Pacuare River Rafting: 30 km Class III-IV Whitewater

Paddle through primary rainforest, navigate Class III-IV rapids, spot river otters and toucans

Full-day Pacuare River rafting from San José includes hotel pickup, breakfast, equipment and lunch. You paddle 30 km of Class III-IV whitewater through Costa Rican rainforest with a certified guide, stopping to eat and watch for wildlife along the river banks.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your San José hotel and a stop for traditional Costa Rican breakfast before you reach the Pacuare River. Once there, professional guides fit you with a helmet, life vest and all rafting gear, then walk through safety protocols and rowing basics so you understand how to paddle as a team. The river itself is ranked among the world's best for this kind of adventure: 30 km of Class III-IV whitewater cuts through primary rainforest, and the current does most of the work while you navigate the rapids and stay in sync with your group.

The jungle around you holds river otters, toucans, bright-colored frogs and Morpho butterflies: animals you'll spot between the adrenaline of the rapids and the waterfalls that punctuate the run. Midway through, the guides pull the raft to a river beach where lunch waits. After eating, you push back into the water for the final stretch until the takeout point, where dry clothes and transport back to San José are ready.

What’s included

• Breakfast and lunch.
• rafting equipment including helmet, life vest and paddle.
• professional certified guide.
• hotel pickup and return transport to San José.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 120

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 today

Good to know

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

Operated by Tropical Rivers

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable paddling Class III-IV rapids and want a full-day river adventure with hotel pickup included. Choose another if you prefer shorter outings or calmer water.

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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 has never rafted before?

The Pacuare carries Class III-IV rapids, which means fast current and waves but no waterfalls or long portages. Your guide gives you instruction on rowing and teamwork before you launch, and the certified guides manage the raft's line through each rapid. Moderate physical fitness is required, and the minimum age is 12.

What animals might I actually see on the Pacuare?

River otters, toucans, frogs with bright colors and Morpho butterflies live along this stretch of rainforest. Sightings depend on the time of day and the river's noise level, but the jungle canopy is active enough that guides regularly point out wildlife during the paddle and the lunch stop.

Is the breakfast and lunch included, or do I need to bring my own food?

Breakfast at a stop on the way to the river and lunch at a beach midway through the day are both included. The breakfast is traditional Costa Rican. The lunch is served after you've paddled the first half of the run.

Do I need to bring anything, or is all the rafting gear provided?

The raft, paddle, helmet, life vest and all safety equipment are provided by the guides. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dry clothes wait for you at the takeout point. Water and alcoholic beverages are not included, so pack what you'll need for the day.

How long is the actual time on the water paddling?

The full day is about 4.5 hours from pickup to return, which includes breakfast, the safety briefing, the paddle itself, lunch and the ride back. Most of that time is spent on the river navigating the 30 km run.