Pacuare River Rafting: 18 Miles of Class III-IV Rapids

Paddle through one of the world's most storied rivers, guided through every rapid

A full-day rafting trip on the Pacuare River near Turrialba, departing from San José with hotel pickup and returning by evening. You'll paddle 18 miles of Class III and IV rapids, pass named drops like Huacas and Pele el Ojo, and eat breakfast and lunch on the river with a guide, all equipment and transportation included. Suitable for beginners with moderate fitness.

The experience

The day starts before dawn with pickup at your San José hotel. The drive to the Pacuare takes roughly 2.5 hours, passing through Cartago, Paraíso, Cervantes and Juan Viñas on the way to Turrialba, the rafting hub of Costa Rica. You'll stop for a typical breakfast en route. By mid-morning you're at Finca 3X on the riverbank, where the guide walks you through the safety briefing and fits you with a helmet and life jacket before you push off into the current.

The river section here runs Class III and IV: fast enough to keep you paddling and reading the water, but built for people new to rafting. You'll navigate the popular rapids of Huacas, Pele el Ojo and Cimarrones over the course of five hours on the water. A safety kayaker stays with the group. Lunch is served on the riverbank partway through, giving you time to dry out and refuel before the second half of the run.

By late afternoon you're back at the takeout, changed and ready for the return drive to San José. The van drops you at your hotel around 6pm. The full day (drive, breakfast, five hours of paddling, lunch and the ride home) is one booking, so there's no coordinating separate transport or meals.

What’s included

• River guide in English or Spanish.
• private transportation from and to your San José hotel.
• a typical breakfast and buffet lunch.
• five hours of rafting on the river.
• all rafting equipment including helmet and life jacket.
• a safety kayaker.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Excitement Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose the San José departure if your hotel is in the capital and you want door-to-door pickup. Choose the Turrialba departure if you're already in the area and want to skip the long drive and start paddling sooner. Either way, the guide and all meals are included, so the only thing you bring is your fitness and willingness to get wet.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

How difficult is the Pacuare River for someone who's never rafted before?

The Pacuare section you paddle is Class III and IV, which is suitable for beginners with a moderate level of physical fitness. The guide handles the route-finding and safety. Your job is to paddle when the guide calls it and follow instructions through the rapids.

What happens during the 2.5-hour drive from San José to the river?

You travel through the Central Valley towns of Cartago, Paraíso, Cervantes and Juan Viñas, ending in Turrialba. A typical Costa Rican breakfast is included partway through the drive to fuel up before the river.

What are the named rapids on the Pacuare that I'll paddle?

The main rapids you'll encounter are Huacas, Pele el Ojo and Cimarrones. These are well-known sections of the river that give the run its character and pace.

Is lunch included, and when do we eat?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served on the riverbank during the five-hour paddle, roughly halfway through. It gives you a break to rest and refuel before the second half of the run.

What do I need to bring, and what does the outfitter provide?

Bring shorts, a bathing suit, a cap, sunscreen, water shoes or tennis shoes, a full change of clothes and a towel. The outfitter provides the raft, paddle, helmet, life jacket, all safety gear and a safety kayaker who stays with the group the entire time.