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.
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
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
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.
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
