Rafting from Fortuna open after the earthquake.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the northern zone of Costa Rica near the remote area near Alajuela, where the quake hit strongest.The greatest damage was in Vara Blanca, San Pedro de Poás, Cinchona, and San Miguel de Sarapiquí. THe area is very remote where the quake hit strongest and is difficult to reach
Most rescue efforts had to rely on helicopters for medical evacuations and to airlift supplies. THe area heaviest hit was devestaed by massive landslides causing extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of human life. Damages are estimated at more than $100 million. WAVE expeditions made several trips to the area heaviest hit to deliver emergency supplies to the victoms of the earthquake. Our deepest condolences to the families who were hit hardest by this natural event.
We have received many inquiries regarding the status of the rafting options due to the closure of the Sarapiqui river. Fortunetly WAVE Expeditions still has our two most popular options for rafting open and running normally, the class 3 and 4 Toro river and the class 2 and 3 half day option on the Balsa river. These rivers were not affected by the earthquake and continue to run daily. Check out our rafting page for options for action packed adventure on some of Costa Ricas best whitewater.
Rossilynn Valverde, Executive Director of the Tourism Chamber of Sarapiqui was quick to send a reassuring message to incoming tourists:
“The lower area of the Canton of Sarapiqui, where most of our affiliates operate, did not suffer infrastructure damages, nor were the roads affected to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano area), and San Jose, by Route 32, via the Braulio Carrillo National Park,” she said.
Most companies that run the Sarapiqui river have moved their operations to an alternative river near the Sarapiqui.
