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Getting ready to break camp
CANOEING
When we try to interest people in our canoe trips, they picture in their minds a canoe on a big lake in Maine or Canada. Canoeing here in Costa Rica is completely different.
Why Canoeing? Canoeing is an excellent means of travel in the wet jungle lowlands of the Caribbean plains. Hiking or backpacking over the same distances would take weeks not even to mention the exertion involved. Instead, when traveling by canoe we leisurely paddle downstream with new vistas and up close wildlife encounters at nearly every bend in the river. The difference between backpacking and canoe camping is even more marked. When backpacking every ounce of gear or food must be packed with weight savings in mind. Canoe camping is different. Weight is not a concern and we can set luxurious camps and cook gourmet meals with drinks on ice! Why canoe with RainForest World? The answer is threefold. Phil has been canoeing since he was 8 years old which was, well, a long time ago. It is in his blood and he is a true expert. Second, RainForest World explored the rivers and we know them like the backs of our hand. We have first runs on the Upper Parismina, the Rio Jimenez, Rio Indio, and the incredible Rio Sierpe. Finally, nobody else even does it. This is something that we figured out on our own. Once it becomes popular the copycat outfitters will step in like they did on our different whitewater rafting trips and try to mimic what we do, again. But we will always be the original.
What follows are descriptions of 4 different and EXCELLENT canoe trips. They each have in common a terminus at the barrier island of Parismina on the Caribbean, except for the Rio Parismina 1 day trip. At the end of each of these trips, we offer the OVERNIGHT IN PARISMINA OPTION. For one added cost you receive dinner, a cabina at Cabinas Iquana Verde with A/C, breakfast and of course transportation back to Siquirres, Turrialba, or San Jose In our continuing dedication to the Marine Turtle Conservation Project we will pay the fee for each participant to attend a guided nighttime tour with a certified turtle guide to see turtles laying their eggs on the beach. Turtle season begins in March and ends in September. More information on Parismina, the turtle project and our guide Rick can be found on our beaches and mountains page.
Swimming in the Revenatzon below Suerre
Water buffalo on the Reventazon
Whiteface monkey jumping tree to tree on a Revenatzon canoe trip
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The Lower Reventazon - From Siquirres to Barra Parismina or Carmen to Barra Parismina
The difference between the 2 starting points is WHITEWATER! The first 4 miles of the Siquirres section is honest to god big water Class 2 rapids which is quite exciting in a canoe loaded with camping gear!
Whichever starting point we choose, the Reventazon is a big river here and the scenery alternates between lush banana plantations and jungle. Monkey sightings are common. We camp at Angel's Camp and spend the evening with a big Happy Hour and then a great meal. The main feature of the next morning is paddling past the big crocs on the sand spit islands 2 K upstream of the junction with Rio Parismina. Halfway through the oxbows we'll stop to swim and have a hearty lunch. We paddle right past the marina at Cano Blanco so we'll pull in for a little break and a cold drink. Now it is just another half hour to Parismina and Rick's cabins. Happy hour includes fresh guacamole and dinner is Rick's pizza. You can then rest until 10 and then it is out to the beach for the turtle tour with a certified guide. (March through September). The next morning can be spent relaxing on the beach or exploring the colorful village of Parismina. We exit by motor launch back up to Cano Blanco and then out by van to Siquirres. For those traveling onward we can arrange your transportation to San Jose, Arenal, the Caribbean beaches or Turrialba. On this trip you can expect sightings of Monkeys, Crocs, and Aquatic Birds.
PRICE: $220/PERSON
WITH PARISMINA OVERNIGHT $260/PERSON
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Whiteface monkee up close
Exploring in the darkness
The lower-lower Pacuare from Freeman to the Coast and onward to Parismina
This trip begins in a remote, banana producing area called Freeman. Note that we start this trip by leaving Turrialba at noon with the goal of getting on the water about 3 in the afternoon. Why? This is to take advantage of the considerable activity of the monkeys and other wildlife in the afternoon to dusk hours. We will end up right where the Pacuare empties into the Caribbean and camp out right on the beach. Most trips the camping has been almost bug free due to the steady breeze coming off the sea. Being so far from the lights of all towns usually results in exceptionally clear star-lit nights. May to the end of September we can expect to see turtles nesting. Though of course we will respect the rules of nighttime sea turtle watching, we are in a totally remote area with no certified turtle guides. Hearty dinner, and breakfast are prepared by your guides and alcohol is provided.
The next day we spend canoeing the canal north to the Reventazon and then on down to Parismina. We will stay at Rick's cabins and have the afternoon to relax on the beach or explore the village. You can make another turtle tour, this time with a certified guide.
Mid morning the next day finds us towing the canoes by motor launch upstream to Cano Blanco and out to Siquirres.
ON THIS TRIP WE WILL SEE: MONKEYS, CAYMANS, CROCODILES AND THOUSANDS OF BIRDS
PRICE: $240/PERSON
WITH PARISMINA OVERNIGHT $280/PERSON
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Crossing Rio Guacimo on a converted railroad bridge
1 Day trip on the Upper Rio Parismina
This river section we had overlooked for years and then when we finally did it, we were pleasantly surprised (amazed) at what it had to offer. The water was clear and cool, monkeys abounded, and the size and height of the trees in the rainforest was astounding. The number of giant trees per kilometer of river is unrivaled anywhere else we've run rivers in Costa Rica. We canoe 18 scenic kilometers through this fairyland and pull out at the road end at Silencio. A hearty lunch is served on a midstream island.
PRICE: $120/PERSON
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The Rio Sierpe in many places is like canoeing through an exotic garden
One of the many forest "rooms" on Rio Sierpe
The Rio Sierpe
This is the trip that we refer to as Canoeing through Jurassic Park. Completing this run ranks as one of the top adventure tours anywhere in Costa Rica. It is long, physical, demanding, challenging and incredbly rewarding. The Sierpe begins with the only river canyon in northeast Costa Rica where it sliced right through the eroded rim of a long extinct volcano. This remaining section of rim is referred to as the Lomas de Sierpe; the hills of the serpent. The right side of this tiny river is sprinkled with extremely remote farms whereas the left side is all Tortuguero National Park. We will see 3 species of monkeys, sloths, river turtles, caymans, crocs, various other mammal species, and lots of rare bird species. We camp for two nights and paddle 3 days. At times the river is only a dozen feet wide, but the current always draws us downstream. WE WILL HAVE TO FIGHT OUR WAY THROUGH COUNTLESS LOGJAMS, FALLEN TREES AND THICK JUNGLE HANGING RIGHT OVER THE WATER. The RainForest is majestic beyond words through here. This trip should be regarded as a true expedition by any prospective participant. When we finally make it out the downstram end, Rick meets us with his launch and tows us out of the park to Parismina. A hot shower, a soft bed and an air conditioned room will never have felt so good!
PRICE: $440/PERSON
WITH PARISMINA OVERNIGHT $480/PERSON
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A young croc sunning on Rio Reventazon
Beautiful sand bar on the Pacuare coastal run
A tree sloth hanging out on Rio Parismina
A bassillisk lizard on the Pacuare canal
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All
trips include shuttle transportation to
and from the river,
lifejackets, helmets, pre-launch orientation
and safety instruction as well as safety
kayak support, expert guides and lunch.
Recommended gear to bring: TEVA™ style
water sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses and
retaining straps for glasses, bathing suit
and/or shorts of a quick drying nature,
waterproof camera and a change of clothes
for after the trip. Remember we are going
to get wet!
Trips
can originate from San Jose, Turrialba or
Siquirres, call for details.
Please
complete our custom
itineraries page for a tentative activities
and price quote. It's quick and easy!
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