Pacuare River Rafting from Puerto Viejo: Class III-IV Rapids

Paddle 30 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids flanked by canyon walls and cascading waterfalls

White water rafting on the Pacuare River is a full-day activity from Puerto Viejo that takes you through approximately 30 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids, peaceful sections, and rainforest canyon. Hotel pickup, certified bilingual guides, traditional Costa Rican breakfast, riverside lunch, and all rafting equipment are included. Minimum age is 12. High physical fitness is required.

The experience

The paddle starts with hotel pickup in Puerto Viejo and a drive through the Caribbean countryside to the rafting center, where you'll meet your certified bilingual guides and get a complete safety briefing before launching. You begin with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast while the guides fit you with professional equipment: paddle, life jacket, helmet, and wetsuit if needed. The river itself is the work: roughly 30 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids alternate with calmer stretches where the rainforest opens up and you can spot wildlife, photograph waterfalls, and watch for sloths, toucans, coatis, and tropical birds moving through the canopy.

Midway through the journey, you'll pull ashore for a freshly prepared riverside lunch surrounded by the canyon walls and jungle. The second half of the run takes you deeper into one of Costa Rica's most dramatic river gorges, where the water, the rock, and the forest create the setting National Geographic has recognized as one of the world's most celebrated rafting rivers. Changing facilities and lockers for personal belongings are available at the center before and after the paddle.

What’s included

• Complete rafting equipment including paddle, life jacket, and helmet.
• traditional Costa Rican breakfast at the center.
• professional certified bilingual guides.
• changing facilities and lockers for personal belongings.
• river access and entrance fees.
• freshly prepared riverside lunch.
• round-trip hotel pickup from Puerto Viejo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 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 7 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The full day (roughly 7.5 hours from pickup to return) means you'll spend the morning and early afternoon on the river and won't have time for other activities that day. If you're based in Puerto Viejo and want to commit a full day to one adventure, this run fits. Minimum age is 12, and you need high physical fitness. The Class III-IV rapids and the length of the paddle are not suitable for beginners or travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

61 verified traveler reviews

5 ★54

4 ★4

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide 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.

What are the rapids like on the Pacuare River?

The Pacuare features Class III-IV rapids throughout the 30-kilometer run, balanced with calmer sections that let you take in the rainforest and look for wildlife. The rapids are exciting but manageable for paddlers with high physical fitness.

What wildlife might I see while rafting?

The Pacuare rainforest is home to sloths, toucans, parakeets, coatis, colorful frogs, and butterflies. You'll have time during the calmer stretches to watch for animals moving through the canopy and photograph waterfalls.

Does the price include meals?

Yes. A traditional Costa Rican breakfast is served at the rafting center before you launch, and a freshly prepared riverside lunch is included midway through the paddle.

What do I need to bring?

Wear quick-drying clothing and secure footwear suitable for water. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel, a change of clothes, and a reusable water bottle. Souvenir photos are available to purchase after the trip.

Is hotel pickup included from Puerto Viejo?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from selected hotels in Puerto Viejo de Limón is included in the price. Contact the operator to confirm your hotel is on the pickup route and to reconfirm your pickup time the day before.