Rio Toro Protected Zone
The Rio Toro Protected Zone is in the province of Alajuela and was established in 1994. The zone protects 10,500 acres with the main purpose being to protect the river basin for the Toro Hydroelectric project. It is located about 40 miles north of San Jose.
Whitewater Rafting
The Rio Toro itself is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Costa Rica. The river has a continuous stretch of class III, IV, and a couple class V rapids. Rafting outfitters are available out of La Fortuna, but should be reserved in advance for the best operators. The average temperature here is 75 degrees F with 75 percent humidity — a spring like climate that most people find comfortable. The park has no public facilities.
Weather and Packing List
The Northern Zone is an area of fairly unpredicatble weather where one can wake to sunny skies, weather torential down pours by 10am and then have sunny skies again by noon. Temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through June and September through November. The heaviest rains are generally during September and October.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Fun Fact: The land surrounding waterways in Costa Rica is considered public property. This has allowed for biological corridors to be easily created, such as the Rio Toro Protected Zone.
