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Outside Travel Guide

Outside Traveler

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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 Cabecar Indians. The palm-thatched dwellings of the Cabecar 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
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. Huge trees and flowering shrubs dot the perfectly manicured rolling green lawns on the banks of the river. 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 and hammocks 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 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. The special Honeymoon Suite is a spacious bungalow tucked up on a wooded knoll away from the rest of the camp. It features a large tiled bathroom with solar-heated water and giant picture windows that frame the jungle view, as well as a unique hanging bridge that leads from the balcony across to a private platform in a giant tree.

Day 2
In the morning, you’ll awaken to a harmonious melody created by the sound of the river rushing by and the sweet songs of the tropical birds from the thick of the forest. 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. Later on, a tasty midday meal of sandwiches, fruits and dessert will be served on an overturned raft along the water’s edge. The day ends with the triumph of having conquered one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the world. At the river take-out, you can change into dry clothes at our private facilities before boarding the comfortable microbus for the return to San José.

Pacuare Canopy Adventure add-on: US $40

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.

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