Welcome to
Alajuela
White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José
- Duration10 hours
- Max Travelers20 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryBus Tours, Car Tours
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.
Gallery
What's included
Complete professional rafting equipment included
Round-trip transportation from selected hotels in the San Josu00e9 Area
Professional bilingual rafting guide
Special Option: u00b0Vegetarian |u00b0 Gluten Free
Traditional Costa Rican breakfast
What's Not included
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
Itinerary
1. Turrialba u2013 Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast & Scenic DrivenDuration: 1 hour u2022 Admission IncludednStart your adventure with a scenic drive from San Josu00e9 to the beautiful Turrialba region, surrounded by rolling mountains, lush farmland, and tropical rainforest.nOn 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.nYour 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. Tres Equis u2013 Safety Briefing & Rafting BasenDuration: Approximately 2 hours u2022 Admission IncludednArrive at the rafting operations center where you'll meet your team of professionally certified bilingual rafting guides.nBefore launching onto the river, guests receive a comprehensive safety orientation covering paddling techniques, river commands, rescue procedures, and proper equipment use.nEach participant is provided with professionally maintained rafting equipment including:nu2714 Coast Guard-approved life jacketnu2714 Certified safety helmetnu2714 Paddlenu2714 Complete rafting safety gearnNo previous rafting experience is necessary. Your expert guides ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared before beginning the adventure.
3. Huacas u2013 The Spectacular Pacuare CanyonnDuration: Approximately 2 hours u2022 Admission IncludednContinue through one of the most breathtaking sections of the Pacuare River.nTowering 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.nNavigate exhilarating Class III and IV rapids before drifting through calmer stretches where you can fully appreciate the incredible scenery.nThis section offers outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
4. Pacuare River u2013 White Water Rafting Adventure & Riverside LunchnDuration: Approximately 3 hours u2022 Admission IncludednExperience the highlight of your day as you raft through one of the world's most beautiful white-water rivers.nYour adventure combines exciting rapids with peaceful stretches of clear water where waterfalls cascade directly into the river and lush rainforest surrounds every bend.nOne of the most memorable moments is navigating an exhilarating Class IV rapid that rushes between towering canyon walls, delivering both adrenaline and unforgettable scenery.nMidway through the trip, stop at a peaceful riverside location to enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch surrounded by untouched nature before continuing downstream.nAfter completing the rafting experience, return to the operations center to change into dry clothes before beginning the comfortable drive back to San Jose
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: u2022 Quick-dry clothing u2022 Swimsuit u2022 Water shoes or secure sandals u2022 Lightweight athletic shoes u2022 Towel u2022 Change of clothes u2022 Sunscreen u2022 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.