Experience◎ Costa Rica
White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José
★★★★★
4.7(247 reviews)About This Experience
Get ready for a full day of adventure as you paddle through the heart of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest on the world-renowned Pacuare River. This exhilarating journey features 18 miles of Class III and IV rapids, perfect for both first-time rafters and seasoned paddlers (ages 12+).
Your day begins with an early hotel pickup in San José, followed by a scenic drive through Cartago and the countryside to Turrialba. Along the way, enjoy a delicious included breakfast before arriving at the river launch point.
After a safety briefing and gear fitting by your expert guides, the adventure begins! Navigate thrilling rapids like Huacas, Rodeo, Pinball, and Dos Montañas, with breaks to admire cascading waterfalls and the stunning rainforest. Midway, refuel with a riverside picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
At the end of your rafting journey, change into dry clothes and relax on the return drive to San José—tired, happy, and full of unforgettable memories.
Itinerary
1 hr
1.
1. Turrialba – Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast & Scenic Drive Duration: 1 hour • Admission Included Start your adventure with a scenic drive from San José to the beautiful Turrialba region, surrounded by rolling mountains, lush farmland, and tropical rainforest. On the way to the river, enjoy a hearty traditional Costa Rican breakfast featuring gallo pinto, eggs, fresh tropical fruit, tortillas, and locally brewed Costa Rican coffee. This stop provides the perfect opportunity to fuel up for an exciting day of rafting while taking in the peaceful countryside. Your guide will introduce you to the Pacuare River, explain the day's itinerary, and share fascinating insights about Costa Rica's biodiversity and river ecosystems.
2 hrs
2.
2. Tres Equis – Safety Briefing & Rafting Base Duration: Approximately 2 hours • Admission Included Arrive at the rafting operations center where you'll meet your team of professionally certified bilingual rafting guides. Before launching onto the river, guests receive a comprehensive safety orientation covering paddling techniques, river commands, rescue procedures, and proper equipment use. Each participant is provided with professionally maintained rafting equipment including: ✔ Coast Guard-approved life jacket ✔ Certified safety helmet ✔ Paddle ✔ Complete rafting safety gear No previous rafting experience is necessary. Your expert guides ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared before beginning the adventure.
2 hrs
3.
3. Huacas – The Spectacular Pacuare Canyon Duration: Approximately 2 hours • Admission Included Continue through one of the most breathtaking sections of the Pacuare River. Towering canyon walls rise dramatically above the river while dense tropical rainforest surrounds you on both sides. This remote area is accessible only by river, making it one of Costa Rica's hidden natural treasures. Navigate exhilarating Class III and IV rapids before drifting through calmer stretches where you can fully appreciate the incredible scenery. This section offers outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
3 hrs
4.
4. Pacuare River – White Water Rafting Adventure & Riverside Lunch Duration: Approximately 3 hours • Admission Included Experience the highlight of your day as you raft through one of the world's most beautiful white-water rivers. Your adventure combines exciting rapids with peaceful stretches of clear water where waterfalls cascade directly into the river and lush rainforest surrounds every bend. One of the most memorable moments is navigating an exhilarating Class IV rapid that rushes between towering canyon walls, delivering both adrenaline and unforgettable scenery. Midway through the trip, stop at a peaceful riverside location to enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch surrounded by untouched nature before continuing downstream. After completing the rafting experience, return to the operations center to change into dry clothes before beginning the comfortable drive back to San Jose
What's Included
- ✓Complete professional rafting equipment included
- ✓Round-trip transportation from selected hotels in the San José Area
- ✓Professional bilingual rafting guide
- ✓Special Option: °Vegetarian |° Gluten Free |Let us know if you have some special meal restriction |
- ✓Traditional Costa Rican breakfast
Not Included
- ✗Tips and gratuities for guides and driver (optional)
- ✗Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- ✗Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- ✗Waterproof phone cases or personal waterproof bags
- ✗Round-trip transportation from non-designated hotels
Good to know
- •Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- •Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- •Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- •Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- •What to bring: • Quick-dry clothing • Swimsuit • Water shoes or secure sandals • Lightweight athletic shoes • Towel • Change of clothes • Sunscreen • Insect repellent
- •Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people
- •Contact line available for handling hotel pick-up reconfirmations and day-to-day operational matters.
- •Not persons under 12 years old
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveler Reviews (247)
4.7
★★★★★
247 reviews
5★
209
4★
18
3★
4
2★
7
1★
9
Rating summary based on 247 traveler reviews. Full written reviews are available on the booking page. Read traveler reviews
from$125
per person
Final date & times are confirmed at checkout
2 people
$125 × 2 people$250
Per-person estimate. Exact total confirmed at checkout.
View dates & book — $250
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🌐Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica
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👥Up to 20 travelers
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