Pacuare River 1 Night/2 Days
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Location: Pacuare River, Talamanca Mountains
Difficulty: Moderate (Class III-IV rapids)
Age/Experience : Minimum age 14; basic swimming ability required; no rafting experience necessary
Seasonal Considerations: : Year-round, but water levels vary; May-November offers higher water and more challenging rapids
Included Services: Professional guides, rafting equipment, meals, overnight accommodation at Pacuare River Lodge, transportation
Embark on Costa Rica's premier overnight rafting expedition down the world-famous Pacuare River. This two-day journey combines heart-pumping Class III-IV rapids with an immersive rainforest experience, creating the perfect blend of adventure and natural exploration. After an exhilarating first day on the water navigating through stunning gorges and pristine wilderness, you'll spend the night at the remarkable riverside Pacuare Lodge, accessible only by raft. As night falls in the jungle, you'll enjoy gourmet meals, the sounds of nature, and comfortable accommodations before tackling more challenging rapids on day two. The Pacuare River's crystal-clear waters, 20 major rapids, and untouched surrounding wilderness make this overnight expedition a must-do for adventure seekers visiting Costa Rica.
What You'll See @ Pacuare River 1 Night/2 Days
The Pacuare River cuts through pristine rainforest landscapes, offering views impossible to access by any other means. You'll witness towering canyon walls draped in tropical vegetation, with cascading waterfalls plunging directly into the river. Wildlife sightings typically include toucans, parrots, oropendolas, river otters, and occasionally sloths and monkeys watching from the canopy. The crystal-clear waters reveal colorful fish below, while brilliant blue morpho butterflies flutter alongside the raft. After settling at the lodge, night walks reveal a different world of nocturnal creatures including frogs, insects, and perhaps kinkajous. The second day offers even more dramatic scenery as you penetrate deeper into the Pacuare Gorge with its imposing rock formations, lush primary forest, and the technical rapids that have made this river world-famous among rafting enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Early morning pickup from San José hotels or meeting at our operations center where you'll enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, we'll transport you to the river put-in point. The adventure begins with Class II-III rapids as you warm up and get comfortable with paddling techniques. By midday, you'll stop at a riverside location for a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your guides. The afternoon brings increasingly exciting rapids before arriving at the spectacular Pacuare Lodge by late afternoon. Enjoy time to hike to nearby waterfalls, relax in hammocks, or simply soak in the jungle atmosphere. Dinner features fresh, locally-sourced cuisine served by candlelight. Optional night walk available after dinner.
Day 2: Wake to bird calls and coffee delivered to your cabin. After a hearty breakfast, you'll tackle the most challenging and beautiful section of the Pacuare—the Upper Gorge. This section features Class IV rapids including the adrenaline-pumping "Huacas" rapid and "Dos Montañas" canyon. A riverside lunch is served before the final stretch of rapids. The expedition concludes at our take-out point where dry clothes, cold drinks, and transportation back to San José await. Arrival in San José by approximately 5:30 PM.
Day 2: Wake to bird calls and coffee delivered to your cabin. After a hearty breakfast, you'll tackle the most challenging and beautiful section of the Pacuare—the Upper Gorge. This section features Class IV rapids including the adrenaline-pumping "Huacas" rapid and "Dos Montañas" canyon. A riverside lunch is served before the final stretch of rapids. The expedition concludes at our take-out point where dry clothes, cold drinks, and transportation back to San José await. Arrival in San José by approximately 5:30 PM.
Highlights ofPacuare River 1 Night/2 Days
The Pacuare River cuts through pristine rainforest landscapes, offering views impossible to access by any other means. You'll witness towering canyon walls draped in tropical vegetation, with cascading waterfalls plunging directly into the river. Wildlife sightings typically include toucans, parrots, oropendolas, river otters, and occasionally sloths and monkeys watching from the canopy. The crystal-clear waters reveal colorful fish below, while brilliant blue morpho butterflies flutter alongside the raft. After settling at the lodge, night walks reveal a different world of nocturnal creatures including frogs, insects, and perhaps kinkajous. The second day offers even more dramatic scenery as you penetrate deeper into the Pacuare Gorge with its imposing rock formations, lush primary forest, and the technical rapids that have made this river world-famous among rafting enthusiasts.
Meeting point:San José pickup available or designated meeting point near Turrialba
Tour Guide Expertise
Our Pacuare River guides are among Costa Rica's most experienced whitewater professionals, each with a minimum of 5 years guiding experience and international swift water rescue certification. Many have represented Costa Rica in international rafting competitions, bringing world-class paddling skills to your expedition. Beyond technical expertise, our guides are trained naturalists who can identify the unique flora and fauna of the Pacuare Valley, enhancing your wilderness experience. Their intimate knowledge of the river's changing moods throughout the seasons ensures your safety while maximizing excitement on the rapids. At Pacuare Lodge, specialized night walk guides with expertise in nocturnal wildlife complement the river team, providing a comprehensive understanding of rainforest ecosystems. All guides are fluent in English and Spanish, with many speaking additional languages to accommodate international guests.
"Our 8-day tour through Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio exceeded every expectation. The wildlife encounters were incredible—we saw sloths, toucans, and even a family of howler monkeys! Our guide Miguel's knowledge transformed what would have been a good vacation into an unforgettable experience."
Sarah Thompson
Chicago
The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
Mark Davidson
ancouver
Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
Sydney
After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
Robert and Linda Gonzalez
Former Arizona Residents
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