Tours > Whitewater Rafting Tours

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Waterfall cascading into the Pacuare River

Pacuare River Two Day Hike and Paddle Rafting Trip

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The overnight Pacuare Adventure is a paddle and hike expedition. Not only will you raft a variety of exciting rapids, but you will also hike to pristine waterfalls, fun swimming holes and primary jungles. You will raft both days and stay overnight at the Pacuare River Lodge. Daily pickups from Puerto Viejo, San Jose and Arenal.

Day One

The trip begins outside your hotel with pickup in a comfortable minibus. You will be picked up in your choice of San José, Arenal area, Puerto Viejo area or Tortuguero. Then you'll be driven to the Exploration Centre base in Siquirres where you can securely store your luggage and help yourself to the breakfast buffet.

Then you will get geared up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then briefed with a full safety orientation. Finally, it is time to take off down the rapids!

The first day we will paddle 13 kms (8 miles) of continuous class III whitewater for a total of 14 rapids. Then we will arrive at Pacuare River Lodge shortly past noon and just in time for lunch. Afternoon activities include various optional hikes, fishing in the river or relaxing in a hammock. Pacuare River Lodge is one-of-a-kind lodge sits amid exotic primary rainforest, indigenous reserves and isolated valleys.

Pacuare River Lodge

Along a hillside overlooking Costa Rica’s most famous white water river, the Pacuare River, the 13 cabins are spaced at a comfortable distance from each other; allowing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding pristine jungle. Each cabin features handcrafted, custom-made teak furnishings and includes a king or two twin size beds. It is an authentic wilderness lodge with great comfort and location. The principal lodge is a refreshing open-air design, allowing a 360 degree view of the surrounding jungle landscape. A 14-person bar, grand kitchen and relaxing lounge complete the setting. Full shower and bathroom facilities, with nearby hiking trails, riverside beaches, and wildlife viewing create a lasting impression of nature, beauty, quality and adventure. The staff at the lodge will be your very own river guides, who will turn into great chefs and entertainers, providing you with great service and a truly unforgettable experience.

Day Two

The second day begins with a hot, freshly brewed cup of Costa Rica’s famous coffee. After a hearty breakfast is served and we pack our gear, our river descent continues. All of the class IV rapids are on this day. Now it is time to truly test the skills you learned on the previous day! The second day is significantly longer on the river, with 23 kms (14 miles) to travel and about 30 rapids. Two stops are made: one for a nice exploratory hike and the other to have lunch on the river.

Back to base and then on to your next destination

You'll finish back at the Exploration Center in Siquirres, where you can take a shower, change and enjoy the gardens and terrace while having refreshments and reflecting with your new friends about the great adventure you just shared. Then you'll be transported to your choice of San Jose, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano area).

Please note: Other companies run the same stretch of river on their 1, 2 or 3-day trips. In order to give you better value for both your time and money, the operator we use utilizes an upper put-in for the overnight trips, giving you an extra 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) of river time. This makes your first day on the river 100% longer, in addition to running twice as many rapids.

If you don't have time for the overnight adventure, the One Day Pacuare Rafting trip is a must-do.

Tour Details

 Location: Departures from San José, Puerto Viejo, Arenal/La Fortuna, Tortuguero

 $239.00 per person (additional charge if starting from Tortuguero). Price based on double occupancy.

 Included:
Transportation from your choice of Puerto Viejo, San Jose, Arenal or Tortuguero area hotels
Return transportation to your choice of Puerto Viejo, San Jose or Arenal area hotels
training, safety equipment and bilingual guides
2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs and 1 dinner
overnight accommodation
secure luggage storage while you're on the river

 Not included:
Pick up or dropoff in Arenal at hotels located further from La Fortuna than Tabacon Resort such as Arenal Lodge, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal Vista Lodge, Linda Vista, Lost Iguana and Rancho Margot. There is an extra charge to pickup for these locations
Pickup at smaller hotels, Airbnbs, or other places off the route. Your agent will let you know the closest pickup point.
Prices based on double occupancy, there is a supplemental charge for single rooms.

 Operates: Daily with pickups between 5:30AM and 7:00AM depending on your pickup city and hotel.

 Pickup: You can be picked up from most major hotels in either San José, Arenal area, the South Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, etc) or Tortuguero. If your hotel is not on the pickup route, we will advise either a nearby pickup location or if there is an extra fee.

 Duration: Two days, one night

 What to bring:
Swim suit/swim shorts
towel
t-shirt for on the raft
dry set of clothes
insect repellent
waterproof sunscreen
shoes or sandals (not flip flops, you must wear shoes in the boat but they will get wet)
flashlight
personal toiletries
credit card in case you like to purchase a CD with photos or drinks after the tour
VERY IMPORTANT: your passport

 Restrictions:
Minimum age 12 years old