This was the first time I've been white water rafting, so I cannot compare it to past experiences, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all!

We drove to the Aventuras Panama office, and were met by Javier and Luis, and headed out to collect the rest of the rafters at their hotels, as well as our guide- Fabian- along the way. Once we turned off the main road, the dirt road required four wheel drive to get us to the starting point. The guides briefed everyone on safety and procedures, and prepared all the equipment- and we were off!

The water level is fairly high, as it is rainy season now, and the rapids were categorized as Class 3-4. We had to hike around two rapids that were too extreme! Our guide was very competent and capable, and pointed animals and birds out to us as we went along, which made the trip all the more interesting.

Overall, the ride included everything- there were moments of pure adrenalin through the white waters- with the guide shouting orders, and the rest of us trying to keep up ( I fell out of the raft once! ), … followed by calm water where we just glided down river effortlessly, occasionally jumping in to swim! Lunch was excellent, and there was food to spare! We were fortunate enough to share our lunch spot with a sloth! The entire experience was positive- I recommend it highly!!! ( beats the hell out of sitting in traffic in Panama City all day! )
Highly recommended for a day trip excursion from Panama City!

Visited September 2013

Greg Phillips for GAPA Travel