El Chorro Rafting (Class IV)
The big one: technical Class IV drops through a narrow dry-season gorge on the upper Naranjo, for fit and adventurous rafters.
* Rack rates before Costa Rica's 13% VAT. Includes hotel pickup & certified bilingual guide. Book now, pay later.
The experience
El Chorro is the most demanding rafting trip we run, a Class IV descent on the upper section of the Naranjo River, about 45 minutes from the Manuel Antonio hotels. The name means "jet gorge," and that is exactly what it is: the rapids funnel through a very narrow canyon, which is what makes it so intense.
It runs as a dry-season Class IV that can push to Class V, and it frequently becomes unnavigable in the rainy months. You do not need prior rafting experience, but you do need to be in good physical shape and ready for serious whitewater.
After detailed safety instructions and practice time at the put-in, you drop into the gorge. Between the big drops and steep rapids, your guide calls the strokes and works the raft through the boulders and bends. When the water lets up, it is worth looking around: the forest along this stretch borders the national park.
This is a strenuous, rewarding run, not a scenic float. If you want serious whitewater but have never rafted, start with the Naranjo River Class III run instead, then work up to this. After the river you refuel with snacks and a lunch before the drive back.
Highlights
- A technical Class IV run that can reach Class V in the right conditions
- The narrow "jet gorge" the river is named for
- Steep drops, tight bends, and boulder gardens, all guided
- Forest that borders Manuel Antonio National Park between the rapids
- A skilled river guide steering each raft through the line
- A hearty lunch after you have earned it
What's included
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
- Certified bilingual river guide
- All safety equipment: helmet, life jacket, and paddle
- Lunch
What to bring
- Swimsuit worn under quick-dry clothes
- Sunglasses with a retainer cord
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- A dry change of clothes
- A beach towel
A typical day
- 8:30 AM or 12:00 PM hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
- About a 45-minute drive to the upper Naranjo put-in
- Detailed safety briefing and practice time
- The Class IV descent through the gorge
- Snacks and lunch after the run
- Return drive to your hotel
Departures & pickup
- From Manuel Antonio / Quepos: 8:30 AM or 12:00 PM pickup, about 4 hours round trip, from $115 per person.
- From Jacó / Herradura: about a 1-hour drive each way, from $145 per person.
- This trip runs in the dry season, roughly January to April, when the river is navigable.
- Minimum age is 16, and all rafters must be in good physical condition.
Frequently asked questions
El Chorro is a Class IV that can build to Class V. It is for guests who are fit and ready for intense whitewater.
Sixteen years old, and everyone must be in good physical condition. This is not a beginner trip.
It is not required, but you must be physically fit and comfortable in fast water. If you have never rafted, start with the Naranjo River Class III run.
Guides assess conditions before every run. If the river is too high or too low, we reschedule or offer an alternative. Safety is non-negotiable.
Quick-dry clothing and closed shoes or strapped water sandals. Helmets and life jackets are provided.
Roughly January to April. Outside that window the upper Naranjo is usually too high to run safely.
Ready to book El Chorro Rafting (Class IV)?
Free hotel pickup, certified bilingual guides, book now and pay later.
Prefer just your group? Take this tour private →
