Pacuare River rafting tour: 4-hour private trip with lunch

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Duration2h–4h

GroupUp to 60

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Four hours on one of the world's most beautiful rivers, lunch on the bank, a photographer in the boat

A private rafting tour on the Pacuare River near Turrialba, Costa Rica, where you paddle 18 miles of rapids through forest in a single morning, with lunch included and a photographer capturing the run. The trip departs at 8am and returns by 3pm, with a live guide speaking English or Spanish. Children from age 9 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

2h–4h

Step-by-step itinerary

Pacuare River rafting adventure

Start trip at Turrialba office 7:50am
Raft 18 miles on Pacuare River
Enjoy wildlife and nature forest
Have lunch during river trip
Photographer takes pictures on river
Return by 3:00pm

The Experience

The day starts at the Ticos River Adventures office in Turrialba at 7:50am. You'll meet your guide and get fitted for gear before heading to the river for an 8am launch. The Pacuare is now ranked in the world's top 10 most beautiful rivers, and the 4-hour run covers 18 miles of rapids and forest. A photographer rides along in the boat the entire way, capturing shots of the group as you navigate the water — that's included, not an add-on. Lunch happens on the riverbank partway through, so you're eating with the current moving past and the forest around you.

This is a private tour, which means your group rafts alone rather than joining strangers. The company has been running the Pacuare since 1985 and focuses on keeping groups small and the pace manageable for moderate fitness levels. The river changes with weather and water flow, so the rapids shift day to day, but the guide reads the conditions and routes accordingly. You'll want to bring a change of clothes — the weather can turn fast, and you'll be wet. Leave jewelry at the hotel; it doesn't belong on the water.

You're back by 3pm, which gives you the rest of the afternoon. The operator notes that the trip operates in all weather, so rain doesn't cancel it — it just means you dress for wet conditions. If you have dietary needs beyond the standard lunch, let them know when you book.

What’s included

Private tour with a live guide in English or Spanish.
lunch on the riverbank.
a photographer documenting the entire run.
all rafting gear.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Ticos River Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if your group wants to raft alone and can reach Turrialba town by morning—the 4-hour river time fits a half-day schedule.