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Outside Travel Guide

Outside Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler

Considered by many experienced rafters to be the most scenic class III-IV white water in the world, the Pacuare River provides an adventurous rafting trip through stunning natural surroundings. The river runs from the country’s highest mountains down to the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic, strait through one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas. These jungles are still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, whose dwellings are spaced apart over large distances in the traditional way of their people.

Nestled in the midst of this enchanting rain forest is the Pacuare Lodge , a unique jungle oasis far removed from the rest of civilization and accessible through our river rafting expeditions. Come see first-hand why our renowned lodge has received so many excellent reviews, including being selected by the annual Outside Travel Guide as one of the top ten lodges in the world in its 2002 edition.

Day 1
This exciting expedition into the wilderness begins when you are picked up at your San José hotel in a comfortable minibus, and transported east of the city through the old capital of Cartago. The minibus will pass by the lush green farmlands and small towns on the way to Turrialba, at the base of the volcano of the same name. Along the way, you’ll stop to enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast before continuing on to the Pacuare River. Our experienced guides explain safety precautions at the river’s edge before the rafts are launched and the white water adventure begins. The swift-running Pacuare River offers one of the most invigorating and intense rafting trips available anywhere in the world, combined with spectacular verdant scenery that is sure to provide memories to cherish for a lifetime. Adventurers will battle surging waters down miles of raging rapids, passing by towering trees and cascading waterfalls that plummet hundreds of feet and crash into the river below. The dense tropical vegetation along both sides of the river provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and other tropical animal and bird species. You’ll have just enough time to admire a particular stretch of scenery before your guide will let you know it’s time to start paddling again to maneuver through the boulder-filled rapid up ahead.

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
Waking up in this pristine environment is a rare and refreshing treat — only the humming of the rushing river and sweet birdsong mar the incredible silence of the forest. Guests can enjoy a hot and hearty buffet breakfast before setting off into the great outdoors. Trails wander invitingly into the Pacuare jungle, allowing visitors ample opportunity to explore this verdant tropical rain forest and appreciate its unique beauty. Resplendent with tropical birds, butterflies, exotic plants and animals, this truly stunning natural paradise provides a one-of-a-kind setting for photographs or just lasting memories. Enthusiastic hikers might enjoy a full day’s guided hike into the mountains where some of the indigenous Cabecar families live. You’ll return to the Pacuare Lodge in time to shower, rest or play before the evening’s Happy Hour and gourmet candlelight dinner. You’ll have a chance to share with others and reflect on the magic of an adventure that few are fortunate enough to experience.

Day 3
After a delicious and leisurely breakfast, the rafts are launched again for the last leg of the journey, a truly stimulating and adrenaline-filled ride. Rafting is even more exciting today as you employ the skills and experience gained the first day to paddle and maneuver through the rapids of the mighty Pacuare River. The scenery is simply spectacular. Your guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead you up side streams to pristine waterfalls and pools that invite you to jump right and cool off. Later, a sumptuous picnic of sandwiches, fruits and dessert will be served along the river’s edge. As the rafts float through the rock walls of the steep canyon in the second half of the journey, guests will have the opportunity to jump into the refreshing water if they wish, before returning to the raft for the final stretch of white water. The day ends with the sweet taste of victory of having conquered one of the wildest and most beautiful rivers in the world. After leaving the river, you can change into dry clothes in our private facilities before boarding the minibus for the return trip to your hotel in San José.

Pacuare Canopy Adventure add-on

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 would like to share some of the comments we have received from our clients.

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