Pacuare River Rafting: Class III-IV Rapids & Gorge

A day on the Pacuare: white water rapids, a towering waterfall, and the river gorge that defines Costa Rican rafting

Pacuare River rafting in Costa Rica is a full-day activity on class III and IV white water, starting with hotel pickup and breakfast, then nine hours of paddling through the river gorge and its named rapids (Terciopelo, Double Drop, Upper and Lower Huacas, Pinball) ending at a private center with lunch and a shower. A live guide in English or Spanish leads groups through secondary growth forest and past the Huacas waterfall, a 150-foot drop into the river. Children from age 7 are welcome. Moderate fitness is required.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your San Jose hotel, then a drive to the Pacuare River where you get geared up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle. A full safety briefing comes before you push off. The first four miles are class II-III rapids: easier water that gives you time to find your rhythm and build confidence in the boat before the real challenge starts.

After about 40 minutes you enter the Pacuare River Gorge, five miles of the best white water in the country. The rapids here have names: Terciopelo snake, Double Drop, Upper and Lower Huacas, Pinball. You'll also see the Huacas waterfall, a 150-foot dramatic drop straight into the river. The gorge is surrounded by secondary growth forest: thick, green, and visible only from the water. This is the stretch that makes the Pacuare different from other rivers in Costa Rica.

You finish at the operator's own private Exploration Center where you can shower off and eat. Breakfast comes early (seasonal fruits, eggs, yogurt, juices) and lunch is Costa Rican style: rice with meat, vegetable salad and dessert. The guide stays with the group the whole time and speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Breakfast and lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your San Jose hotel.
• life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• full safety briefing.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• shower facilities at the private Exploration Center.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (8 to 70 years) · Child (7 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 17 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 yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Ivantours

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from San Jose means you don't need a car or a way to reach the river on your own. The operator handles the drive both ways. Choose this if you're staying in the city and want a full-day activity that includes meals and doesn't require you to arrange transport.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 years). Children under 7 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 are the Pacuare River rapids like for someone who has never rafted before?

The Pacuare has class III and IV rapids, so it is not beginner water, but the day is designed to build your skills. The first four miles are class II-III, which gives you time to practice and gain confidence before you enter the gorge where the harder rapids are. You need at least moderate fitness, but you don't need rafting experience.

Does the Pacuare River rafting include meals and how does the day fit into a schedule?

Breakfast and lunch are both included. Breakfast happens before you get on the water and lunch is at the private center after you finish. The whole day is nine hours from pickup to drop-off, so plan for a full commitment from morning to afternoon.

What is the Huacas waterfall and when do you see it?

The Huacas waterfall is a 150-foot drop straight into the river, and you pass it while you're paddling through the Pacuare River Gorge. It's one of the named landmarks on the route, visible from the water as you navigate the rapids around it.