A red-eyed frog wonders what all the noise is about on the edge of the Sarapiqui River, a white-water rafting hot spot

Pronounced ¨la beer hen¨, this northern lowlands town sandwiched between a screeching highway and the jungle-strewn banks of the Sarapiqui River, is a must-stop if you´re a kayaker or white-water rafter.

While the rapids around La Virgen are nowhere near as notorious as the mighty Rio Pacuare near Turrialba, there´s still plenty of year-round excitement to be had. Pregnant women and children older than three can safely take a float on the Penas Blancas or Puerto Viejo rivers, or - depending on the season - gentler areas of the Sarapiqui.

Meanwhile, seasoned adrenal junkies will get a rush out of the Class IV-V Upper Sarapiqui, which offers 11 kilometres of death-defying rapids and the chance to spot crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys in between bursts. For the best rafting conditions, show up in the rainy season between June and December.

Water sport outfitters around La Virgen can also organise canoeing or inner tubing adventures.

If you´re no good with a paddle, La Virgen´s other notable attraction is the Tirimbina Rainforest Centre where $15 buys you entry into a dark, dripping, hopping, howling, slithering 600-hectare rainforest reserve patrolled by jaguars and baird tapir. Giant suspension bridges cross the Sarapiqui River, with a spiral staircase leading down to a steaming tropical island in the middle of the river where trails lead to a secluded swimming hole. Deadly ferdelance snakes roam the reserve. If you feel a little on edge venturing in to the jungle by yourself, you can always hook up with one of Tirimbina´s guided birding, bat-ing and chocolate tours.