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RIO PACUARE
2-3 days, San Martin to Siquirres. Class III-IV

On two and three-day trips to the Pacuare River, you’ll truly experience the rainforest – its spectacular beauty far removed from civilization, and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Day 1: Depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast at the new Rios Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river, your friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day’s Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare’s charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you’ll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.

Arrive at the award-winning Rios Tropicales Lodge, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in the lodge’s waterfall and pools. Nestled in the jungle, in a thousand-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in Cabecar Indian-style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious and have modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine.

Day 2: The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will wake you up. This day is meant for you to enjoy the lodge and surroundings. You can choose from a variety of hikes – a four to five-hour hike through the mountains to where Cabecar Indian families live; a two to three-hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools; short walks near the lodge; or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature. Experience an aspect of the Pacuare that few people know!

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast, you’ll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. Explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides before your riverside picnic lunch. An adrenaline-packed afternoon, running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are available at the Rios Tropicales Operations Center. On the return drive to San José, you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.

(Note: For the two-day trip, simply omit Day 2. You will not spend the extra day at the lodge.)