Canoeing And Kayaking :Riding The Rapids!

Picture the scene: beautiful mountain landscape with endless rivers winding down into the valley, the wind in your hair paddling downstream and then the drop! Adrenaline junkies will absolutely love canoeing and kayaking due to the sheer 'rush' you can have on the way down river. Packed with excitement and exhilaration. I guarantee you will lose your breath (if not your lunch) before reaching safety at the end!

Canoeing and kayaking seriously adds worth to your time in Central America. Most countries have rivers dedicated to this sport but the nature of it is up to you. For the more faint-hearted there are gentle rapids, but for the hardcore adventure-lovers, there is something for them as well. Negotiate the rapids, challenge the waterfalls and compete with yourself to stay in control. This is truly man vs. nature at its best!

The Pacuare River in Costa Rica has class 3 to 4 rapids and some amazing drops that will definitely have your adrenaline pumping through your body. Paddle around gorges in class 3 waters before heading down the valley in class 4 waters. Deep gorges, plentiful rapids and swirling waterfall pools ready to upend you at any given moment. Test your willpower to stay in the kayak and in control!

The Mopan River in Belize is another great setting for kayaking and canoeing. Not only is the ride a challenge but it also provides a mind-blowing experience through diverse areas of nature. Kingfishers, orchids, iguanas, parrots and herons are all plentiful, which is a treat for the novice and the rapids will the 'die-hards' awestruck as well. Depending on the season, the rapids are class 2, 3 or 4, going from calmly fairly sedate to absolutely untamed in a matter of months!

Belize also holds canoe races every March. The older, more sedate competition takes place over 4 days and traverses the country through Maya, San Ignacio and Belize City. This is open to all skill levels and is perfect for the competitive beginner. However, the Belize Extreme Canoe Adventure Race is for the true swashbuckler wanting to pit his or her wits against other likeminded people. From San Ignacio to Belize City, is 180 miles of non-stop test to your aptitude and not for the faint-hearted!

Central America is positively alive with canoeing and kayaking possibilities all waiting to be tried out by the intrepid explorer. Regardless of your skill level, canoeing is one of the must-do activities in this area as it is home to some of the best rapids in the world. Relax and let the water tempt you!