Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
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.
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
Traditional Costa Rican breakfast
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Waterproof phone cases or personal waterproof bags
Round-trip transportation from non-designated hotels
What to expect
Turrialba
1h
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.
Tres Equis
2h
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.
Huacas
2h
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.
Pacuare River
3h
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
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Tour departs from hotels in San Jose.
You must indicate the hotel’s name in order to confirm the booking.
Additional information
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.
The minimum age required to participate in this activity is 12 years old.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
