Immersed in the heart of the Pacuare Protected Zone on the Atlantic slopes of Costa Rica, Ríos Tropicales has developed its Lodge an "Eco-Adventure Center". Over 1000 acres of private property, 90% of which is primary rain forest, stage this magnificent setting for play and relaxation.

Río Pacuare, a quintessential magical river is the main highway into the Ríos Tropicales Lodge.

We were all excited, and a bit apprehensive about our whitewater rafting expedition on the Pacuare River. We chose this river because of its unique location. The Pacuare winds through a dense jungle! Our river guide, Fernando, is an expert and his company, Ríos Tropicales, specializes in whitewater trips in Costa Rica. He quickly put our crew at ease by saying that he had a specially equipped raft for filming purposes, and that the possibility of having one of our expensive cameras "dunked" would be small!

After careful instructions, we boarded the rafts - Jack and Kathaleen in one, the crew shooting from the other special "oar" boat. The river during April has class 3 and 4 rapids - which was perfect for our needs. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular!

We wound along the river and bounced over the waves. The banks on each side towered hundreds of feet overhead. It began raining very heavily for about 20 minutes. Then, the bright tropical sun shone and the river twinkled like a diamond. Up ahead, we saw a fantastic waterfall, probably 200-300 feet in height. It spilled water down over protruding rocks and on top of us! It's no wonder that part of the movie Congo was filmed here - what a perfect tropical paradise!

Ríos Tropicales has a great rustic lodge located on the river where you can stay overnight during their extended whitewater trips. Jack said that in all of his worldly travels, the Pacuare River trip is at the top of his list of memories!"
Jack Hannah's Animal Adventures (A Journey with Jack Panama & Costa Rica, 2000)

2-3 Days, San Martin to Siquirres. Class III-IV

in the Río Pacuare 2 and 3 Day Trips, you'll enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible - breathtaking beauty far removed from civilization's rush 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

You'll depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at our New Ríos 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 gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.

Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in "Cabecar Indian" style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are 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 served by your guides.

Day 2

Don't worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge surroundings. You can choose a variety of hikes - a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge - or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know!

(Note: For the 2 Day Trip, simply omit Day 2. You will not spend the extra day at the Lodge.)

Day 3

After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at our New Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.

2 Days US$250.00/Person 
3 Days US$305.00/Person