Pacuare River

Officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, the Pacuare offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding deep inside one of Costa Rica's most impressive primordial rainforests. Rafters are invited to traverse 18 miles of remote and scenic waters that run through a dense tropical wilderness covering the sides of steep gorges rising above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and myriad other species of tropical animals and birds.

After being picked up at their hotel in a comfortable minibus, guests are transported through Braulio Carrillo National Park and lush green farmlands at the base of Turrialba Volcano. Along the way, the minibus stops for an authentic and delicious Costa Rican breakfast. The ride to the Pacuare put-in at Tres Equis, including the stop for breakfast, is approximately three hours.

Professional guides and rafting equipment await guests at Tres Equis. After everyone is briefed on safety measures, the incredible rafting journey on this renowned river begins. The trip is filled with excitement as the raft squeezes through narrow openings between huge boulders and runs long stretches of powerful rapids. Later, guides serve a delicious lunch of cold meats, cheeses, lettuce, fruits, bread and juice along the edge of the river.

While lunch is being prepared, rafters have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the spectacular scenery and marvel at the raw power of the untamed Pacuare River, which has cut through this virgin tropical rainforest for millions of years.

The Pacuare River provides a truly exciting day, filled with wet and wonderful fun. At the river take-out, guests can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding the comfortable minibus for the return drive to San José. Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary.

Price per person: US$95 Transportation, equipment, breakfast and picnic lunch included.
Trip length: 18 miles
Difficulty: Class III-IV, moderate-difficult
Minimum age: 12 years old
Season: Year round

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