Whitewater rafting is a great way to add some adventure to your vacation, as it's really only as challenging you make it. Rivers with class I-III rapids are perfect for beginners or those seeking a more tranquil experience, while class III-V rapids will satisfy even the most seasoned thrill-seekers.

Exploring Central America by river has its benefits--you'll get amazing views of vegetation and wildlife, cover more ground in less time, and get access to otherwise hard-to-reach attractions such as waterfalls and ancient ruins.

Here's a guide to some of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in Central America:

Pacuare River, Costa Rica

National Geographic named the Pacuare River one of the top five rivers for whitewater rafting in the world! Located in the Caribbean zone of Costa Rica, Pacuare River is perfect for travelers seeking a moderate to challenging experience. The more popular 23-mile "lower" section features class III and IV rapids along a winding stretch of picturesque tropical forest. The ten-mile long "upper" section boasts impressive class IV and V rapids that make for a heart-pounding adventure!

Pacuare Lodge, a beautiful eco-luxury hotel on the banks of the river, earned the highest rating of five leaves from the Costa Rican government's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program.

Find more sustainable hotels that offer rafting expeditions on the Pacuare River.

Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica

Sarapiqui River is calmer than Pacuare, with long sections of class II and III rapids, making it better suited for beginners and families with small children. The tranquil ride is also perfect for wildlife watching, with more than 25 species of tropical birds inhabiting the surrounding forest. Most rafting companies have dry boxes for electronics, so don't forget your camera!

La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn is a Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM and CST Certified lodge offering rafting tours in the area.

Find more sustainable hotels in the area.

Cangrejal River, Honduras

Honduras has a wealth of natural beauty but is less popular than its neighbors, which means lower prices! You can find rafting tours for as cheap as $40 per person. The Cangrejal River, featuring class II-IV rapids, runs from the Cordillera Nombre de Dios mountains down to the Caribbean Sea. The scenery is majestic--picture giant boulders surrounded by tumbling white water, dense rainforest lining the riverbanks, and flocks of birds swooping in and out of the canopy overhead.

Cahabón River, Guatemala

The Cahabón is a class III and IV river that flows through the Alta Verapaz department of eastern Guatemala, a region characterized by lush mountains and a temperate climate. The trip will take you past natural hot springs and the Mayan ruins of Quirigua, a lesser known archeological site that features some of the best remaining examples of Mayan stone carvings. Some guides will stop along the river to make a side trip to the ruins.

Viaventure and Turismo Aventura offer sustainable rafting tours in Guatemala.

Coyolate River, Guatemala

The banks of the Coyolate River are lined by dark volcanic rock interspersed with dense tropical jungle and waterfalls. Its class II and III rapids are on the mellow side, and it is easily accessible from Antigua and Guatemala City, making it perfect for a day trip for the casual rafter.

Viaventure and Turismo Aventura offer sustainable rafting tours in Guatemala.

Chiriquí Viejo River, Panama

The Chiriquí River flows from the towering Baru Volcano, located in the Panamanian highlands near the border of Costa Rica and about 40 minutes from the city of David. It features moderate class III rapids, perfect for the adventurous beginner. The region is known for an amazing variety of birds, including the magnificent quetzal, flame-colored tanager, and blue-crowned motmot.

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