Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting
Pacuare Whitewater Rafting
Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest whitewater
rafting and kayaking rivers. Wild and untamed, these big, brash rivers
plunge through spectacularly beautiful, largely unexplored tropical
wilderness. The Pacuare (pah KWAH ray) is the quintessential tropical
river. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges which shelter
jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and an incredible variety of birds.
Also found within these gorges is some of the best whitewater in all of
Central America, ranging up to Class V in difficulty. The Pacuare is the
only river in Costa Rica which contains these amenities, including virgin
rain forest, while also being quite accessible. The lowland tropical
forest here is remarkable for its luxuriant variety and the amazing
abundance and diversity of wildlife found within it. Other rivers such as
the Telire and the Chirripó Atlántico can match the attractions of the
Pacuare but require either a multi-day carry-in or the services of a
helicopter.
It is not difficult to paddle the entire lower Pacuare in a day, but
overnight trips are much more relaxed. With a two-day trip it is possible
to hike up two or three side canyons; a three day trip allows time to
explore the jungle by way of the numerous trails that have been used by
the local Indians and Campesinos for years. The low beaches are not good
places to camp because the river often rises dramatically at night. Most
of the prime camping spots above the inner gorge are privately owned.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Pacuare trip has always been the
put-in. For several years, one outfitter used the original river access
plan, wherein local campesinos shuttle rafts, kayaks, equipment, and food
down a dirt path on an oxcart. The road to the river was wiped out
by a flood, so the oxcart method of transport has been abandoned. Although
the old road/trail through San Martin has recently been upgraded and
improved, most trips now begin at a drive-in access point two miles
downstream.
From the put-in to the beginning
of the inner gorge, the river drops through numerous Class II-III boulder
gardens and simple drops as it becomes sequestered in the ever more
verdant rain forest. Among the more interesting residents of the lowland
forest are ocelots and jaguars. The big cats are rarely seen, but somehow
you just know that they are watching you warily from the dark shadows of
the enclosing jungle.
PACUARE RIVER
2 DAYS/1 NIGHT
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. $ 295 /person with transfers
DAY 1
After being picked up at their hotel in a comfortable minibus, guests
are transported through the verdant Braulio Carrillo National Park and
lush green farmlands at the base of Turrialba Volcano. Along the way
the minibus stops for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast. Guides from
Aventuras Naturales 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.
(B,L,D)
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. (B,L)
PACUARE RIVER
(CLASS III-IV)
One Day Trip
Early morning pick up from the hotel and transfer to the put in..
San Martín to Siquirres (18 miles) A trip of pure magic, unsurpassed
beauty, exuberant wildlife and spectacular rapids. A quintessential
tropical river -- its densely vegetated gorges shelter jaguars, ocelots,
monkeys, sloths and an incredible variety of birds and butterflies. Also
found within these gorges is some of the best whitewater in the world.
Return late afternoon to San Jose.
$110 /person with transfers
only available in combination
other Hidden Trails trip in Costa Rica
Rio Sarapiquí -
One Day Raft
Neighboring La Selva Biological
Station, the Sarapiquí River offers the best wildlife viewing
opportunities. This mid-elevation, southern Caribbean area is of
great importance, of which value is measured in terms of its
biodiversity. It hosts many different kinds of wildlife such as:
toucans, water birds, monkeys, sloths and butterflies.
la Virgen Section
The Sarapiqui's rapids are moderate class II-III. Thus, it is the
perfect adventure for families with children. Rapids such as "Confusión",
"Ay Caramba" and "Roller Coaster" will satisfy your daily dosage for
adrenaline and water splash! In addition, the clear, warm water is
perfect for enjoying a swim between rapids.
We also recommend this section for descents in an inflatable kayak, a
two person canoe-like craft. This is an ideal opportunity for those
looking for a greater challenge. These crafts are very stable, easy to
maneuver, and really fun!
The Sarapiquí can be run as a one day trip, both from San José and the
Arenal Volcano area. From either place it takes hour and 30 minutes to
get to the put inn at La Virgen. The run takes two and a half hours
combining spectacular rainforest with colorful farmlands.
Because its relatively small drainage area the Sarapiqui does become too
low to run in the dry season. It is recommended at medium to high water
levels during the rainy season.
