The Pacuare River

   Considered by many experienced white-water rafters to be the most scenic class III-IV rapids in the world, the Pacuare River provides an adventurous ride filled with stunning natural beauty along the entire length of its turning, twisting rapids.

   The Pacuare River runs from the country's highest mountain range to the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic, through one of Costa Rica's most important protected areas. These jungles are still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, whose traditional dwellings are spaced far apart over large distances.   Located strategically inside this zone of protected wilderness is our very special jungle getaway, the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis accessible to travelers through our multi-day rafting tours on the Pacuare River.

Day 1:   After being picked up at their hotel in a comfortable minibus, guests are transported through the old Capitol City of Cartago and lush green farmlands at the base of Turrialba Volcano. Along the way the minibus stops for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast. Guides welcome adventurers upon arrival to the banks of the Pacuare River. Before beginning the river adventure, our experienced guides explain safety precautions. The Pacuare is a swiftly running and rapidly changing river, making this one of the most invigorating and intense rafting trips available anywhere  in  the  world.   As it winds deep inside one of Costa Rica's most impressive primordial rainforests, adventurers will face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters down miles of raging rapids, passing through steep canyons where cascading waterfalls plummeted hundreds of feet, crashing thunderously into the rapidly coursing river below.

   Dense vegetation covers the steep banks along the river. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and myriad other species of tropical animals and birds. As the rafts squeeze through narrow openings between huge granite boulders, the jungle rises above, towering thousands of feet above the riverbanks. The first day of rafting is a journey taking just over an hour and a half, plenty of time for adventurous souls to be tossed and turned from side to side as the rafts race forward through wave after wave of surging rapids. The first day ends at the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by ancient towering trees, a two-story jungle lodge houses rustic but comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in an open-air second floor lounge.

   Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs are spaced out beneath the trees, providing both privacy and serenity. After a hearty lunch, guests can try the Pacuare Canopy Adventure, take a guided hike into the rainforest, or just relax. Happy Hour begins as twilight descends, creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests to relax and share their experiences. The dinner bell ring shortly after, inviting guests to a candlelight dinner prepared by the guides, who are trained by a French chef. After dinner, guests can relax with others or head to the comfortable bungalows that await them, complete with private bathroom, comfortable beds and clean linen. Lanterns guide the way, for there is no electricity in the middle of this rainforest, hence no phones ringing, no faxes warbling, no television sets blaring - just peaceful, quiet solitude

  Day 2:  Morning arrives with the sweet songs of exotic birds twittering among the treetops and the chattering of the rushing rapids of the river surging a few hundred feet away. A hearty breakfast awaits guests, with freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, French toast, eggs, fresh fruit and yogurt.

   The second day of the rafting journey is filled with a challenging battle with the mighty Pacuare River, a genuinely stimulating and adrenaline-filled ride. Rafting becomes even more exciting today as visitors use the skills and experience gained the day before to navigate the raw, pounding power of the mighty Pacuare River.

   Vigorously fighting the driving, surging waves for hours tends to build one's appetite, and soon the rafts stop along the river's edge for a sumptuous feast of sandwiches, fruits and dessert. Later, along a calm stretch of the river, guests can hike to pristine waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide inviting them to jump right in and splash around. The day ends with the triumph of having conquered one of the wildest and most beautiful rivers in the world. At the river take-out, guests can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding the comfortable microbus for the return to San José.