Warm and tropical greetings from the Desafio team in Costa Rica! Loosely translated, Desafio means challenge or quest. Mix that challenge or quest with some amazing natural beauty, lot's of fun and laughter, top it off with pure satisfaction, self-fulfillment and that's what we're all about here. Whether you like your challenge sizzling hot or more on the mild side of wild, you will have the time of your lives here in beautiful Costa Rica.

Desafio Rivers and Mountains is a small company that began almost five years ago by offering the first available white water rafting in Costa Rica's northern zone. We were the first company to run the Peñas Blancas and the Toro rivers, both of which are now known as some of the most spectacular rivers in the country. Since then many companies have followed in our footsteps but the reason Desafio is the fastest growing outfit in Costa Rica is, and always has been, for our unique service and superior safety standards.

We have two offices; one in Sta. Elena/Monteverde and another in La Fortuna de San Carlos. Both are full-service travel information centers with maps, books, e-mail and fax services. And both are staffed with eager and knowlegable people that would love to help you in any way with your travel needs.

Desafio offers the least expensive and most exotic whitewater rafting in Costa Rica on "the gem of all Costa Rica's rivers", the Rio Peñas Blancas. Rafting on the Peñas Blancas is a truly exceptional rafting journey. Not only is it the cleanest and most pristine river you can raft on in the country but we use special, state of the art Puma rafts which are smaller and maximize the fun factor. Plus, the river is only an half an hour away so you see more action and less time in the bus! We also raft the Rio Sarapiqui. This tour combines adventure, wildlife and traveling to San José or the Caribbean coast as your next destination, all inclusive.

Did someone say challenge? We challenge you to one of the hottest full day rafting trips in the country; the Rio Toro. Three and one half hours of non-stop class 4 white water through some very dramatic tropical scenery. The Toro is a deep canyon run, surrounded by old growth, mostly pimary rainforest on both sides for the whole length of the trip. Natural hot springs, monkeys, hosts of birds and other animals are all seen along the banks of the mighty Toro! As always, we will stop part way for Desafio fruit fiesta and a great hot lunch of typical costa rican cuisine is served afterwards. Also available are changing rooms and showers. *Rafters are expected to be in physical condition...Necessary experience will depend on the water level of the river.

On our horseback tour to or from Monteverde you avoid some of the worst pothole roads in the country and get to see some of the most stunning scenery in the world near the reserves of the Children's Rainforest and Monteverde Cloud Forest! This is a remarkable adventure and you maximize your valuable travel time. In the mountains you feel free and experience the real Costa Rica.

The Northern Zone and the La Fortuna area has so much to offer the traveler. You can experience many kinds of activities through Desafio from cave exploring, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, canopy tours, horseback riding, hiking and hot springs and so much more!

Just 25 minutes from La Fortuna, the river Peñas Blancas class III section, offers 1 hour of continuous class III rapids. This river is clean and free flowing, coming from the protected areas of Monteverde and Children's Rainforest. Great for 1st. timers as well as experienced rafters. We exclusively use special 4 -person Puma rafts that maximizes the fun factor. A fruit fiesta Desafio style is also offered. All transportation and equipment is included.

The most exotic rafting trip in Costa Rica is to be found in the class 4 canyon of the Peñas Blancas River. Coming from the private reserves of the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Children's Rain Forest, this river is the cleanest and most pristine you can float in Costa Rica! The adventure begins with a "class 4", four wheel drive passage up canyon in our Land Rover Defender. After crossing over the swinging hammock bridge which is the entrance to the Children's Rain Forest, you arrive to the river. On the river you will pass through a steep gorge canyon of lush tropical rain forest, water falls, and prairies. But let's not forget about the rapids. The Peñas Blancas river is an exceptional run for white water rafters. Steep, narrow drops, non-stop action for two and a half hours, small 2 - 4 person puma rafts, outstanding scenery all add up to a truly unique rafting experience. Transportation to and from La Fortuna, water and fruit buffet on river are all included. *Although no rafting experience is necessary, paddlers are expected to be in physical condition.

Rio Sarapiqui boasts moderate rapids and beautiful scenery. During the 3 hour trip on the Sarapiqui Valley which is renowned for it's wildlife and bird viewing, you are likely to see many species of tropical birds , animals and fauna along the river. All transportation form La Fortuna to San José, equipment, restaurant casado lunch and fruit snacks are included.

The class 4 section is only run on high water from May to Dec. The upper section contains a deep gorge. This 4 hours section has non-stop rapids and steep drops. Rafters must be in good physical condition. All transportation, equipment, restaurant casado lunch and fruit snacks are included.

Probably the most unexpected trip you will find in Costa Rica. Travel by horseback on the old trade route used by locals for decades between Monteverde and La Fortuna / Lake Arenal. Cross rivers, open pastures and incredible mountain jungle trails as you climb over 1000 meters on this 3 hour horse ride, with remarkable vistas below of Volcano and Lake Arenal.We provide fruit breaks along the way and all necessary transportation. This is the fastest, most scenic and most exciting way to go to Monteverde from La Fortuna or from Monteverde to Arenal Volcano.

We have over fifty of the happiest and healthiest horses. Also included are qualified full-time guides, first class equipment and transportation. If you have a rental car, we also provide professional chofers to shuttle your car around so you can still ride! Don't let this once in a life time ride gallop by!

 

Desafio Rivers & Mountains
La Fortuna & Santa Elena
Costa Rica
Tel/Fax: (506) 479-9464