He is a Serie A champion, having won it with Inter in the 2007–2008 season and 2008-2009. Rivas is also a two time winner of the Copa Mustang in Colombia, first with Deportes Tolima in 2003 and for the second time with Deportivo Cali in 2005. He has also played for legendary club River Plate in Argentina.

Rivas was bought from River Plate in July 2007 by Internazionale for around €2 million and signed a contract until the 30 June 2011. He made his debut in a Champions League game Fenerbahçe-Inter (1-0). On September 23, 2007 it was reported in Italy that Rivas had collapsed at the Saturday training session the previous day. He went to further examinations throughout the week after the incident. He has since recovered.

On October 4, 2008 he injured his knee in the Serie A game against Bologna.

He was loaned to A.S. Livorno Calcio during the 2009-2010 season where he played a total of 16 games scoring 2 goals.

1 Júlio César · 2 Córdoba · 4 Zanetti (c) · 5 Stanković · 6 Lúcio · 8 Thiago Motta · 9 Eto'o · 10 Sneijder · 11 Muntari · 12 Castellazzi · 13 Maicon · 17 Mariga · 18 Suazo · 19 Cambiasso · 20 Obi · 21 Orlandoni · 22 Milito · 23 Materazzi · 24 Rivas · 25 Samuel · 26 Chivu · 27 Pandev · 29 Coutinho · 30 Mancini · 39 Santon · 40 Obiorah · 76 Kerlon · 88 Biabiany · Coach: Benítez