Pacuare River
Pacuare River
5
About
This beautiful river runs from the Caribbean Coast inland almost to Cartago.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Pacuare River and nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
151 reviews
Excellent
138
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Donna T
4 contributions
May 2021
We spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica and our stay at Pacuare River Lodge was the highlight of our trip. We rafted in, spent one night and rafted out. Walter was our guide extraordinaire: he is a great white water guide and very knowledgeable about wildlife, nature and history of Costa Rica. We opted for a room with a private bath which was right outside the room. The grounds are beautiful and there are tons of hummingbirds and other tropical birds. Walter had his book of Costa Rican birds that he shared with me so I could look up what I was spotting. There is a covered common area overlooking the river where meals are prepared and served. We were served 4 delicious meals during our overnight stay. After we arrived and had lunch, Walter took us on a hike to several waterfalls with pools below them that we could swim in. Rafting the second day included some class III and IV rapids. It was very invigorating and the scenery was beautiful. When you book they send you a list of what you will need which is very helpful. One thing I would add is a small quick dry camping towel to dry off with after showering at the take out. I would say this is a must do to add to your bucket list for Costa Rica! Highly, highly recommend Pacuare River Lodge!
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
readymom
Concord, NC63 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
One day rafting trip Pacure river. Were picked up in San Jose from our hotel. There is an accident so we were 40 minutes late leaving. Nothing they could control. Had breakfast prior to starting the rafting trip. Typical Costa Rican meal. Received safety information on the ride to the put in. All equipment was provided and in good repair. Our guide, carlos, was excellent. He provided good instructions. The trip was great. At the end we had a Costa Rican lunch. I would highly recommend. Safety is a top priority for me.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbfarrell2
mbfarrell214 contributions
The Pacuare River is a great place to raft. I have rafted all over the US and Europe and this has some of the greatest scenery of anywhere I have been. There are also many fun and challenging rapids but none that make you feel unsafe. We used Costa Rica Expeditions and took their Connosuier package, it was well worth the extra money. They picked us up took us straight to breakfast(very good local place) and then straight to the river where we got on before all the other outiftters that had 10 boats all together. We had one boat and were able to customize the trip however we wanted. Alejandro was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable not only about the Pacuare but rafting and wildlife in general. Highly reccomend!!!
Written 13 July 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jyang315
Philly2 contributions
I'm sure the Pacuare River is beautiful. Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of booking my rafting reservation with Exploradores Outdoors. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure many customers have been satisfied with their experiences, but I am here to warn you that YOU may be next in what I experienced as an unacceptable level of dishonesty and unprofessionalism. Exploradores arranged to pick us up in front of our hotel at 6:30am on a Saturday. My traveling partner and I eagerly stood outside our hotel on Saturday at 6:30am, looking forward to what we thought was going to be a day full of rafting. Soon however, the minutes passed by and by 7:00am we became concerned that something was up. We called the company and they reported that we simply weren't in front of our hotel at the time, and that the driver had left the city. I guess it comes down to their word versus ours, but there would be no reason that I am taking my time to come to tripadvisor.com to warn my fellow travelers out there to watch out for this company all for a lie. Anyhow, they gave me the option of either rescheduling the trip or instead getting a full refund. At that point, I was pleased with the professionalism of the company, and eventually opted for the full refund. They politely accepted and informed me that it would take a business week or so in order for it be processed. After arriving back home in Philadelphia, I checked my bank account to see if I had been refunded or not. Of course, I wasn't, at which point I immediately emailed the company to ask for an update on the situation. They quickly replied informing me that the request for a refund had already been submitted to the credit card company and that I would just have to wait a few more days for it to be processed. Now today, a week after the last email, I receive an email with the following quote "My partner told with my boss, and he told her that the refund in your situation don’t applied." That's it. Nothing after that. Of course I responded immediately asking further details, but to make the story short, they are now refusing to refund my money despite having already submitted a refund request. Clearly, them informing me that they had submitted a request for a credit refund a while back was a lie. I have now had to endure with going through Bank of America to dispute the charge which will I am sure be an endless process, and moreover, a hassle. I rarely write any reviews for any website, but after having gone through this nightmare of a company, had the obligation to come on here and warn all of you to stay away and go with the other more reputable and longer established rafting companies! Exploradores outdoors, from what I have been told, is a new company, and clearly, they have not figured out how to run an ethical business.
Written 18 March 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrekkingToDestiny
Virginia Beach, VA2 contributions
I have waited almost two months to write this review of Exploradores Outdoors. In early August, myself and two friends book at rafting trip with them on the Pacuare. The trip was fun, and the guides were terrific. And the end of the trip we went to purchase pictures, they told us that the computer was down, and we would send the pictures within 2 weeks. They took our money along with many others. After about three weeks, I contacted them to tell them that we had not received the pictures, they claimed that they had sent them. I asked them to re send, and they said they would. Another three weeks passed, and still no pictures. At this point, I asked for them to email us the pictures; however, now they are not responding. I have spoken to others who were also on the trip and they have had the same problem. Stay away from this company, there are plenty others who will be honest.
Written 1 October 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StaceyLh72
Florida38 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
So...prior to making my journey, I looked up and read hours of people's tips. I am going to list the things that I would of liked to of known before hand. Probably aimed more towards things 35+ women would be concerned with. We used Rios Tropicales for our tour. I have a seperate review on that. As far as the rafting experience, obviously beautiful. We went at the end of May. The river is at "medium" level then, water temp was just slightly cold on the first splash but not terrible afterwards. I wore a swimsuit but not on the second day. Most of the guides had on rash gaurd shirts. I now know why. The life jacket rubs bad on your shoulders so I wore long sleeves the next day. Lots better! Even though it's hot..it helps with the cold water, too. If you want to where sunglasses you have to have one of those strings that secure it to your head. It helped w the splashing in your eyes but near the end they fog up a little so I took them off. Where comfortable shorts instead of a swimsuit or over it. You have your legs spead and the paddling is a little work. Shoes! Now, I wore Speedo aqua socks. They had a zipper on top and killed my foot because you tuck your foot under to grip. And they were so slippery on the rocks it was horrible. But everyone had this problem, because I asked everyone in our group. Regular sneakers...bad, aqua sneaker like Zeet's..bad, Keens & Teva's were the worst. A couple of the guides had on flip flops with an extra strap and they slipped less but your not allowed to where those. So, I asked them and they said the felt bottom water shoes are the only thing that grips. I've looked into it a bit since being back and it looks like that's what works from slipping and slidding on those rocks. That was the worst part about the trip. Watching people fall, ram their foot into a rock or twist it. I'm telling you now...get those shoes before you go! Otherwise, it was an eventful experience. I have a bad back and a bad knee and I made it. My muscles were a little sore that night but not horrible. Just remember "get down" also means hold on to the side string. I slid out one time each day. I'm not a real good swimmer, not a huge fan of water but they pull you in and it's all good. It was def a thrill. The unknown is a little scary but by the end of the trip I was a pro! I would recommend doing the 2 day trip. It would be a long day to make it through in 1 day and the lodge is a good time. I'll put that review under the Rios Tropicales. Have Fun!
Written 31 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TTnC4Me
Florida350 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
My family of 5 which included teenagers rafted this river the third week of March which is considered low season. As a bit of a background, we've rafted several class III/IV rivers in the US over the years so have some experience. We booked our trip through gocostarica but ended up being with Exploradores which comes highly recommended on TA. I had read in a different review about their pick up procedure and want to reiterate here that they pick up from the farthest hotel first and then come back through the city to pick up other people at closer hotels. We were staying in Santa Ana, picked up at 5:50am, so the trip in the van took two hours from the city to the first stopping point for breakfast.
On this tour, breakfast is included but it should be noted that breakfast is served upon arrival closer to the destination point so it is two hours from the time leaving San Jose. We did not know and did not eat prior to leaving which probably helped contribute to my daughter's car sickness on the way to the river. Well, that and the curvy mountainous road. However, the trip was interesting in that we got to travel around San Jose as we picked up the other tour passengers to sightsee other parts of the city. Also along the way, we drove through the cloud forest and the rain forest which gave beautiful views of the area as well.
Upon arriving at the first stop for breakfast. We were served a light fare which included black beans and rice, eggs, toast, and fruit of pineapple and papaya. After eating, we were able to store our bags in their " lockers" which consisted of a shelf behind a metal sliding door. We saw others storing entire bags of luggage and did not have a problem so I would consider it fairly safe. After leaving the breakfast site, it was only a short drive to where we loaded the rafts. Each person picked a helmet, a jacket, and a paddle and met up with their guide for the day. We were lucky in having Roberto who was absolutely fantastic and cannot say enough great things about his personality and ability. We had four rafts total in our group and noticed that Rio Tropicals had about the same when leaving from the same origin point.
As for the raft trip, because it was low season, we hit maybe two or three class II rapids at the very most. The rest of the trip entailed quite a bit of rowing in addition to floating through the canyons and valleys. There were several times that we got stuck on rocks because the water was so low and had to shimmy our way off. Overall, it was eventful and fun but not quite as adventurous as other trips on this river when the water is higher. We stopped for lunch on the river about three quarters of the way through the float and had a meal of quesadilla made with a turkey loaf looking meat with the ability to add side items such as: refried bean paste, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, etc...and fresh pineapple dessert.
After embarking on the river once again, we rowed/floated some more, had one more chance to swim and then we were at the end. Everyone had a great time and we loaded back onto the van to head back to the city. It is a journey back down the mountain on a two lane, sometimes four-lane road and took us another two hours to get back as we dropped off the same passengers in reverse order from how they were picked up this morning. The only glitch in the system is that the driver did not have a GPS and we got lost going to one of the passenger's rental house as it was a different driver bringing us back than it was who picked us up this morning.
Most of the trip centered around rafting and the water. While the canyons and surrounding foliage were pretty, we did not see any animals, wildlife, or actually many birds to speak of.
All in all, it ended up being a 12+ hour day and we arrived back at our hotel exhausted and sore from rowing so much. We definitely would recommend this tour and would go back again if the water was high or at a different time of year. Low season is likely great for beginners but for those wanting an actual adventure, I would recommend visiting another time accordingly.
On this tour, breakfast is included but it should be noted that breakfast is served upon arrival closer to the destination point so it is two hours from the time leaving San Jose. We did not know and did not eat prior to leaving which probably helped contribute to my daughter's car sickness on the way to the river. Well, that and the curvy mountainous road. However, the trip was interesting in that we got to travel around San Jose as we picked up the other tour passengers to sightsee other parts of the city. Also along the way, we drove through the cloud forest and the rain forest which gave beautiful views of the area as well.
Upon arriving at the first stop for breakfast. We were served a light fare which included black beans and rice, eggs, toast, and fruit of pineapple and papaya. After eating, we were able to store our bags in their " lockers" which consisted of a shelf behind a metal sliding door. We saw others storing entire bags of luggage and did not have a problem so I would consider it fairly safe. After leaving the breakfast site, it was only a short drive to where we loaded the rafts. Each person picked a helmet, a jacket, and a paddle and met up with their guide for the day. We were lucky in having Roberto who was absolutely fantastic and cannot say enough great things about his personality and ability. We had four rafts total in our group and noticed that Rio Tropicals had about the same when leaving from the same origin point.
As for the raft trip, because it was low season, we hit maybe two or three class II rapids at the very most. The rest of the trip entailed quite a bit of rowing in addition to floating through the canyons and valleys. There were several times that we got stuck on rocks because the water was so low and had to shimmy our way off. Overall, it was eventful and fun but not quite as adventurous as other trips on this river when the water is higher. We stopped for lunch on the river about three quarters of the way through the float and had a meal of quesadilla made with a turkey loaf looking meat with the ability to add side items such as: refried bean paste, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, etc...and fresh pineapple dessert.
After embarking on the river once again, we rowed/floated some more, had one more chance to swim and then we were at the end. Everyone had a great time and we loaded back onto the van to head back to the city. It is a journey back down the mountain on a two lane, sometimes four-lane road and took us another two hours to get back as we dropped off the same passengers in reverse order from how they were picked up this morning. The only glitch in the system is that the driver did not have a GPS and we got lost going to one of the passenger's rental house as it was a different driver bringing us back than it was who picked us up this morning.
Most of the trip centered around rafting and the water. While the canyons and surrounding foliage were pretty, we did not see any animals, wildlife, or actually many birds to speak of.
All in all, it ended up being a 12+ hour day and we arrived back at our hotel exhausted and sore from rowing so much. We definitely would recommend this tour and would go back again if the water was high or at a different time of year. Low season is likely great for beginners but for those wanting an actual adventure, I would recommend visiting another time accordingly.
Written 22 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy N
Grecia, Costa Rica28 contributions
Jan 2018
We booked the two day tour with Rios Tropicales, and from pick-up at our airport hotel through an exceptional two days of beauty and adventure they impressed me with their professionallism and care. As a first-time rafter at age 67, I was nervous about the physical requirements, but the guides kept us safe and made the adventure absolutely delightful. The cabins are comfortable; the food (all carried in and cooked on-site by the guides) was healthy and tasty, and I am confident to recommend this adventure to everyone with a cooperative spirit and a reasonably funcional body. Keep in mind that you will be working together with the other rafters to paddle through rapids with many splashes (you'll be soaked), drops, and thrills. Unfortunately, the river came up too high for us to safely run the lower stretch of the river,so we spent the second day hiking out rather than running the gorge, but the guides were dedicated to safety, and I respected them even more for their decision to put safety above the grumbling of a few of our party. Because we were not able to run the lower stretch of the river, Rios Tropicales immediately issued a partial refund of the price we had paid without even waiting for us to request it. I highly recommend this company!!
Written 9 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Franc C
Portumna, Ireland331 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
The scenery along the river is stunning. The guides go out of there way to ensure everyone has a great time. I would describe the rapids as "prefect for an adventurous beginner". If you're an extreme adrenaline junkie or have a lot of experience white water rafting you'd be best rafting this river after a lot of rain or during the wet season.
I'd recommend Exploradores. They're very professional and the fact that they will pick you up and drop you off at pretty much and location along the conventional tourist trail in Costa Rica makes them a great option for anyone trying to save on transportation costs while traveling around the country.
I'd recommend Exploradores. They're very professional and the fact that they will pick you up and drop you off at pretty much and location along the conventional tourist trail in Costa Rica makes them a great option for anyone trying to save on transportation costs while traveling around the country.
Written 12 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dlnet
Fairbury, IL5 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
The two day Pacuare River rafting trip was wonderful. They picked us up from San Jose (on time) and fed us breakfast before the first day of rafting. Locked storage was provided for the luggage that we didn't need on the raft trip. On the first day, we rafted for about 1/2 day. Then, we arrived at the Pacuare Tent Camp that overlooked the river. The camp reminded me of a place that would be featured in a travel magazine ... it has beautiful gardens and a wonderful outdoor kitchen, where they prepared us excellent meals while we played games and relaxed in the hammocks. We sleep on real beds in screened cabins. The second day started with another wonderful breakfast and more rafting. We stopped at several waterfalls and swam in the pools at the base of the waterfalls. Our guide (Abel) spoke English very well. I also felt that safety was a priority. For example, a second guide kayaked beside our raft. At the end of the rafting, they provided transportation to the Arenal Volcano area. The rafting trip was the favorite part of my trip to Costa Rica and would definitely do it again!
Written 29 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia
Atlanta, Georgia
I will be in Pacuare river area on March 14. I plan to book two rafting in the Pacuare river( upper and lower part) how early I have to book the tour?May I get a chance to book a tour after arrived the hotel? Is there good rafting operators recommendations?
Thanks!
Written 22 February 2022
Yes i booked online 2 days before my tour with exploradores outdoors on their web page. The hotel i stayed in sent the email to them and fowarded the response for me to pay online.
Written 25 February 2022
Hi, can I do rafting on Pacuare river just on my own? Just to rent a raft or double kayak or canoe.
Written 3 December 2020
Is there any way to enjoy the river without rafting? Any slow boat rides or anything to allow someone who is very afraid of falling into water, enjoy those crazy views?
Written 29 November 2019
Hello! We wanted to do a rafting tour at the Pacuare River. Is it possible to start from Cartago city an then do this as a day trip?
Written 2 May 2019
Mountains of Pacuare
Rafting Pacuare River
Written 3 July 2018
Wondering about age range for rafters and how tough the rapids are. I have 2 kids under 10 who are adventurous but probably not up for Class IV-V rapids. Are there options on the Pacuare?
Written 3 March 2018
what did you do with your luggage while rafting ?
Written 17 April 2017
You get driven to the breakfast spot, which is also where the rafting ends. You leave your luggage there. Although I saw locks on the shelves, not sure if they got locked. Perfectly safe. Only staff there. Nothing missing from our 4 bags. Highlight of our trip!!! Not to be missed!
Written 16 May 2017
Hey hey! I just read your comment in regards to the Pacuare River rafting. My fiance' and I have never done rafting before in our lives, but are thinking of rafting the Pacuare. I keep reading that the rapids get up to class IV. In your opinion, do you think this would be too dangerous for absolute beginners? We are very active hikeres and mountain bikers here in Colorado, but just never had the pleasure of rafting yet. Just want to make sure this isn't beyond us before booking. Any info and your opinion is super appreciated! Thank you!
Written 1 April 2017
This was our first time and we're active too. There were young girls with us and frightened nearly the entire time and they made it through. The scariest part is on the bus ride out where they explain the worst of the worst...none of which happened. We saw people falling off of the other rafts, but these guides are seriously SKILLED and totally watching out for you. Have a blast, this is not to be missed!!!
Written 16 May 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Airport exclusive: extra 20% off beauty
Sponsored by Armani Beauty, YLS & Lancôme
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing