One of the world's best white water rollercoaster rides

Pounding its way from one whitewater rapid to another, the Río Pacuare serves up one of the world’s best roller coaster rides, with cascading waterfalls that drench you as you pass! It’s no wonder the Pacuare is ranked among the top ten whitewater rivers in the world. A bonus: a beautiful jungle lodge “base camp,” and exceptional guides with great knowledge of the surrounding rainforest. Minimum age is 12.

Our Private Adventures in Costa Rica
Looking for the ultimate Costa Rica adventure? Create you own! We have developed six adventures that last either 3 or 4 days and can be taken as stand-alone journeys or combined to create your very own Costa Rica dream Trip. We are more than happy to help you combine itineraries, assist with international flights and make your dream trip a reality.
Arenal - walk high above the jungle canopy
Corcovado National Park - discover the primary rainforest and its inhabitants
Monteverde - hike in a cloud forest
Manuel Antonio National Park - relax on white sand beaches and explore the jungle
Tortuguero - float the inland waterways watching for sea turtles

Activities

white water rafting (Class III/IV), swiming, hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Raft the Río Pacuare considered by many to be one of the top 10 most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world!
• Optional hiking and swimming
• Stay in a rustic jungle lodge base camp and explore the surrounding rainforest

2010 PRICES
$380 per person
$100 single supplement
 

Duration: 3 days Start Location: San José End Location: San José Best time to go: January - August, November - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : San José – Río Pacuare

  You will be picked up in San José (at the airport or your hotel) in the early morning for a private ground transfer to San Martin, our put-in for the Pacuare River. Our drive will take us east, toward the Caribbean, crossing the amazing Braulio Carrillo National Park (3 hours driving). Upon arrival we’ll be treated to a hearty “Tico” traditional Costa Rica breakfast, with plenty of time to change into clothing for rafting.

   

  After breakfast, we’ll put-in on the beautiful but endangered Río Pacuare (the river is threatened by a proposed hydroelectric plant), for an exciting day of Class III whitewater, deep in the heart of primary rainforest. Once at the river we paddle downstream about eight miles to our riverside accommodation, a rustic, thatched-roof jungle lodge. This is a good opportunity to get familiar with the steep, technical drops typical of the Pacuare. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges sheltering many animals, including sloths, river otters, and anteaters, and an incredible variety of birds—toucans, egrets, herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, and trogons.

  
  Before you know it, you'll arrive at the unique Rios Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking, or soaking in the pools below one of the many nearby waterfalls. Nestled in the jungle on a 1,500-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge, the lodge is located inside the Pacuare Protected Zone and borders the indigenous Cabecar Indian Reserve. You’ll find all the creature-comforts you need here: private single and double rooms with fresh linens and comfortable pillows and beds; and modern, clean bathrooms and hot water showers, thanks to the self-sufficient mini-hydro-plant that generates all our electricity. Not only is the lodge built in the traditional Cabecar Indian style—bungalows thatched with palm, reminiscent of ancient jungle dwellings—but it is also a sustainable eco-lodge, incorporating sustainable building materials, and eco-friendly waste management system and recycling practices, and utilizes the clean, renewable energy. You’ll get a chance to settle into your rooms, then come down to the thatch-roofed open air dining area, where your guides prepare fresh appetizers and “famous jungle punch.” As the sun dips behind the hills and the twilight fades, you will be treated to a delicious freshly prepared dinner with candlelight and wine. Ahh, this is adventure vacationing at its best!

• Day 2 : Rios Tropicales Lodge

  You don’t have to worry about a wake-up time today—the beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will surely get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge and its natural surroundings. Take a rainforest canopy tour by zipline, choose from a number of hikes, take a tour of a local community, or just relax—it’s up to you!

   

  Canopy tour: Four distinctive platforms blend in seamlessly with the natural surroundings, giving you an amazing perspective of life in the roof of the jungle.

   

  Guided hikes: choose a variety of hikes—a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge.

   

  R&R: The spacious property offers limitless places to get away from it all and just relax and enjoy nature. Just a short walk from the dining area, a sheltered hammock area makes for the perfect spot to catch up on your reading, sip a cocktail, or just relax and take in the stunning beauty of this amazing retreat. The noises of the hustle and bustle of city life will soon be a distant memory, replaced with the soothing sounds of the tropical rainforest that surrounds you.

   

  Bajo Tigre community tour:We offer an optional tour (extra fee) that includes a hike to the nearby Bajo Tigre community, with a chance to learn from local community members about their sustainable farming and environmental responsibility. Your bilingual river guide will accompany you and interpret along the tour. We are pleased to offer you access to this tour, which is completely managed by the Bajo Tigre Community. Their tour fee goes 100% to fund their community needs. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know!

• Day 3 : Pacuare River

  After yet another serving of Costa Rica's tastiest coffee and a hearty breakfast, we jump back into our rafts and enter the lush, magical gorge of the lower Pacuare, continuing our whitewater rafting adventure with exciting Class IV action. The rapids become more powerful and technical in nature, and we’ll power through “Bobo,” “Huacas Arriba” (Upper Huacas), “Huacas Abajo” (Lower Huacas), “Cimarrones,” and “Dos Montañas” (Two Mountains) rapids. Gorgeous waterfalls tumble into the river, complemented by serene pools and the pounding rapids, plus natural waterslides for us to play in. And, if we’re fortunate, we may catch a glimpse of some of the exotic birds and animals inhabiting the jungle area alongside the river.

  We take out near the town of Siquirres and drive to the operation center where a hearty hot lunch will be waiting for us. Showers, changing rooms, hot and cold drinks, and a bar are all available. When you’re ready to go, we’ll drive back to San Jose, enjoying the remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazu Volcano en route. We’ll transfer you to the airport or your hotel in San José (included in land cost); if you are continuing to another destination on your Costa Rica itinerary, we will arrange a transfer (additional charges may apply).

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File