Costa Rica Hotels Wildlife


Pacuare 
Degree of Difficulty: III-IV
Gradient: 87 feet/mile (16.4 m/km)
Length: 7.2 miles (11.6 km)
Put-in Elevation: 2525 feet (770 m)
Take-out Elevation: 1900 feet (580 m)
Drainage Area: 142 square miles (367 km2) at take-out
Average Discharge: 1200 cfs (34 cms)
Season: All year: inaccessible during wet weather

Reventazon
Degree of Difficulty: Class III, IV
Gradient: 52 feet per mile, 1.2 @ 110 feet/mi (10 m/km; 2@21)
Length: 12.6 miles (20 km)
Put-in Elevation: 2427 feet (730 m)
Take-out Elevation: 1770 feet (540 m)
Drainage Area: 339 square miles (857 km2) at put-in 520
                       520 square miles (1337 km2) at take-out
Average Discharge: 1800 cfs (51 cms) at put-in
                             3700 cfs (104 cms) at take-out
Season: All year

International Classifications For Rivers

Class I Moving water a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
Class II Easy rapids with waves up to three feet, and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required.
Class III Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.
Class IV Long, difficult rapids, with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should be able to Eskimo roll.
Class V Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in event of a mishap. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.
Class VI Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.