Two-day Pacuare Rafting Adventure with Overnight Jungle Lodge

2 days + 1 night
5 meals included
Moderate intensity
Jungle lodge

The Pacuare River cuts through dense Costa Rican rainforest, and this two-day trip has you paddling on it both days. You'll raft six miles of whitewater rapids on day one, walk through the canopy with a guide to spot monkeys and sloths, then sleep at a jungle lodge on the riverbank with a candlelit dinner and drinks under the stars. Day two sends you back onto the rapids for another full run before returning to San José. The river, the wildlife and the overnight stay make this an experience too big for just one day. Ave Sol River Sanctuary sits in the jungle beside the Pacuare River. After a day on the rapids, the evening slows right down, think happy hour drinks, light bites and a candlelit dinner under the stars. The sounds shift from rushing water to insects and nocturnal birds. You're deep in the rainforest with no roads nearby, no lights beyond the camp, and the river flowing just outside.

Your route

What makes the night special

Ave Sol River Sanctuary sits in the jungle beside the Pacuare River. After a day on the rapids, the evening slows right down, think happy hour drinks, light bites and a candlelit dinner under the stars. The sounds shift from rushing water to insects and nocturnal birds. You're deep in the rainforest with no roads nearby, no lights beyond the camp, and the river flowing just outside.

The day starts with a Costa Rican breakfast before a scenic morning drive through charming towns and past Cartago, the former capital. After about two hours, you arrive at Finca La Cruz, where the rafting team briefs you and gets you geared up. Then it's onto the Pacuare River for a six-mile ride through whitewater rapids surrounded by dense rainforest. After working up an appetite, tuck into a buffet lunch at the riverside. In the afternoon, head into the jungle on a guided rainforest walk, looking up into the canopy for monkeys and sloths. As evening falls, unwind with happy hour drinks and light bites before sitting down to a candlelit dinner under the stars at the lodge.

Wake to the sounds of the jungle and the smell of freshly brewed local coffee. Fuel up at breakfast, then head back onto the Pacuare for another day of rapids. Professional guides and a safety kayaker are with you throughout. At lunchtime, stop for a buffet meal on the riverbank. Afterwards, freshen up and change before the drive back to San José.

Why you’ll love this…

You’ll head into Costa Rica’s wild jungle on this two-day whitewater rafting experience
On the Pacuare River, you’ll flex your paddle for a six-mile ride down the rapids on day one
After a buffet lunch, you’ll take a guided walk through the dense rainforest
The overnight stay is a real treat, with relaxed drinks and a candlelit dinner under the stars
Day two reunites you with the river as you navigate the chutes and drops of the roaring water

Important to know

Know in advance:

Pacuare rafting is suitable for adventurous travellers aged 12 to 70 and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Operated with an English and Spanish-speaking local guide
Standard hotel category is Ave Sol River Sanctuary
While U.S. dollars are widely accepted, carrying small amounts of local currency, colones, is useful for tips, small shops, and rural areas, and credit cards are commonly used throughout the country
Respect for nature is key – keep a safe distance from wildlife, stay on marked trails, and use eco-friendly products when swimming near natural areas

Remember to bring:

When traveling to Costa Rica, it’s important to be prepared for diverse microclimates, as conditions range from warm and humid lowlands to cool, misty highlands, so packing layers, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and swimwear is essential

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 31 days before the experience begins., Receive a 50% refund if you cancel up to 15 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Two breakfasts
Two lunches
One dinner
Transportation from and to your hotel in the San José area
All activities mentioned in the programme: whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River and rainforest guided nature walk (day one), whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River (day two)
Safety kayaker
Use of equipment
Local guide

What’s not included

International and domestic flights
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee
Health/travel insurance

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Meeting point:

Let the local operator know your preferred pick-up address from the San José area.

Provider

TUI DESTINATION EXPERIENCES COSTA RICA S.A.

What people say about this experience

At the moment there are no reviews for this experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This rafting trip is operated by TUI Destination Experiences Costa Rica, with professional guides and a safety kayaker accompanying you on the river at all times. The Pacuare is a well-established rafting route. Equipment and safety briefings are provided before you get on the water. The experience is designed for adventurous travellers aged 12 to 70.

You'll be away from your hotel for one night (the night at the jungle lodge). Let your hotel reception know in advance. You do not need to cancel your booking. Simply inform them you'll be away for one night. Your room and belongings stay as normal.

The price includes: pick-up from the San José area, return transport, two days of guided whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, all rafting equipment and safety gear, safety briefing, professional guides and safety kayaker, guided rainforest walk (Day 1), one night at Ave Sol River Sanctuary (standard category), 5 meals (Day 1: breakfast, buffet lunch and candlelit dinner; Day 2: breakfast and buffet lunch), happy hour drinks and light bites (Day 1 evening).

Costa Rica's dry season runs from December to April, offering the most reliable weather for outdoor activities. The Pacuare River runs year-round, and rafting operates in both seasons. The wet season (May to November) brings higher water levels and more powerful rapids, which some experienced rafters prefer. Water temperatures are warm throughout the year.

A moderate level of fitness is required. Whitewater rafting involves sustained paddling and upper-body effort across both days. You'll also need to be comfortable in moving water. The source page states this is suitable for adventurous travellers aged 12 to 70. The guided rainforest walk on Day 1 is gentle.