Rios Tropicales

#351 38th Street, San Jose, Costa Rica

011 (506) 2 233-6455

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159 visitor photos

Ranked #3 of 53 activities in San Jose

143 Reviews

Type: Tours

Owner description: Rios Tropicales is an eco-adventure company that operates throughout Costa Rica. We offer adventure activities that take advantage of Costa Rica’s... more » Owner description: Rios Tropicales is an eco-adventure company that operates throughout Costa Rica. We offer adventure activities that take advantage of Costa Rica’s unique variety of environments: whitewater rafting, multisport activities that feature kayaking,canoeing, hiking, and cycling, family adventures, cultural encounters, nature and wildlife tours, and “volun-tourism”. Our mission, to share the rivers, natural resources and culture of Costa Rica while sharing conservation values, has not changed since we began in 1985. Rios Tropicales was established by native Central Americans, El Salvadorian Rafael Gallo and Costa Rican Fernando Esquivel, whose deep connection with the region and culture are apparent in every aspect of the company.

Useful Information: Activities for older children, Lockers / storage, Bathroom facilities

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143 reviews from our community

nicolelewis19

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Senior Reviewer

7 reviews

3 attraction reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

1 helpful vote

“Super Fun, Exciting, Beautiful!!!”

Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

My boyfriend and I did an overnight trip on the Pacuare River which included two days of rafting. The Pacuare River is absolutely gorgeous and it includes level 1 through level 4 rapids. Our guides, Jonny and Albert, were professional, fun and fantastic. Their knowledge of the river and the surrounding land made the trip completely enjoyable. This is an... More

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Dear nicolelewis19, Thanks for your consice review. I will send Johnny and Albert your comments of appreciation. Sincerely, Fernando Esquivel More

snarlysilk

Saskatoon, Canada

Senior Reviewer

6 reviews

Reviews in 5 cities

2 helpful votes

“2 night Pacuare River rafting trip: Amazing experience, BUT disappointing customer service....”

Reviewed 13 June 2013

We loved our experience rafting the Pacuare River for SO many reasons: Prompt pick-up from our San Jose hostel, our AMAZING guide Chino, the beautiful lodge and rainforest surroundings, and the DELICIOUS food. We chose the 3 day/2 night excursion, rafting in on the 1st day and out on the 3rd. On the middle day we had a few options... More

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trudylp

ottawa

1 review

“Rios Tropicales - Above and Beyond Expectations.... Spectacular!”

Reviewed 12 June 2013

I was privileged to be part of Algonquin College's (Ottawa ON CANADA) See Earth 2013 Team. A group of 16 educators taking part in an experiential learning/environmental stewardship journey in the beautiful Costa Rica. RIOS TROPICALES provided us with the most OUTSTANDING service - from the minute we stepped off the plane until the early morning 4am flight home 12... More

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Dear trudylp, Appreciating your time spent writing your review, means that we are doing a good job. I will forward your comments to Verny, Walter, Louis, Henry & the rest of the team. As one of the Albums we named on our facebook pages say "I'd Rather Be Here"! Take care, Fernando Esquivel More

Kosta-Macedonia

Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

Senior Contributor

21 reviews

14 attraction reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

6 helpful votes

“Great adventure”

Reviewed 7 June 2013

I went with Rios Tropicales to Rio Pacuare, and what can I say, I HAD GREAT TIME!!! It's without doubt the best adventure and experience that I have ever have. The people are awesome, very funny, and there is not a second in the river without laugh. I went to class 4 rapids so it was very intense, the leader... More

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See 2 more reviews by Kosta-Macedonia for San Jose

Dear Kosta-Macedonia, Thank you for posting your review about your trip on the Pacuare with us. Your description describes very good excactly what we want for our clients to experience. Take care, Fernando Esquivel More

GV22

Las Vegas

Senior Reviewer

6 reviews

6 attraction reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

5 helpful votes

“The Best Whitewater Rafting Company in Costa Rica!”

Reviewed 16 May 2013

Costa Rica has a lot of great whitewater rapids and there are several companies that you can choose to go with on your whitewater rafting adventure, but if you ask around, everyone will tell you that Rios Tropicales is the best company you can choose in all of Costa Rica, and they would be right. The guides were extremely personable,... More

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See 2 more reviews by GV22 for San Jose

Dear GV22, Much obliged about your comments, it keeps confirming that we are on the right track. I will send it to everyone within Rios Tropicales. Happy trails, Fernando Esquivel More

soriguana

Tampa, Florida

Senior Contributor

21 reviews

Reviews in 14 cities

22 helpful votes

“Professional, Organized, Safe”

Reviewed 13 May 2013

I did an overnight trip on the Pacuare River with 2 days of rafting. The guide picked me up at the hotel exactly on time. There was a stop for a filling breakfast at their operations center where there was also a large clean change room (with showers, sinks, toilets) before heading to the river. Most people took a backpack... More

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Dear soriguana, Appreciating your valued time to write about your experience with us on the Overnight Pacuare trip. Our purpose to create memorable and positive experiences for our clients keeps going strong. I will forward your comments to our staff. Take care, Fernando Esquivel More

Sarah M

Tring

Senior Reviewer

7 reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

2 helpful votes

“White Water Rafting down a beautiful Costa Rican river”

Reviewed 8 May 2013 via mobile

Went on a trip with Rios Tropicales today down the river Saraquipi and it was great fun! Our guide Enzo was skilled & very knowledgeable and the views of the river along the tour were stunning! The tour would have been much better in a few weeks when the water levels are higher but this was the only day we... More

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Dear Sarah M, Thanks for writing your comments about your rafting trip down the Sarapiquí. When we started back in 1985 the Sarapiquí had much less water than these days, I´m glad you could run it and enjoy it's natural surroundings. I will let Enzo know about your comments. Sincerely, Fernando Esquivel More

Rob C

Suttons Bay, Michigan

Reviewer

4 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

1 helpful vote

“Rios Tropicales, Pacuare River, Costa Rica”

Reviewed 20 April 2013

Rios Tropicales is a first-class rafting outfitter: organized, friendly and nothing but first-class guides & support. Highly recommended

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Dear Rob C, thanks for your "to the point" comment. Our FIRST-CLASS clients keep us going "forward hard"! Happy Trails, Fernando Esquivel More

Pete R

Los Suenos, Costa Rica

2 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

1 helpful vote

“Rafting in the Dry Season”

Reviewed 19 April 2013

My big concern with booking a rafting excursion in early April was that the river would be too slow due to the lack of rain; however, it was awesome!! As for Rios Tropicales; these guys are true professionals that know exactly what to do in the rapids. I highly recommend my raft guide Ray.

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Dear Pete R, Thanks for your post. People always ask me when is the best time to go, my answer always is "when you need it". Costa Rica is blessed so we can run most rivers all year, so anytime you come you'll be able to paddle down our fabulous natural corridors. Take care, Fernando Esquivel More

PADiamond

Chicago

Senior Contributor

23 reviews

9 attraction reviews

Reviews in 11 cities

11 helpful votes

“Twilight Safari Float – Peñas Blancas River (near Arenal)”

Reviewed 9 April 2013

We took this tour only because our car trip from San Jose took longer than expected, which caused us to cancel another event. But the idea of a quiet, twilight float trip to view wildlife had instant appeal. Our family of five and another family of four met our guides (Diego and a colleague) at The Lost Iguana and proceeded... More

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Dear PADiamond, Thank you for your detailed description of the Twilight Safari. It's impressive how sometimes the wildlife comes to look at you instead of what we are there for. We are taking note on your comments about the seat belt and also letting Diego know your appreciation of his services. Take care, Fernando Esquivel More