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

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 50 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (11 years) · Child (10 years) · Infant (9 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 years); Child (10 years); Infant (9 years). Children under 9 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. No refund if you cancel.

What is the Pacuare River like as a rafting destination?

The Pacuare River ranks in the world's top 10 most beautiful rivers and flows through forest with wildlife and nature along the banks. The 18-mile run includes rapids suitable for moderate fitness levels, and the river's conditions shift with weather and water flow, so no two days are identical.

How long is the actual time on the water?

River time is 4 hours, which includes the lunch stop. You depart at 8am from the office in Turrialba and return by 3pm, so the full day from start to finish is about seven hours.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and happens on the riverbank during the trip. Vegetarian options are available, and the operator asks that you advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Bring a change of clothes for after the trip, as the weather can change fast on the river. Leave jewelry, rings and earrings at your hotel. They don't belong in the boat. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for wet conditions.