Pacuare River Rafting Costa Rica: Waterfall & Private Tour

Rafting the Pacuare at dawn, when the jungle is still waking up

You start before dawn from Turrialba, spend five hours on the Pacuare River spotting wildlife and navigating calm sections, hike to a waterfall, eat lunch on the bank, and return by early afternoon. Hotel pickup and a photographer documenting your day are included. The small-group format and early timing mean you avoid crowds and catch the river at its best.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting and waterfall tour

• Meet at office in Turrialba at 7 am
• Start rafting tour on Pacuare River
• Enjoy walk to Pacuare waterfall
• Have included lunch and fruit
• Return to office or hotel by 2:30 pm

The experience

Seven in the morning, and you're already in the van heading toward Turrialba. The Pacuare River rafting trip starts early on purpose, so you catch the river when it's quietest and the wildlife hasn't retreated into the canopy yet. Natural Crossings picks you up from your hotel or their office and drives you straight to the put-in, which means no waiting around, no confusion about where to go. The whole operation runs on the kind of detail that matters: they're certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, which is not something every outfitter can say.

Once you're on the water, the Pacuare River does most of the talking. It's been ranked in the top ten most beautiful rivers in the world, and you'll understand why within the first hour: the canyon walls close in, the water runs clear and cold, and the jungle presses right up to the banks. You're not fighting class V rapids here. The pace lets you actually look around, spot birds, maybe see a sloth or a howler monkey if you're lucky. The guide knows where to point, and the photographer who comes along captures the moments you'd miss if you were too busy holding on. Around midday, you pull over for lunch on the riverbank (real food, not trail mix), and then there's a walk to the Pacuare waterfall, which is the kind of detail that separates this tour from a straight float trip.

You're back by 2:30 pm, which means the afternoon is still yours. Bring extra clothes and water shoes (the river is cold and the rocks are slick), and don't overthink the physical side of it. The tour is private, which changes the whole feel. You're not jockeying for space with twenty other people or waiting for a group to get their act together. It's just you, the river, and the person steering the boat who actually knows what they're doing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Turrialba, private transportation to and from the river, five hours on the Pacuare River with a certified guide, a hike to the Pacuare waterfall, lunch and fruit on the riverbank, and a photographer documenting the experience. All equipment and safety gear are provided.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (28 to 29 years) · Senior (30 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 27 years) · Infant (10 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Travesias Naturales

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Pacuare River without arranging transport, timing the rapids yourself, or sharing the boat with strangers: the early start and private format are what make both the wildlife spotting and the calm pace possible in a single morning.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 27 years); Infant (10 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Pacuare River rafting tour start?

Pickup is at 7:00 am from your hotel in Turrialba or from Natural Crossings' office. The tour returns at 2:30 pm.

Is lunch included in the Pacuare rafting tour?

Yes. Lunch, fruit, and water are included. You eat on the riverbank during a break in the middle of the day.

Do I need rafting experience for the Pacuare River?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The rapids are manageable, and the guide handles navigation.

What wildlife might I see on the Pacuare?

Sloths, howler monkeys, birds, and other jungle animals are common, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Natural Crossings picks up from hotels in the Turrialba area or from their office if you prefer to meet them there.

What should I bring on the Pacuare rafting tour?

Extra clothes and water shoes. The river is cold and the rocks are slippery. Sunscreen and a waterproof bag for valuables are also recommended.

Is there a photographer on the tour?

Yes. A photographer comes along and captures photos during the day. This is an additional service Natural Crossings offers to clients.

How long is the Pacuare River rafting tour?

Approximately five and a half hours from pickup to return, including the waterfall hike and lunch break.