Costa Rica Overnight Tours:
Overnight
Pacuare Adventure (Class III-IV White-Water Rafting and
Jungle Excursion)
2 days & 1 night
Considered
by many experienced white-water rafters to be the most scenic
class III-IV rapids in the world, the Pacuare River provides
an adventurous ride filled with stunning natural beauty
along the entire length of its turning, twisting rapids.
The
Pacuare River runs from the country's highest mountain range
to the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic, through one of
Costa Rica's most important protected areas. These jungles
are still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, whose traditional
dwellings are spaced far apart over large distances. Located
strategically inside this zone of protected wilderness is
our very special jungle getaway, the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle
oasis accessible to travelers through our multi-day rafting
tours on the Pacuare River.
Day
1
After being picked up at their hotel in a comfortable minibus,
guests are transported through the verdant Braulio Carrillo
National Park and lush green farmlands at the base of Turrialba
Volcano. Along the way the minibus stops for an authentic
Costa Rican breakfast. Guides from Aventuras Naturales welcome
adventurers upon arrival to the banks of the Pacuare River.
Before beginning the river adventure, our experienced guides
explain safety precautions. The Pacuare is a swiftly running
and rapidly changing river, making this one of the most
invigorating and intense rafting trips available anywhere
in the world. As it winds deep inside one of Costa Rica's
most impressive primordial rainforests, adventurers will
face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters
down miles of raging rapids, passing through steep canyons
where cascading waterfalls plummeted hundreds of feet, crashing
thunderously into the rapidly coursing river below. Dense
vegetation covers the steep banks along the river. The thick
undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys,
sloths and myriad other species of tropical animals and
birds. As the rafts squeeze through narrow openings between
huge granite boulders, the jungle rises above, towering
thousands of feet above the riverbanks. The first day of
rafting is a journey taking just over an hour and a half,
plenty of time for adventurous souls to be tossed and turned
from side to side as the rafts race forward through wave
after wave of surging rapids. The first day ends at the
Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an
enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by ancient
towering trees, a two-story jungle lodge houses rustic but
comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty
of relaxing hammocks in an open-air second floor lounge.
Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs are spaced
out beneath the trees, providing both privacy and serenity.
After a hearty lunch, guests can try the Pacuare Canopy
Adventure, take a guided hike into the rainforest, or just
relax. Happy Hour begins as twilight descends, creating
a comfortable atmosphere for guests to relax and share their
experiences. The dinner bell ring shortly after, inviting
guests to a candlelight dinner prepared by the guides, who
are trained by a French chef. After dinner, guests can relax
with others or head to the comfortable bungalows that await
them, complete with private bathroom, comfortable beds and
clean linen. Lanterns guide the way, for there is no electricity
in the middle of this rainforest, hence no phones ringing,
no faxes warbling, no television sets blaring - just peaceful,
quiet solitude.
Day
2
Morning arrives with the sweet songs of exotic birds twittering
among the treetops and the chattering of the rushing rapids
of the river surging a few hundred feet away. A hearty breakfast
awaits guests, with freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, French
toast, eggs, fresh fruit and yogurt.
The second day of the rafting journey is filled with a challenging
battle with the mighty Pacuare River, a genuinely stimulating
and adrenaline-filled ride. Rafting becomes even more exciting
today as visitors use the skills and experience gained the
day before to navigate the raw, pounding power of the mighty
Pacuare River.
Vigorously
fighting the driving, surging waves for hours tends to build
one's appetite, and soon the rafts stop along the river's
edge for a sumptuous feast of sandwiches, fruits and dessert.
Later, along a calm stretch of the river, guests can hike
to pristine waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide
inviting them to jump right in and splash around. The day
ends with the triumph of having conquered one of the wildest
and most beautiful rivers in the world. At the river take-out,
guests can change into dry clothes in our private restroom
facilities before boarding the comfortable microbus for
the return to San José.
Price
per person: US$259
Includes: Transportation to and from San José;
accommodations at the Pacuare Lodge; two breakfasts, two
lunches, one happy hour and one dinner with wine, rafting
equipment and guided hike included.
Note: This tour is also available one-way or round
trip (San José Pacuare Lodge San José)
by helicopter.
Trip length: 18 miles
Difficulty: Class III-IV, moderate-difficult
Minimum age: 12 years old
Note: Single occupancy at The Pacuare Lodge can not
be guaranteed.
