White Water Rafting Class III-IV
The Pacuare River is the gateway to truly experiencing the magic of our rainforest sanctuary, Pacuare Lodge. The best way to arrive and depart is by rafting this world-renowned river. More than a transfer, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that immerses you in the wild heart of Costa Rica.
The Pacuare River offers the perfect balance: thrilling rapids for adrenaline and calm stretches where you can float, breathe, and let nature reveal itself. Silver waterfalls cascade down emerald cliffs, toucans call from the canopy, blue morpho butterflies shimmer in the sun, and if you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys or sloths along the riverbanks. With an average water temperature of 21 °C (70 °F) and ambient daytime temperatures between 22 °C and 27 °C (72 °F – 80 °F), the river is as refreshing as it is unforgettable.
Our company has been guiding guests on the Pacuare River for more than 25 years, building deep knowledge and love for this river and the forest that surrounds it.
Packages:
Rafting in
Your journey begins with a drive on our shuttle from Costa Rica’s capital city of San José through the province of Cartago and the fertile slopes of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, before reaching the river put-in where our expert guides await.
Once on the river, you’ll paddle through rolling rapids surrounded by primary and secondary rainforest and pass through the protected territory of the Cabécar, Costa Rica’s largest Indigenous group. Between rapids, calm waters allow you to drift, listen to the rain forest, and watch for toucans, monkeys, morpho butterflies, and herons. It’s the perfect welcome into the wilderness of Pacuare.
• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
• Length: 4.3 miles (7 km)
• Difficulty: Class II & III rapids (fun and gentle, ideal for a first adventure)
• Minimum age: 9 years old
• Weight limits: 30-125 kg / 65–275 lbs
• Guests who do not wish to participate in the rafting can decide to arrive by 4×4 transfer.
Logistics:
• Pick-up in San José is around 6:00 am (time may vary depending on hotel location).
• Drive to a traditional Costa Rican restaurant for breakfast, arriving at approximately 8:00 am. This is also a convenient stop if guests need to change clothing before rafting.
• Continue with a 1.5-hour drive from the restaurant to the Pacuare River put-in.
• Before starting, our expert guides provide a full safety talk and instructions.
• Outside Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zone: For pick-ups or drop-off outside the included zones, transportation can be arranged for an additional fee.
• San José Airport Transfers: San José Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged for an additional fee and subject to flight arrival/departure times.
• Opting Out of Transfers: If you opt out of included transfers, please notify us in advance so we can arrange the best meeting details. Please note Pacuare Lodge is not accessible on your own.
Rafting out
Rafting out of Pacuare Lodge is an unforgettable finale. You’ll tackle bigger rapids, glide past towering waterfalls in the Huacas Canyon, and experience the awe of paddling through the Dos Montañas Canyon, where vertical rock walls rise dramatically on either side of the river. Midway through, you’ll pause for a riverside picnic lunch (subject to weather conditions), surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. This adventure is the perfect crescendo to your time with us.
• Duration: about 3 hours
• Length: 11.2 miles (18 km)
• Difficulty: Class III & IV rapids (more adventurous, with thrilling drops and waves)
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• Weight limits: 30-125 kg / 65–275 lbs
• Picnic lunch (location may vary depending on weather conditions)
• Rafting out ends at the Pacuare Lodge Operations Center in Siquirres, where guests have access to:
–Showers and changing rooms
-Secure storage for luggage
-A comfortable rest area before departure to San José
• Guests who do not wish to participate in the rafting can decide to depart by 4×4 transfer.
Return to San José:
• The Full Experience Package includes shared transportation back to San José hotels.
• Departure from the Operations Center is around 13:00–13:30 (transportation is usually in a minibus, but type may vary).
• Arrival in San José is generally around 16:00, depending on traffic.
Notes:
• Guests’ luggage is transported to/from the lodge by land and will be ready at the Operations Center after rafting.
• Keep in your luggage a change of dry clothes to use after showering in Siquirres.
• Guests should be in reasonable physical condition and prepared to paddle. Pregnant travelers are not allowed for safety reasons.
What to bring:
• Quick-dry clothing, shorts or leggings, t-shirt or lightweight long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection)
•Secure footwear (wet sneakers, rafting sandals, or similar). No flip flops.
•Light cap with brim or visor
•Windbreaker or lightweight shell
•Sunscreen or sunblock
Physical requirements:
• Guests should be in reasonable physical condition, as paddling is required.
• Minimum age: Rafting in: 9 years, Rafting out 12 years
• Weight limits: 30-125 kg / 65–275 lbs
• Please inform us in advance of any health conditions (such as heart conditions or disabilities) so we can advise and accommodate your needs.
• Pregnant guests are not permitted to participate in rafting activities for their own safety and well-being.
Logistics:
• Luggage: When rafting in, your belongings will be transported safely by land with Pacuare Lodge’s dedicated driver and will be waiting in your suite upon arrival. When rafting out, your luggage will be ready at our operations center in Siquirres, where you’ll find showers and changing rooms to change into dry clothing before continuing your journey.
• Baggage allowance: There is no strict limit on luggage; however, we recommend bringing only what you will need during your stay at the lodge for comfort and convenience.
Experience:
• No prior rafting experience is necessary. Our professional guides provide full safety instructions and commands before the start of the tour and support every step of the way.
Additional options:
• For a complete experience, rafting in and out is highly recommended. Guests may also choose to raft in only or raft out only.
• Guests who arrive and depart by 4×4 can still experience rafting the Pacuare River during their stay for an additional fee.
• For more information or to arrange your rafting experience, please contact our Experience Designers Team at [email protected]
Whether you’re paddling into the rainforest for the first time or making your way out through canyons and waterfalls, rafting the Pacuare river is the purest way to feel the wild beauty that defines Costa Rica.
