Rio Pacuare Rafting Ecstasy

"Costa Rica"

On the Rio Pacuare 2 and 3-day trips, you enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible - breathtaking beauty far removed from civilisation's rush and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica.
The Pacuare River is known to be one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. 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, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and an incredible variety of birds, butterflies and reptiles

The Itinerary

Day 1:
You depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at our New Rios Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river, your friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day’s Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge’s charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you’ll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the award-winning Rios Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in "Cabecar Indian" style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides.(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 to 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! (B L D)

Day 3:
After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you’ll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside let you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Monta–as and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at our New Rios Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are available. On the return drive to San José, you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano (B L).

General Information

Read our customers' feedback about this journey.

Rated: Easy
Who can go? Anyone in good, healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required. Some rafting experience is recommended.
Min. age: 14-years-old
Difficulty: Moderate. Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. Class IV rafting: Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.
Rafting distance: 20 miles
River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours – depending on water level.

Price Per Person
Duration	3 days/2 night	2 days/1 night	1 day
USD	$ 305	$ 250	$ 95
EUR	€ 253	€ 207	€ 78
GBP	£ 170	£ 140	£ 53

(*) Price last updated on 05 November 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
The 2 days itinerary only includes Day 1 and 3.
The 1 day itinerary starts at Linda Vista and is 16 miles rafting.

Note: Please note we also offer the 3 day Hiking and Rafting on the Pacuare with one day rafting on the Reventazon. Do not hesitate to enquire for the detailed itinerary and price!

Included:
Round trip transportation from San Jose, accommodation at Rios Tropicales Lodge, Bilingual guide, use of complete rafting equipment, guided hikes, meals as specified, taxes and service charges.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, personal expenses, tips.

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