Pacuare River: White Water Rafting Day Trip from San José

Summary

Raft wild Pacuare rapids from San José with riverside lunch

You’ll start before sunrise in San José with hotel pickup and breakfast, then raft 18 miles of Pacuare River rapids with an expert guide. Paddle past waterfalls and jungle cliffs, eat lunch by the water’s edge, spot wildlife if you’re lucky—and head home tired but buzzing from it all.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely awake when the van pulled up outside our hotel in San José—still dark, air thick with that muggy Costa Rican scent. I remember fumbling with my shoes and thinking, “Is this really worth leaving bed for?” But then we started winding through Cartago’s misty hills toward Turrialba, and the windows fogged up with the smell of rain and coffee. Breakfast was at some roadside spot—gallo pinto, eggs, fruit so sweet it almost tasted fake. Our guide, Diego, made us laugh trying to explain how not to fall out of the raft (“Just don’t let go!”) while I nervously eyed the helmets.

The Pacuare River itself is louder than you’d expect—like a constant white noise machine but alive. We paddled into the first Class III rapid and I got smacked in the face by a wave (cold, sharp wake-up call). There’s this part where you squeeze between two rock faces—Diego yelled something about “Dos Montañas” and I just tried not to drop my paddle. Waterfalls everywhere, mist hanging above the green like a veil. At one point we drifted quietly and saw a flash of blue—maybe a kingfisher? Someone said they spotted a monkey but honestly I was too busy catching my breath.

Lunch was on some gravelly riverbank—simple sandwiches, fruit again (pineapple this time), everything sticky and perfect after all that paddling. The jungle felt close; you could hear birds arguing overhead and smell wet earth. Diego told us about the Cabécar people living somewhere deeper in these forests—a place tourists never see. He said it softly, like he respected it too much to say more. We sat there for a while just listening before getting back in.

By the end I was soaked, arms jelly, hair full of river grit—but weirdly happy. The drive back to San José was quieter; everyone sort of slumped against their windows watching rain slide down the glass. I keep thinking about that cold splash on my face and how alive it felt—like maybe waking up early isn’t so bad after all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pacuare River rafting adventure

• Early hotel pickup in San José
• Drive through Cartago to Turrialba
• Enjoy included Costa Rican breakfast
• Safety briefing and gear fitting
• Raft through narrow gorge and rapids
• Stop for riverside picnic lunch
• Admire waterfalls and rainforest wildlife
• Change into dry clothes after rafting
• Return drive to San José

Top questions

How long is the Pacuare River rafting day trip from San José?

The tour lasts a full day including transport from San José to Turrialba and back, plus rafting time on the river itself.

Is breakfast included on this Pacuare River tour?

Yes, breakfast is included before you reach the river launch point.

What class are the rapids on this Pacuare River rafting trip?

The rapids are mostly Class III and IV along an 18-mile stretch.

Are there age or health restrictions for rafting Pacuare River?

Participants must be at least 12 years old and have good physical fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or spinal issues.

Is lunch provided during the day trip to Pacuare River?

Yes, there’s a picnic-style lunch served on a riverbank during the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in San José?

Yes, hotel pickup in San José is included at the start of your day.

Will there be a local guide on this Pacuare River rafting trip?

An expert local guide leads your group throughout the rafting experience.

What should I bring for white water rafting on Pacuare River?

Wear secure shoes, swimsuit or shorts with nylon shirt; bring sunscreen, towel, insect repellent, change of clothes, water bottle and some cash for extras.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in San José, hearty Costa Rican breakfast before reaching Turrialba’s launch point, all necessary rafting equipment fitted by your guide team, an expert local guide throughout your time on the Pacuare River’s rapids and canyons (with plenty of stories), plus a riverside picnic lunch surrounded by rainforest sounds before heading back to town in dry clothes.