glimpses — too busy trying not to fall out). There were calmer patches too, where the forest felt impossibly green and you could smell wet earth mixed with something sweet from the flowers. I think we did about 12 kilometers? Time got weird out there.

Then came Cascabel Falls. Twelve feet doesn’t sound like much until you’re staring down at it from a rubber raft. Someone behind me yelled “Pura vida!” right before we dropped — I probably just swore. For a second everything went quiet except for my heartbeat and then we crashed through, soaking wet and laughing like idiots. The hike back up to the 4x4 was muddy but honestly, I barely noticed. My arms were shaking from paddling but in a good way.

Lunch back at the base in Cañas was this plate called casado — rice, beans, fried plantains, salad, chicken (they had veggie options too). I ate faster than usual because somehow rafting makes you hungrier than hiking ever does. The local crew joked around with us while we changed out of soggy clothes. I still think about that moment sitting in dry shorts with sun on my face — tired in a way that feels earned.