Day Trip to Pacuare River Rafting Class III-IV from San Jose

San Jose, Costa Rica

11 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Tour from San Jose

San Jose, Central Valley

4.1

(98)

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Tour from San Jose

from $185

Arenal Volcano Skytram & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose

San Jose, Central Valley

5.0

(1)

Arenal Volcano Skytram & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose

from $329

Price varies by group size

Day Trip from San Jose to Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago City and Orosi Valley

San Jose, Central Valley

4.6

(47)

Day Trip from San Jose to Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago City and Orosi Valley

from $149

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Thanks to its warm waters and lushly forested shores, the Pacuare River is widely considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. This white-water rafting tour from San Jose is a fun and exciting way to experience the river in just one day. Go up against class III and IV rapids along with a guide who helps you spot wildlife like blue morpho butterflies, sloths, and toucans along the way. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to San Jose.

Pacuare white-water rafting tour from San Jose
Navigate class III and IV rapids along with a guide
Fun excursion for kids ages 12 and up
All transportation included with hotel pickup and drop-off

What's Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Use of helmet and a row
Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Travellers will be picked up at the Hotel lobby

Operating hours
.5:30 am

Itinerary

Pacuare River

11 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Minimum age is 12 years

Not recommended for child aged 11 and under
Dress code is sport - shorts, swim wear, rubber sandals o tennis shoes
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
The maximum weight per person is 275 pound (125 kg)
No passengers are allowed who have undergone recent surgery (heart, breast implants, spine, etc)
Persons with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are at their own risk as long as they keep up with medical treatment
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

based on 5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Bucket list, must do!

Miles_O, Jun 2026

The way God wants you to see the world. It’s all beautiful nature. When you arrive at the canyon, your breath is taken away. The best way to see CR’s forests and experience their river. A true bucket list item. Stephan/Stefan/Esteban was a superb rafting guide. Request for him if you can. The driver was also awesome, a true kick ass on the road. Dont think about doing this, just do it.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

What a spectacular review! We are absolutely thrilled that the beauty of the canyon and the river adventure took your breath away. We will gladly share your praise with Esteban and our driver; they will be delighted to know they made your trip unforgettable. Thank you for highly recommending us! 🌿PURA VIDA ...🐵🐯🦝

Great experience! One of...

Michael_G, May 2026

Great experience! One of my favorite things I’ve done here in Costa Rica within the 5 days of me being here. Things seemed a bit chaotic at first. But once you’re on that raft. Amazing, Christopher was a great guide.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback! We are thrilled that rafting was a highlight of your trip to Costa Rica. We appreciate your honesty regarding the start of the tour and will work to improve our logistics. We'll definitely pass your compliments along to Christopher! Hope to see you again PURA VIDA 🌿👌

Best Rafting in the most beautiful environment

JOSE_G, Feb 2026

The rafting was incredible, great group and great guide Ricardo. Perfect organization. One of my best experiences in Costa Rica.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that the rafting experience was incredible and that you enjoyed such a great group and excellent guidance from Ricardo. It’s wonderful to know that the organization met your expectations and that this was one of your best experiences in Costa Rica. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to adventure with you again soon! PURA VIDA

As a first time rafter, I...

liz, Feb 2023

As a first time rafter, I had no idea what to expect. The guide was amazing and made the trip super fun. Be prepared to get wet!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your comments, we are glad to know that your first rafting experience was the best.

Would do it again and again!

Ryan_T, May 2022

This was one of the highlights of our Costa Rica trip. Perfect mix of adventure, adrenaline, and relaxation all at the same time! Robertillo was our guide ... and he was a riot! He helped make the experience great. Managed to see a coati and various birds and butterflies while rafting, and both breakfast and lunch provided were tasty! I recommend this as a must if you're staying in and around San Jose. Three hours was the perfect amount of time to raft, too.