Pacuare River three day adventure
Class III - IV, overnight white-water rafting

Passionate rafters from around the world agree the Pacuare River offers some of the most scenic class III-IV white-water rapids anywhere. The Pacuare River and the Pacuare Protected Zone are located between the coastal lowlands and the country’s highest mountain range. This pristine jungle region, considered one of the most important protected areas in Central America, is still inhabited by the Cabécar Indians. The palm-thatched dwellings of the Cabécar people are spaced far apart over large distances, rather than being clustered together as was true of many indigenous tribes.

Advantageously situated inside this protected wilderness is our very special jungle getaway, the Pacuare Lodge, accessible to travelers through our overnight white-water rafting tours on the Pacuare River. The river provides an adventurous ride filled with stunning natural beauty and exciting rapids, while the lodge offers a chance to explore the surrounding forest and then relax in complete comfort.

Day 1  White-water rafting to Pacuare Lodge (Class III rapids)

This exciting outdoor adventure begins when you are picked up at your San José hotel in a comfortable minibus and transported through the old capital city of Cartago and the lush green farmlands blanketing the slopes of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes. Before arriving at the banks of the Pacuare River, you’ll stop to enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast. When you arrive at the river, our expert guides will provide you with the rafting gear and explain safety precautions before the rafting adventure begins. Once in the water, you’ll experience sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters down miles of raging rapids. The river passes through scenic canyons where crystal clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. Tall trees and dense green vegetation come right down to the water’s edge. The thick undergrowth of this protected area provides shelter for a variety tropical animals and birds, including some endangered species.

The first day on the river is an exciting journey that takes just over an hour and a half. When you arrive at the Pacuare Lodge, you’ll find a unique jungle oasis nestled in a most remarkable setting.. Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs are spaced out beneath the trees, providing both privacy and serenity. The two-story main lodge has breezy dining facilities on the first floor, and relaxing chairs in the open-air second floor lounge. After a hearty lunch, you can try the Pacuare Canopy Adventure, take a guided hike to a waterfall in the forest, play dominoes or cards, or just relax. Happy Hour (alcoholic beverages are not included) begins as twilight descends, and the guests can gather to relax and share their experiences. Shortly after, you’ll be served a gourmet dinner by candlelight. Whenever you feel ready, you can head to the comfortable bungalow that awaits you, complete with private bathroom, comfortable beds and clean linen.

Day 2:  Optional activity at Pacuare Lodge

Waking up in this pristine environment is a rare and refreshing experience. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal and juice and coffee at our main lodge before setting off into the great outdoors. Choose one of our optional activities (not included in our price):   guided hikes to explore the verdant tropical rain forest, a guided hike into the mountains where some of the indigenous Cabecar families live a horseback ride to el Bajo del Tigre and our Adventure Canopy Tour – where visitors glide amid a tropical rainforest canopy.  

You’ll return to the Pacuare Lodge in time to shower, rest or play before the evening’s gourmet candlelight dinner.

Day 3  Second section of the Pacuare River ( Class III & IV rapids)

After a delicious buffet breakfast, we’ll launch the rafts again for the second day of our river expedition. Rafting becomes even more thrilling as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump right in. We'll break for a healthy lunch by the riverbank in a traditional palm-thatch structure owned by a Cabécar Indian family, who recycle our organic waste and wash dishes so that we don’t have to use disposable plates and cups. After lunch, well paddle through more adrenaline-pumping rapids and marvel at amazing scenery, such as the narrow canyon of Dos Montañas. After we reach the highway, you’ll be able to change into dry clothes before we begin our 90-minute drive back to San José.

 You’ll also have a chance to purchase carbon-offset certificates, which finance the planting and care of native trees on deforested land that will absorb tons of atmospheric carbon as they grow, and can offset all the carbon that enters the atmosphere during your Costa Rica vacation.

Pacuare Canopy Adventure add-on: US $45

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Please note: On rare occasions (approximately 5 days per year) we are forced to cancel the Pacuare River overnight tours on the second or third day due to unsafe weather conditions. In these cases, clients will hike out of the lodge to a point where the bus can meet them (approximately a 15 to 45-minute hike), and will then proceed to have lunch at a restaurant, before being returned to San José. A partial refund will be given under these circumstances.

We can assist you in planning your trip in Costa Rica! Please contact our travel division on how to customize your vacation to meet your budget and expectations. We replay with a suggested itinerary and cost within 24 hours.

If you want to know more about the Pacuare Lodge, please visit the following web site: www.pacuarelodge.com