"If you’re eager to see Costa Rica’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point, look to the rivers. Costa Rica’s mountains feature some truly excellent whitewater experiences, immersing you deep in the jungle without the sound of motor encroaching on your experience. Skilled guides can take you to Eden-like swimming holes and waterfalls you can jump from. There are a lot of operators to choose from, but we like the Costa Rican owned and operated Tico's River Adventures, which takes you down the absolutely resplendent Pacuare River (which National Geographic has called “one of the world’s top rafting rivers”) on a one-day, or two-day trip for equal amounts of thrills and scenery."