White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River

Customer Reviews

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Prices

Starting at $112 (USD) / person

Costa Rica’s natural beauty and tropical climate provide the perfect conditions for world-class rafting. Flowing from the volcanic Talamanca mountain range toward the Caribbean Sea, the wild Pacuare River winds through tropical rainforests within a deep gorge. Flanked by the jungles towering trees, powerful cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, it offers a range of Class II through Class IV rapids.

Overview

White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River

Rated among the five best rafting rivers in the world, the Pacuare is home to sloths, monkeys, jaguars, reptiles and butterflies. This tropical river is easily accessible from several points, but the primordial rainforests that surround it remain largely untouched. Once you put-in, you’ll find yourself in remote, pristine jungle areas.

Depending on rainfall, the rapids and river speed can fluctuate significantly. During the dry season, the water moves more slowly, and it may be shallower. Under these conditions, the ride may be slower but more technical. Rainfall causes the river to swell, the water runs faster, some of the rapids become much bigger, and the chutes may be steeper.

Tour Highlights

Going through a rapid on the Pacuare River

Breakfast & Lunch Included
Transportation Included from most San Jose hotels
Bilingual Guide
Minimum age of 12 years old
Beautiful Costa Rica scenery
One of the five best rafting rivers in the world
Wildlife viewing tour

Prices

Starting at $112 (USD) / person

Check Availability

Bilingual Guides

Child Friendly Tours

Detailed Description

High-fiving with paddles on the Pacuare River

Recognized as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the 108-kilometer long Río Pacuare attracts scenery-driven rafters, from beginners to professional paddlers who aren’t afraid to get wet. This excursion is not for the faint of heart, and some rafting experience is recommended. It’s time to test your skills and embrace your inner daredevil.

Battle Class III and IV rapids through dense rainforests filled with exotic wildlife and exotic flowers. Carving through the untamed landscape, it provides the perfect setting for the adrenaline-packed adventure of navigating the rapids and relaxing through eddies. San José is the jumping off point for these top-tier white water rafting trips.

The knowledgeable guides are also expert rafters. They can act as paddle captain and provide descriptions and information at key points throughout the route. The journey covers as much as 20 miles and there is still time for short breaks and lunch.

After the hotel pickup and before the drive to Tres Equis, the tour stops for a traditional Tico breakfast. Upon arrival at the Río Pacuare, you’ll meet your guides and receive paddling tips and safety instructions. After the trek down the river and before heading back to San José, the group will stop to freshen up with a shower and enjoy a customary Costa Rican lunch.

Tour Inclusions

Breakfast
Lunch
Bilingual guide
Round trip transportation
Equipment

Gratuities and photo CD’s or souvenirs are not included.

Braulio Carrillo National Park
After spending the three to four hours managing boils and getting through breaking waves, it’s time to slow down and experience the rugged high mountains and breathtaking cloud forests in Braulio Carrillo National Park. Home to the Brava Volcano, it also shelters hundreds of animal and bird species as well as more than 6000 varieties of plants and trees, many of which are considered endangered.

Additional Information
- The minimum age for rafters is 12 years of age.
- Maximum weight for individual passengers is 300 lbs.
- Each passenger must sign a waiver prior to the start of the tour.

Prices

Starting at $112 (USD) / person

Check Availability

Schedule Details

Departure Dates

Although departure dates are scheduled in advance, minimum numbers apply. Confirmations are sent at the time of the booking, but each tour is subject to cancellation if there aren’t enough passengers for minimum requirements.

Departure and Return Details

The tours depart from the major hotels in San José, Costa Rica between 6:00 am, and 7:00 am

Duration

From pick up to drop-off is approximately 11 hours. The distance from San José to the put-in point is approximately 92 km and takes about 90 minutes.

Be sure to book your white water rafting excursion in advance, especially if you are coming during the peak season. This helps to ensure you get space on one of the most popular Pacuare river tours for a once in a lifetime adventure.