3-Day Pacuare River Rafting & Rainforest Lodge Adventure

Summary

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting & Jungle Lodge Escape

If you want real adventure mixed with rainforest calm, this 3-day Pacuare River trip is it—rafting wild rapids by day, sleeping in a jungle lodge by night, plus hikes to waterfalls only locals know about. You’ll come back tired but grinning.

What’s the experience like?

We left San José just as the city was waking up, the air still cool and a bit misty. After about an hour and a half weaving through the hills, we stopped at a roadside café for gallo pinto and fresh-squeezed juice—honestly, that first bite hit different after the early start. It’s also where you’ll want to change into river gear; bathrooms are basic but clean. Once we reached the banks of the Pacuare, our guides—local guys who know every bend—helped us gear up. The safety talk was no joke, but it made me feel ready for what was coming.

The first stretch on the river is all about finding your rhythm with the paddle. Rapids start out easy (class II and III), so you get used to the bounce and spray before things pick up. I remember drifting past tangled vines and hearing howler monkeys somewhere above us—felt like being dropped into a nature documentary. Lunch came on a sandy patch by the water: rice, beans, grilled chicken, and pineapple that tasted sweeter than usual. By late afternoon, we pulled up to the lodge tucked right into the trees. Falling asleep to river sounds instead of city noise? That’s something I won’t forget.

Next morning, sunlight filtered through leaves onto our breakfast table—eggs, plantains, strong coffee (you’ll need it). Our guide led us along narrow trails behind the lodge; boots got muddy quick but nobody cared. We found a waterfall hidden behind ferns where you can actually swim—the water’s cold but wakes you up fast! Back at the lodge after lunch, hammocks were calling my name. Some folks went out for another walk; I just listened to cicadas and let time slow down before dinner by candlelight.

Last day started with more coffee (seriously good here) and packing up bags that somehow felt heavier than when we arrived. Back in the rafts, this stretch of Pacuare gets wild—class III and IV rapids like Huacas Arriba and Dos Montañas had my heart racing. There’s a spot where blue morpho butterflies flit across the water; if you’re lucky you’ll catch one land on your paddle for a second or two. We stopped again for lunch riverside before finishing at the take-out point where dry clothes never felt so good. Showers are basic but hot enough to wash off three days’ worth of adventure before heading back to San José.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Rafting Adventure

• Drive from San José to breakfast spot
• Typical Costa Rican breakfast and change clothes
• Safety briefing and gear fitting
• Rafting on Pacuare River, class 2 and 3 rapids
• Lunch on riverbank beach
• Arrive at lodge for overnight stay

Day 2 — Nature Walks and Relaxation

• Breakfast at lodge
• Guided walks to waterfalls and freshwater pools
• Swimming in natural pools
• Lunch at lodge
• Rest in hammocks or optional additional walks
• Candlelight dinner
• Overnight at lodge

Day 3 — Final Rafting and Departure

• Breakfast with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Pack and prepare for rafting
• Rafting down Pacuare River, class 3 and 4 rapids
• Lunch on riverbank beach
• Continue rafting to tour endpoint
• Shower, change, and bus to hotels

Top questions

How difficult is the rafting on this tour?

The rapids range from class II-III on day one (good for beginners), then class III-IV on day three which are more challenging but manageable if you follow your guide’s instructions.

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring quick-dry clothes for rafting, sturdy shoes or sandals with straps (no flip-flops), insect repellent, sunscreen, swimsuit, light rain jacket, and something warm for evenings at the lodge.

Are meals included?

Yes—all meals from breakfast on day one to lunch on day three are included. Expect Costa Rican dishes with fresh fruit and coffee.

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal at the lodge?

No Wi-Fi or reliable cell service at the lodge—it’s part of what makes it special! Let people know you’ll be off-grid for a couple days.

What’s included

Your tour covers round-trip transport from main San José hotels, all rafting equipment, expert local guides, two nights’ stay in a riverside jungle lodge (private rooms), all meals from breakfast on day one through lunch on day three, guided rainforest hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes, plus plenty of coffee and good company along the way.