Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, exuberant wildlife and great rapids. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges, which shelter ocelots, monkeys, sloths and a large variety of birds, warm water and breathtaking scenery combine to make an unforgettable trip.
Though there are Class IV (intermediate level) rapids on this river, an adventurous first-time rafter will enjoy themselves. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids. Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: After an early morning pickup from your San José hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to our Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. After a 2.5 hour drive past several picturesque valleys, we arrive at our put-in and raft 8 miles in 3-4 hours, with lunch on the river the first day.
You'll raft eight miles deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests. Mid-afternoon we will arrive at the Rios Tropicales Lodge, where we spend the rest of the day and overnight. Intimate and charming, the lodge blends naturally into the forest on our 1,000-acre private reserve, with waterfalls and pools.
You will have time to relax and enjoy the rainforest. Overnight sleeping is in wooden huts with bedding provided. There is a trail system through the rainforest that you can enjoy, a fresh-water stream and waterfall you can explore, a reforestation project nearby, showers with hot water and plenty of drinking water. Enjoy a "jungle dinner". B, L, D
Day 2: Don't worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge surroundings. You can choose a variety of hikes - a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge - or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature.
Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know! After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, after we finish, a short drive to Ríos Tropicales Operations Center for a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks and souvenir store.
On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. This unforgettable trip will easily be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica! B, L
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- up to 3 days rafting
- 2 nights lodges
- many meals
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Ecotourism
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