White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

4.7 (250 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

250 reviews

4.7

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Destination Services Costa Rica

Ages: Adults (12–55 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Complete professional rafting equipment included
Included: Round-trip transportation from selected hotels in the San José Area
Included: Professional bilingual rafting guide
Included: Lunch: Special Option: °Vegetarian |° Gluten Free
Included: Traditional Costa Rican breakfast

Not included

Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Not included: Waterproof phone cases or personal waterproof bags
Not included: Round-trip transportation from non-designated hotels

Itinerary

Turrialba

one hour

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

2 hours

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

2 hours

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

3 hours

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 point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu
Posada el Quijote
Studio Hotel Boutique
Aloft by Marriott San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Bee Suites San Jose - Santa Ana
Hotel Fleur de Lys
Costa Rica Tenis Club
Hotel Barcelo San Jose
Hilton San Jose La Sabana
Hyatt Centric San Jose Escazu

and 25 more pickup points

Tour departs from hotels in San Jose.

You must indicate the hotel’s name in order to confirm the booking.

Using your ticket

You must to indicate hotel name in order to confirm the booking

Tour departs from Hotels in San José

Minimum to confirm is 2 people

Not persons under 12 years old

You must to confirm the pickup time 24 hours before the tour at [email protected] phone number (+506) 8735-4156 | in case of some emergency.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

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:
- 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.
Not persons under 12 years old