General Information About Pacuare River Rafting 2 Days
Enjoy rafting the world-famous Pacuare River and staying overnight at a National Geographic award-winning, sustainable ecolodge for a truly memorable Costa Rica adventure.
The Pacuare River is one of the world’s top five rivers for its scenery and exciting whitewater rapids. The section we raft flows 18 miles through a spectacular rainforest valley and canyon with cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The class 3 and 4 rapids are suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, ages 12 and older, who are ready for adventure and being physically active all day.
Day 1
After an early pick-up at your San Jose area hotel, we will drive to Cartago – Costa Rica’s historic capital city – and through small towns and countryside to the rafting hub of Turrialba. We’ll stop for breakfast (included) and then head to the Pacuare River put-in. At the river, your guides will outfit you with rafting equipment and give a paddling explanation and safety talk.
Today, we’ll raft 4 miles to the very comfortable ecolodge, award-winning for its environmental sustainability! We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch riverside or at the lodge. You’ll have the afternoon to relax in a hammock, explore trails, or swim in a waterfall pool. Happy hour starts just before sunset, followed by a delicious dinner for a perfect close to your first day on the Pacuare.
Day 2
Wake up to the sounds of the river and rainforest. Freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee and a hearty breakfast will await you. The biggest part of our adventure happens today! We’ll paddle 14 miles downriver through class 3 and 4 rapids like “Huacas,” “Rodeo,” “Pinball,” “Cimarrones,” and “Dos Montañas.” Along the way, we’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. After finishing rafting, you’ll be able to change into dry clothes before driving back to San Jose.
Our Pacuare River Rafting 2-Day tour includes 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 1 dinner, 1 night at the Ecolodge, 5 hours of rafting, professional river guides and a safety kayaker, rafting equipment, and transportation from and to your San Jose area hotel.
What to bring and wear:
- Swimsuit.
- Quick-dry shorts or leggings.
- Long-sleeved quick-dry shirt for sun protection.
- Cap.
- Strap for your sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses.
- Waterproof eco-friendly sunblock (studies show that sunscreen also harms freshwater ecosystems like it does coral reefs).
- Water shoes, strap-on sandals, or tennis shoes that can get settlement de lista.
- Clothes and dry shoes for staying at the lodge and for after rafting; personal items for your stay.
- Insect repellent.
