Río Pacuare Class III & IV Full Day.
(1 Day) Price from: $ 100.00
Inquire NowThe Pacuare River is rated one of the top rivers in the world. You’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest via the river. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds make this trip exquisite for your senses.
Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, deer, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies, and more. Add in the exciting Class III -IV whitewater rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you’ve returned home. You'll raft from San Martin to Siquirres for 14 miles on exciting Class III-IV whitewater.
Itinerary
After an early morning pickup from your San Jose hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to the Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. After breakfast and changing into rafting gear, we will drive to a private rafting put-in on the banks of the Pacuare river. At the put-in, we review and adjust all necessary equipment for proper fit, give you a comprehensive rafting safety talk, and instruct you on paddling basics. You’ll be excited to launch your raft and begin to paddle 14 miles deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests. You’ll pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges, view cascading waterfalls, relax in serene pools and experience pounding rapids.
You will enjoy an adrenaline-packed afternoon running the Pacuare’s biggest rapids, with names like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and more. At the take-out, our short drive back to our Rios Tropicales Operations Center brings you to a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks. This trip includes all transportation to and from San Jose. On your return drive to San Jose, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park, home of dense, primary tropical rainforest, and Irazu Volcano. This unforgettable trip will be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica!
Another trip in the country does not exist that offers you a perfect blend of wilderness exposure and excitement, both in one day.
Pacuare is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Here you enjoy the feeling of total isolation from urban life and the realness of being connected with nature. You see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin tropical rainforest area, appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. Wildlife is abundant, with sloth, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and colorful frogs being common sights.
The white water that is equally exciting. It is not an overly challenging river, but it has a lot of rapids, therefore giving you an adventure filled with lots of fun. The 18 mile one day run includes a total of 38 rapids. Few rivers in the world can offer you so many.
Upon arrival to the river we will gear you up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then brief you with a full safety orientation talk. Finally, it is time to take off down the rapids!
The first 4 miles consist of fun class II-III rapids which is a perfect time to test your new river skills and gain confidence in your team. Here you can find pockets of secondary growth forest that is extremely beautiful. After about 40 minutes we will enter the famous Pacuare River Gorge, which is 5 miles of some of the best white water Costa Rica has to offer. The rapids here are "Terciopelo snake", "Double drop", "Upper and Lower Huacas", "Pin ball" to name a few.
You will also see the Huacas watefall, a 150 foot dramatic drop into the river.
After the gorge the rivers opens up to a 5 mile stretch on the Valle del Pacuare, where the river has a different character. It is wide open, which gives you the opportunity to rest a bit and take the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting. The main rapids here are "Cimarrones", "The Play Hole", "El Indio" and "Magnetic Rock". The forest remains just as lush, and the rapids just as fun.
We finish in Siquirres, at the private Exploration Center, where you can take a shower, change and enjoy the gardens and terrace while having a beer or two and reflecting with your new friends about the great adventure you just shared.
Rio Pacurare:
- Difficulty: Class III - IV.
- Distance: 30 Km /18 miles.
- Number of rapids: 38.
- Approximate river time: 4 Hours.
- Minimum age: 12 years
Includes:
Included: Professional bilingual guides, transportation from and to San Jose rafting equipment, breakfast, hot lunch at our Operations Center with comfortable open dining area and spacious changing rooms and showers. Additional transportation available from Arenal and Puerto Viejo for a small fee.
Price Conditions:
US$ 100,00 per person
Important Note:
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: 14 miles River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours - depending on water level.
Who Can Go?: Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is desired. Min. age: 14-years-old.
What To Bring:
Recommended Gear: • Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar)• Swimsuit / swim trunks; t-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material• Waterproof sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher)• Sun hat or bandana• Croakies or straps to secure glasses• Clothing Change including shoes for after your Rafting Tour• Towel
