Pacific & Pacuare River Trip
Don’t rely on luck for the success of your trip.
Pacific & Pacuare River Costa Rica Whitewater Trip
Class III and optional Class IV Rivers
If you’ve paddled in Costa Rica in past years, this is the trip that should put Costa Rica back on your bucket list. All rivers we paddle are runnable in a raft, so its a fantastic trip for both kayakers and those who prefer a raft.
Our Pacific and Pacuare River trip was new in 2018 and has become the favorite for Fall season paddling. We’ve refined this trip to minimize driving and maximize river time. In an effort to provide great experiences like time by the ocean and sunsets over the water we have partnered with hotels in Manuel Antonio.
Depending on water levels, you’ll experience as many as five rivers in six days! We start the trip on the Savegre River which has large, wide and friendly flows. This is a great warmup day that has easy lines but plenty of surf and wave spots along the river to keep things fun for those looking to work on their skills.
If water levels allow, we will also run the Guabo river. This is rarely paddled by commercial trips because it is a bit more out of the way, but it is our favorite on the Pacific. You start high in the mountain area and float all the way to the ocean in Dominical. You’ll pass through several awesome Class III rapids and have one optional IV+ waterfall that most people will portage. The takeout is on the beach with crashing waves at Dominical, one of the most famous surfing areas in all of Costa Rica.
The trip will then start looping around to the south central part of Costa Rica in an area with nearly a dozen river options to choose from. You’ll then head north and finish the week near our home town of Turrialba on the mighty Pacuare River with over 52 rapids. Our team has a special river put-in further upstream on the Pacuare that allows our groups to enjoy a larger section of this amazing river than the normal “daily” commercial trips.
Because we start higher on the river we are able to spend 2 days on the river and our groups spend a night at our guests favorite spot at the Jungle Lodge.
Trust us when we say that this trip is worth coming to Costa Rica for, and if you happen to have a spouse, friend or significant other that doesn’t want to spend a full week on a raft, there are incredible things to see in this area. We can make arrangements for non-kayakers to see some of the best wildlife, waterfalls, beaches and other amazing things in this area as well.
This trip and the areas we visit are truly AMAZING!!!
Why River Trips with Amazing Vacations?
- All guides have 10+ years experience and ACA are Certified
- Brand new kayaks & equipment
- All inclusive Small Group trips
- Many sections of rivers we paddle aren’t offered by other companies
Our Newest Costa Rica Kayaking Trip
Rivers and Destinations In The Pacific Rivers Trip
New rivers include two Class III+ rivers near Manuel Antonio, the Savegre and Guabo rivers as well as the General. You’ll spend a few days in Manuel Antonio near the beach, running a section of river near Dominical, then make your way back towards Turrialba.
We then set up a second base at our favorite hotel in Turrialba, where you’ll be treated to breakfast and dinner by our own private chef. In Turrialba, you’ll spend the next day the best sections on the Pacuare river, some that our team has exclusive access to.
You’ll finish the week with a two day river run on the lower sections of the Pacuare River, just east of our home base of Turrialba. You’ll spend the night at the renowned Jungle Camp Lodge, where our guides will be cooking an amazing dinner and breakfast in the gourmet kitchen.
Book Now And Be One Of The Few Who Have Paddled Costa Rica's Pacific Rivers
If you’ve kayaked or rafted in Costa Rica before, we’re confident that this trip will become your new favorite. This trip was tested and perfected in 2018. Don’t miss your chance to the first to experience the Pacific and Pacuare River trip. Check out upcoming dates and reserve your spot on an upcoming trip early.
We then set up a second base at our favorite hotel in Turrialba, where you’ll be treated to breakfast and dinner by our own private chef. In Turrialba, you’ll spend the next day the best sections on the Pacuare river, some that our team has exclusive access to.
You’ll finish the week with a two day river run on the lower sections of the Pacuare River, just east of our home base of Turrialba. You’ll spend the night at the renowned Jungle Camp Lodge, where our guides will be cooking an amazing dinner and breakfast in the gourmet kitchen.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? WHAT ABILITY LEVEL?
This trip is for Class III kayakers who have a consistent roll on the river. You do not need to be a Class IV boater, but we do stress the importance of having solid paddling skills if you plan to kayak. Beginner kayakers are welcome to join the trip but there will be some days that a beginner will be required to be in a raft. We want everyone to have a great time.
Everyone in the group has the option to jump in a raft on any of the days and we love when we have some in the group who raft. (That means we can carry heavier and better food for lunch on the river!)
If you have questions about your ability to join this trip, please contact us and ask questions.
If you are unsure of your abilities or are newer to boating, we recommend joining the Classic Week of Rivers as these rivers allow our guides to work with you in a less remote, less consequence and more controlled environment. Our guides are incredible teachers and love giving tips along the river.
If you have questions, please contact us and we’re happy to talk with you more about which trip is right for you.
What to Expect Once You’re Ready to Signup
When you are ready to book, we typically do a quick phone call and/or trade emails and texts with you to make sure you don’t have questions about the trip. Once we finalize your dates, we will prepare a deposit invoice that will be emailed to you. You can pay online. We will schedule an email to be sent about 90 days prior to your trip to pay for the remaining balance on your trip. You’ll also be able to pay online when that invoice arrives via email.
Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll get a series of emails and other communications from us to help you know what to pack, what to expect and how to prepare. You’ll also get a final detailed itinerary with pickup times, phone numbers and all the details you’ll need for sharing with your family back home who will jealously be watching you post facebook photos during your amazing trip.
Pacific Rivers Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arriving in San Jose and Transfer to Dominical
You’ll fly into (SJO) San José, Costa Rica. Once everyone has arrived in the group you will transfer in a private shuttle to Dominical. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic with a few stops along the way to check out some of the local attractions.
Day 2
Río Savegre (Class II-III)
This is a super fun warm up day on a big river with lots of spots to surf and get comfortable in your boat. We’ll stop along the river for lunch and you’ll be able to walk to and swim/shower in the Savegre Falls.
Day 3
Guabo River to Dominical (Class III+)
If water levels allow, we will also run the Guabo river. You start high in the mountain area and float all the way to the ocean in Dominical. You’ll pass through several awesome Class III rapids and have one easy to portage optional IV+ waterfall that most people will choose to walk around. (The takeout is on the beach where you’ll be able to surf in the ocean waves before taking out your boat on the beach at Dominical, one of the most famous surfing areas in all of Costa Rica.
Day 4
Naranjo River (Class III+)
The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Qeupos through a beautiful jungle gorge. It will take you on a wild ride down to sea level as you pass farmlands and palm plantations. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles. The Class III & IV whitewater, jungle, canyon, and sky make for an unforgettable day. This is an exciting ride for every ability. We’ll then head to Turrialba. We’ll stay at Turrialba B&B (or similar hotel). We’ll enjoy family style dinner from our private chef and relax.
Day 5
Pacuare River to Eco-Lodge (Class III)
The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Qeupos through a beautiful jungle gorge. This 24 kilometer (17 miles) class III/IV section is your paddling gem today. This is the most popular run on the Pacuare, often said to be one of the top five river sections in the world. We will put-in a bit higher than other groups and enjoy an additional 4 kilometers of whitewater as we paddle to our riverside Jungle Lodge. The rapids on this day are fun class II and III. To spend a night along the shores of the Pacuare river is an experience every person should enjoy at least once in their lives. We’ll light the camp with candles and prepare delicious tropical cuisine. The camp is complete with flush toilets, warm showers, raised platform tents with comfy mattresses and fully landscaped grounds.
Day 6
Lower Pacuare River (Class III & IV)
Wake up to the sound of Toucans and the jungle mist snaking its way up the canyon in the morning. You’ll eat a delicious breakfast and enjoy the last of jungle camp. This section of the Pacuare winds through the beautiful and exciting Huacas Canyon with several Class III-IV rapids. After the canyon it mellows out and then picks back up before a nice Class II-III paddle out to the Caribbean flatland town of Siquirres where we take out. Paddlers who are not feeling up to the harder rapids will experience all these thrilling class III and IV rapids in a guided raft. We then return to Turrialba to enjoy our last dinner together and last night in Costa Rica.
Day 7
Upper Upper Pacuare (Class III+/Optional IV)
For those boaters who have proven they can safely handle Class III rapids in their kayak, this is a step up. Very few people paddle this section of river because of how remote it is. Expect to see no more than two buildings and two bridges during the day. Traveling in a raft will be an option if you don’t feel ready. There is one class IV rapid today called “Por Donde Me Voy” that at many kayakers choose to walk around. This is often one of the favorite days for our groups who are looking for big, fun water in the middle of the jungle.
Day 8
Upper Transfer back to San Jose or Extend your Trip
We say our good-byes at the airport and we start making plans for your return to Costa Rica!**We do our very best to adhere to the specific itinerary listed above, but activities and locations may be subject to change due to a number of reasons beyond our control (i.e. weather, water levels, road and safety conditions)**.
Itinerary & Schedule For The Week
Can I bring a spouse, partner or family with me for the week?
YES! We have great options to keep spouses, friends and even kids super busy and having as much fun as you are having on the river. Just let us know if you need more info about options.