Rent a canoe for a self-guided tour of the Macal River. You’ll begin by paddling upstream from the Chaa Creek Lodge, before you float back to your starting point. The Macal River is an excellent place for canoeing because of the wildlife you can see on the banks of the river—you can expect to spot colorful birds as well as iguanas among the dense vegetation.

During the dry season, from December to May, you will probably experience mostly flat, slow-moving water. From June to November, you may experience some class I rapids. These are especially fun and could be considered one of the upsides of visiting during the rainy season, assuming you’re ready for a peppy ride!

Swimsuit, optional water shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a waterproof camera

Transportation and canoe.