Pacuare River Rafting 2-Day Class III & IV Adventure

Paddle class III and IV rapids, then sleep by the river

A two-day rafting trip on the Pacuare River departing from San José includes hotel pickup, transport to Cartago and Turrialba, 6 miles of whitewater on day one, overnight accommodation at Avesol Lodge, a guided forest walk, and another 5 hours of rafting on day two before return to San José around 6 p.m. The itinerary holds meals, drinks, all equipment and a safety kayaker; guides speak English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Jose to Pacuare River rafting

• Pick up at hotel in San José
• Travel to Cartago with breakfast
• Pass towns to Turrialba rafting capital
• Safety briefing at Finca La Cruz
• Raft class III and IV rapids
• Lunch on river bank or camp
• Guided forest walk at camp
• Pre-dinner Happy Hour by candlelight
• Dinner with wine at camp

Day 2 — Pacuare River rafting and return

• Breakfast by the river
• Continue rafting adventure
• Buffet lunch on the river
• Change clothes at camp
• Return to San José hotel

The Experience

The day starts with pickup at your San José hotel early in the morning, then a 2.5-hour drive through Cartago, Paraíso, Cervantes, Juan Viñas and Turrialba — the rafting capital of Costa Rica — with a typical breakfast en route. At Finca La Cruz you get a safety briefing before launching onto the 6-mile first section of the Pacuare, paddling class III and IV rapids with a river guide. Lunch is buffet-style on the river bank or at camp, then a guided walk of about 1.5 hours through the forest lets you move through the flora and fauna of the area before settling at Avesol Lodge for the night.

The evening includes a pre-dinner happy hour by candlelight with drinks and appetizers, followed by a full dinner with wine. Day two starts with fresh coffee and breakfast by the river, then another 5 hours of paddling on the Pacuare — more rapids and more current than day one. A second buffet lunch comes on the river, and afterward you change and head back to San José, arriving at your hotel around 6 p.m. The trip includes all rafting equipment, a safety kayaker, and transportation with a guide throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in San José and return transport.
• 2.5-hour drive to the Pacuare with breakfast en route.
• 6 miles of class III and IV rafting on day one and 5 hours on day two.
• river guide and safety kayaker.
• overnight stay at Avesol Lodge in a standard room.
• pre-dinner happy hour with drinks and appetizers.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner both days).
• guided forest walk of approximately 1.5 hours.
• all rafting equipment.
• taxes and fees.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Excitement Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a fully guided two-day rafting trip with overnight camp included—you paddle Class III and IV rapids on day one, then continue downriver on day two, with a river guide and safety kayaker managing the pace for moderate paddlers.

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Top questions

What are class III and IV rapids like on the Pacuare River?

Class III and IV rapids on the Pacuare River involve moderate to heavy whitewater with waves, drops and obstacles that require active paddling and quick reactions. The Pacuare's rapids are continuous and technical, making them suitable for paddlers with at least moderate fitness and swimming ability; the river guide leads you through each section and a safety kayaker travels with the group.

Where do I sleep on the two-day Pacuare rafting trip?

You stay overnight at Avesol Lodge in a standard room. The lodge sits on the river, so you wake to the sound of the water and have access to the forest trails and surrounding area in the evening before dinner.

What's included in the meals during the two days?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included, plus a pre-dinner happy hour with drinks and appetizers on the first evening. Lunch on both days is buffet-style, served on the river bank or at camp; dinner on day one includes wine.

Does the Pacuare rafting trip include transportation from San José?

Yes, hotel pickup in San José is included, along with all transport to Cartago, Turrialba and the Pacuare River, and return to your hotel around 6 p.m. on day two. A guide travels with the group throughout.

What should I bring for the two-day Pacuare rafting trip?

Bring shorts, a bathing suit, a cap, sunscreen, water shoes or tennis shoes, two complete sets of clothing and a towel. All rafting equipment and safety gear are provided.

What's the minimum age to raft the Pacuare River on this trip?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health; participants should have at least moderate physical fitness.