Rafting on Pacuare River from San José
Experience a legendary day of adventure with this white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River, featuring world-class rapids and lush Costa Rican rainforest.
Practical information
Go rafting on the Pacuare River near San José, navigating world-famous Class III-IV rapids!
- Immersion in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest with possibility to spot local wildlife like birds and monkeys.
- Stress-free day with round-trip transportation and breakfast included.
- Professional supervision with a maximum of 6 participants per guide.
Course of events
Please allow 10 hours on-site for the entire experience.
- Pick up at your hotel in San José early in the morning.
- Transfer to the Turrialba area in a comfortable vehicle (approx. 2.5 hours), while enjoying a scenic journey through Cartago and towns such as Paraíso, Cervantes, and Juan Viñas.
- Stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast before starting the activity (30–40 minutes).
- Journey to the starting point in Tres Equis (30 minutes).
- Arrival at the Tres Equis Adventure Park and equipment preparation (15–20 minutes).
- Riverside safety briefing with professional guides (20 minutes).
- Start of rafting on the Pacuare River navigating Class III and IV rapids (4–5 hours).
- Navigation through iconic rapids such as Huacas, Pele el Ojo, and Cimarrones.
- Completion of the tour and disembarkation (10–15 minutes).
- Time to change and take a shower at the base (30–40 minutes).
- Return trip to San José (approx. 2.5 hours).
Activity requirements
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
A good physical condition is required.
The maximum weight is 120 kg (265 lbs).
Please inform your instructor of any medical conditions when booking.
All participants must know how to swim to take part in this activity.
Special terms
Not recommended for pregnant people.
The time and meeting point for this activity is changeable based on weather conditions. Please contact the instructor directly once your booking has been confirmed.
Pick-up locations (to specify upon booking): Hotels in San José.
A minimum number of 2 participants is required for the activity to run.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
All participants must sign an on-site insurance waiver.
Photos/video(s) are available at an additional fee, to be paid onsite.
Please bring spare glasses if wearing prescription lenses.
Spoken languages:
English, Spanish, Portuguese, ItalianIncluded
- Professional instructor
- All technical equipment (helmet, life jacket)
- Pick-up and return transportation from San José
- Breakfast
- Taxes
Excluded
- Photos and videos
Do not forget to bring
- Cotton t-shirt or lycra for the river trip
- 2 pairs of shorts or swimsuits to wear during the river trip
- 2 pairs of footwear: sneakers and/or sandals (preferably water-resistant and secure)
- Long pants and sports shirt for the return trip
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Personal medications (no aerosols)
- Insect repellent
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, Spanish, Portuguese, ItalianCancellation: Super flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
By credit card or PaypalA team of experts:
Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Rafting on the Pacuare River from San José is a total immersion into one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Internationally recognised for its wild beauty, the Pacuare River winds through a dense tropical rainforest, offering a backdrop of limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and plunging waterfalls. This is a unique opportunity to combine the adrenaline of white water with incredible wildlife observation, where monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds can often be spotted along the banks.
Your day begins with a comfortable transfer from the capital towards the Turrialba region, passing through picturesque towns such as Cartago and Cervantes. After a typical Costa Rican breakfast, you will reach the launch point at Tres Equis. Under the supervision of professional certified guides, you will embark on a 4 to 5-hour descent. The course alternates between exciting Class III and IV rapids, such as the famous Huacas, Pele el Ojo, and Cimarrones, and calmer sections allowing you to admire the surrounding canopy.
Whether you are a beginner or a thrill-seeker, the supervision by experts ensures optimal safety with a ratio of only 6 participants per guide. This rafting excursion includes everything you need: from the round-trip transfer from your hotel in San José to the traditional lunch served during the day, allowing you to focus entirely on the thrill of the descent. Proposed year-round, this activity is the ultimate way to discover the wild heart of Costa Rica in a single day.
Are you ready to challenge the Pacuare rapids and experience the "Pura Vida" spirit in its most adventurous form? Book this rafting trip on Pacuare river departing from San José!