Pacuare River
Location: Near San Jose
Flowing down Costa Rica’s Atlantic Slope, Pacuare River rafting trips are convenient for people staying in San Jose. Many commercial outfitters offer pick-up service from San Jose hotels to the river’s put-in.
Go Rafting with A Commercial Outfitter
Rafting.com is currently seeking qualified outfitters for Featured Listings in this region. If you are a local rafting outfitter and would like to see your company listed here, please contact us for more information.
Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate
The Pacuare River is sourced high in the Talamanca Mountains, site of Costa Rica’s highest peak, and La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the river flows from these mountains, Class III-IV rapids create tumbling whitewater. Rapids like “Cimarron” and “Dos Montanas” will challenge both first-timers looking for adventure, and experienced rafters.
Scenery: Tropical waterfalls, sloths, rainforest birds
“Rio Pacuare” flows through a protected wilderness area off the beaten path and offers spectacular scenery: sheer walls rise from the river, shimmering with cascading waterfalls. Calm pools and natural waterslides give rafters the chance to experience the Pacuare’s beauty first-hand. The banks of the river teem with wildlife: brilliant birds, sleepy sloths, and shy spotted ocelots.
Season: May – March
One to three day trips are available from May to March.