From the wild white water found in the Province of Chiriqui highlands due to its mountainous topography and abundance of rainfall to the pristine jungle river run found at Chagres National Park in the Province of Colon, Panama has world class river runs for paddler enthusiast of all skills.

CHIRIQUI VIEJO RIVER RAFTING - Class III-V
World class white water, by the Costa Rica border with Chiriqui, Panama. The upper section is characterized by rapids Class III+ - V and rapids are continuous. Previous experience in rafting is strongly recommended. Impressive waterfalls make this run one of the best in Central America. Not available on peak of rainy season.

The lower section has Class III+ rapids and it is fun for everyone. Available year around

THE CHAGRES CHALLENGE - Class II & III+
More than rafting, it is a full day jungle adventure through Chagres National Park where extreme 4x4, hiking, rafting and piragua motor boat are required to accomplish the tour. It departs at 5:00 am from Panama City and back around 7:00 p.m. If times allows it includes a visit to local Embera Indian Village. A chopper lift option is also available. Available all year but hiking section will extend on the dry season.

MAMONI RIVER RAFTING - Class III & IV+
The closest river run from Panama City, about one hour drive toward the east, nearby Chepo. It allows plenty of time to master rapids before charging the more intense rapids of the Mamoni Canyon. Available all year except on the dry season peak.

RIO GRANDE RIVER RAFTING - Class II & III+
Close to Penonome in the Province of Cocle. The lower section is characterized with alternating pools and rapids Class II-III ideal for begginers. The upper section, Class III+, has plenty of canyons where tight channels and drops have to be negotiated with small raft and kayaks. The dry pacific enviroment, together with the rocky terrain provides a breathtaking landscape. Available all year except on the dry season peak.

BOQUERON RIVER RAFTING - Class II+
The closest river run from Panama City, one hour drive toward the north. A big pool of moving water surronded with lush of green jungle of Chagres National Park. Available only during the rainy season.

The runs listed above are provided by Aventuras Panama white water river outffiter, established since 1994, and the only national rafting outfitter offering Chiriqui, Colon, Panama and Cocle. The company provides meals, gear, guides and transportation in and out from the closer town to chosen river run.
For more information, e-mail Aventuras Panama at info@aventuraspanama.com

Some other runs:

CHIRIQUI RIVER Bajo Mendez Section - Class III & III+
Considered to be the forgiving river to its counterpart, the Palon, this section involves big water with plenty of room for maneuvering. Long wave trains and wild scenery make this river a perfect starting point for the first-time rafter. 3.5 Hours

Barrigona Section - Class III
Perfect for beginners and families, this section offers a glimpse of what whitewater can look and feel like. The Barrigona features a few exciting class III rapids while the rest of the stretch is filled with continuously moving water that will keep you on your toes. A shorter trip, the Barrigona gives the rafter 2.5 hours of milder rafting and vistas of Chiriqui's pretty stretches of plains and gentle rolling hills. 2.5 Hour;

CHIRIQUI VIEJO RIVER Palon Section - Class IV
Perhaps some of the most beautiful and classic rapids in all of Central America, this section is only run during the low water months of December through April. Intrepid first-timers and seasoned rafters will undoubtedly hail this river as a world class run with it's non stop rapids, technical maneuvers, deep canyon gorges and it's spectacular tropical jungle scenery. 4 Hours

Sabo Section - Class II
Lush and verdant forest borders along this lower section of the Chiriqui Viejo River. Big rapids dominate the first half of the Sabo section while the second half levels out to allow participants a chance to enjoy the surrounding wildlife and scenery. Feast your eyesCormorants, Kingfishers and Iguanas abound! 2.5 Hours