General Information About Pacuare River Rafting 3 Days
Our three-day Pacuare River rafting trip makes for an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure, rafting one of the world’s top rivers with two nights in the rainforest at a National Geographic award-winning, sustainable eco-lodge.
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.
You’ll raft to the riverside lodge on the first day, have a layover day in the rainforest to enjoy numerous activities, and raft out through the famous Pacuare Gorge on the last 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 then 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 Ecolodge, stopping for a picnic lunch riverside (or at the lodge). You’ll have the afternoon to relax in a hammock or your comfortable room. 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. After a leisurely breakfast enjoying the amazing views, you can choose one of the optional tours below, do a self-guided hike, swim in waterfall pools, or simply chill out.
Optional tours (not included in the package):
- Serpentarium tour and typical lunch with a Costa Rican family.
- Bajos del Tigre horseback riding tour.
- Hike to an indigenous Cabecar village.
- Jungle hike with a local guide to discover the flora and fauna of the Pacuare.
- Adventure Canopy at the lodge.
- Canyoning Tour.
Day 3
Freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee and another hearty breakfast are a great start to today’s adventure. 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 3-Day tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 nights 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.
