3-Day Pacuare River Rafting & Rainforest Ecolodge Adventure
Experience three unforgettable days of whitewater, rainforest and riverside relaxation on Costa Rica’s legendary Pacuare River.
- Raft exciting Class II–IV sections through pristine tropical rainforest
- Spend two nights at a secluded, award-winning riverside ecolodge
- Enjoy a free day for hiking, waterfalls, wildlife or optional activities
- Includes meals, certified bilingual guides and professional rafting equipment
- Round-trip transportation from selected San José hotels
- Minimum age: 12 in the dry season and 14 in the rainy season
Price range: $549.00 through $1,499.00
3-Day Pacuare River Rafting & Rainforest Ecolodge Adventure
Journey deep into Costa Rica’s Caribbean rainforest on a three-day Pacuare River adventure combining world-class whitewater, two nights at a secluded riverside ecolodge and a full day to explore or relax. Raft into the lodge through Class II–III rapids, experience the rainforest at your own pace and finish through the exciting Class III–IV rapids of the Lower Pacuare and Pacuare Gorge.
What You Can Expect
Your adventure begins with pickup from a selected San José hotel and transportation toward Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope. After breakfast, meet your certified bilingual guides, receive professional rafting equipment and complete a paddling and safety orientation.
Raft through the upper Pacuare’s Class II–III whitewater to a remote ecolodge surrounded by protected tropical rainforest. Spend two nights beside the river with comfortable accommodation, home-cooked meals and time to enjoy the sounds and scenery of the jungle.
Day two is yours to explore. Choose a self-guided walk, relax in a hammock, look for wildlife or enjoy waterfall pools. Guided and adventure activities may also be available for an additional charge.
On the final day, continue downriver through the Lower Pacuare and its famous gorge. Paddle Class III–IV rapids past rainforest walls, waterfalls and dramatic river scenery before lunch, changing time and the return to San José.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — San José to the Pacuare River
- Early pickup from a selected San José hotel
- Transportation to the operations center and included Costa Rican breakfast
- Changing time, equipment fitting and safety instruction
- Raft Class II–III rapids toward the rainforest ecolodge
- Riverside or lodge lunch, depending on operating conditions
- Arrival, lodge orientation and time to relax
- Welcome refreshments and dinner
Day 2 — Rainforest Ecolodge Experience
- Breakfast surrounded by rainforest and river views
- Free time for self-guided trails, waterfall pools, birdwatching or relaxation
- Optional guided hikes, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding or cultural activities may be available at extra cost
- Lunch and dinner at the lodge
- Second night at the riverside ecolodge
Day 3 — Lower Pacuare and Gorge
- Breakfast and preparation for the final rafting section
- Raft Class III–IV rapids through the Lower Pacuare and Pacuare Gorge
- Pass dramatic rainforest scenery and cascading side streams
- Finish at the operations center for lunch, showers and changing time
- Afternoon transportation back to selected San José hotels
The itinerary, meal location, rafting route and activity availability may change with river, weather and operational conditions.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transportation from selected San José metro-area hotels
- Professional bilingual, internationally certified rafting guides
- Rafts, helmets, paddles and approved personal flotation devices
- Safety briefing and paddling instruction
- Guided rafting on the Pacuare River
- Two nights of ecolodge accommodation based on the selected occupancy
- Breakfast on Day 1 and included meals during the lodge stay
- Final lunch after rafting
- Secure transport of appropriate luggage to the ecolodge
- Shower, changing and locker facilities at the operations center
- Access to designated self-guided lodge trails and natural areas
What’s Not Included
- Optional lodge activities and guided excursions unless specifically selected
- Transportation from Arenal, Puerto Viejo or locations outside the confirmed San José service area
- Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks
- Professional photographs, souvenirs and personal purchases
- Travel or medical insurance
- Guide and lodge staff gratuities
Accommodation and Meals
The package includes two nights at a remote riverside ecolodge surrounded by tropical rainforest. Accommodation is assigned according to the single-, double- or triple-occupancy package selected during booking.
The lodge offers comfortable rainforest lodging with electricity and private bathroom facilities. Room configuration, views and individual features vary by availability.
Included meals feature home-style Costa Rican and international dishes. Notify AskZipy of allergies or dietary restrictions before booking so the operator can confirm whether they can be accommodated.
Pickup Information
Door-to-door pickup and return are offered from selected hotels in the San José metro area. Enter the complete hotel name and address when booking. The exact pickup time will be provided with the confirmation.
Transportation from Arenal or Puerto Viejo may be available for an additional charge and must be arranged in advance.
Pack a small overnight bag suitable for the lodge. Appropriate luggage is transported separately and kept dry. Leave large suitcases and unnecessary valuables at your San José hotel whenever possible.
Duration and Return
The experience lasts three days and includes two overnight stays at the riverside rainforest lodge.
Return time on Day 3 varies with traffic, weather, river level and group pace. Do not schedule a flight or time-sensitive connection for the evening of your return.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and quick-drying rafting clothing
- Long-sleeved quick-dry shirt for sun protection
- Secure water shoes, strapped sandals or athletic shoes that can get wet
- Dry casual clothing and shoes for two nights at the lodge
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Eco-friendly sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and required medication
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Waterproof camera or phone case with a secure strap
- Cash or card for optional activities, drinks, souvenirs and gratuities
Flip-flops and loose sandals are not suitable for rafting.
Additional Information
- No previous rafting experience is required, but participants must be comfortable in moving water and ready for sustained physical activity.
- The listed minimum age is 12 during the dry season and 14 during the rainy season; the operator may increase the requirement based on conditions.
- All participants must follow guide instructions and wear the provided safety equipment.
- The experience is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Travelers with heart, back, neck, mobility or serious medical conditions should obtain medical advice and confirm suitability before booking.
- Body size, physical ability, river level and weather may affect participation approval.
- The operator makes the final decision regarding safe operation and individual participation.
Cancellation Policy
Multi-day packages involve reserved accommodation, transportation and guide capacity and may have stricter cancellation terms than single-day tours. Review the final cancellation deadline and penalties shown during checkout before payment.
The operator may change, postpone or cancel the trip when river, weather or safety conditions require it. Any applicable rescheduling or refund options will follow the confirmed booking terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the displayed price per person?
No. Select the package for 1, 2 or 3 guests. The selected amount is the complete package total for that occupancy. Keep the quantity field set to 1.
How many nights are included?
The package includes two nights at the riverside rainforest ecolodge.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No previous experience is required. Participants should be physically active, comfortable in moving water and able to follow paddling and safety instructions.
What is the minimum age?
The listed minimum is 12 during the dry season and 14 during the rainy season. Final eligibility depends on current river and weather conditions.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast on Day 1, meals during the lodge stay and lunch after the final rafting section are included. Confirm dietary requirements before booking.
Are Day 2 activities included?
Self-guided walks, relaxation and access to designated natural areas are generally included. Guided hikes, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding and other organized activities may cost extra.
When should I book?
Book as early as possible because this package requires both rafting space and two nights of ecolodge availability. Peak and holiday dates can fill well in advance.
Location
| Select package | 1 person package (rafting+single Room), 2 person package (rafting+double room), 3 person package (rafting+triple room) |
|---|
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3-Day Pacuare River Rafting & Rainforest Ecolodge Adventure
Journey deep into Costa Rica’s Caribbean rainforest on a three-day Pacuare River adventure combining world-class whitewater, two nights at a secluded riverside ecolodge and a full day to explore or relax. Raft into the lodge through Class II–III rapids, experience the rainforest at your own pace and finish through the exciting Class III–IV rapids of the Lower Pacuare and Pacuare Gorge.
What You Can Expect
Your adventure begins with pickup from a selected San José hotel and transportation toward Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope. After breakfast, meet your certified bilingual guides, receive professional rafting equipment and complete a paddling and safety orientation.
Raft through the upper Pacuare’s Class II–III whitewater to a remote ecolodge surrounded by protected tropical rainforest. Spend two nights beside the river with comfortable accommodation, home-cooked meals and time to enjoy the sounds and scenery of the jungle.
Day two is yours to explore. Choose a self-guided walk, relax in a hammock, look for wildlife or enjoy waterfall pools. Guided and adventure activities may also be available for an additional charge.
On the final day, continue downriver through the Lower Pacuare and its famous gorge. Paddle Class III–IV rapids past rainforest walls, waterfalls and dramatic river scenery before lunch, changing time and the return to San José.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — San José to the Pacuare River
- Early pickup from a selected San José hotel
- Transportation to the operations center and included Costa Rican breakfast
- Changing time, equipment fitting and safety instruction
- Raft Class II–III rapids toward the rainforest ecolodge
- Riverside or lodge lunch, depending on operating conditions
- Arrival, lodge orientation and time to relax
- Welcome refreshments and dinner
Day 2 — Rainforest Ecolodge Experience
- Breakfast surrounded by rainforest and river views
- Free time for self-guided trails, waterfall pools, birdwatching or relaxation
- Optional guided hikes, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding or cultural activities may be available at extra cost
- Lunch and dinner at the lodge
- Second night at the riverside ecolodge
Day 3 — Lower Pacuare and Gorge
- Breakfast and preparation for the final rafting section
- Raft Class III–IV rapids through the Lower Pacuare and Pacuare Gorge
- Pass dramatic rainforest scenery and cascading side streams
- Finish at the operations center for lunch, showers and changing time
- Afternoon transportation back to selected San José hotels
The itinerary, meal location, rafting route and activity availability may change with river, weather and operational conditions.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transportation from selected San José metro-area hotels
- Professional bilingual, internationally certified rafting guides
- Rafts, helmets, paddles and approved personal flotation devices
- Safety briefing and paddling instruction
- Guided rafting on the Pacuare River
- Two nights of ecolodge accommodation based on the selected occupancy
- Breakfast on Day 1 and included meals during the lodge stay
- Final lunch after rafting
- Secure transport of appropriate luggage to the ecolodge
- Shower, changing and locker facilities at the operations center
- Access to designated self-guided lodge trails and natural areas
What’s Not Included
- Optional lodge activities and guided excursions unless specifically selected
- Transportation from Arenal, Puerto Viejo or locations outside the confirmed San José service area
- Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks
- Professional photographs, souvenirs and personal purchases
- Travel or medical insurance
- Guide and lodge staff gratuities
Accommodation and Meals
The package includes two nights at a remote riverside ecolodge surrounded by tropical rainforest. Accommodation is assigned according to the single-, double- or triple-occupancy package selected during booking.
The lodge offers comfortable rainforest lodging with electricity and private bathroom facilities. Room configuration, views and individual features vary by availability.
Included meals feature home-style Costa Rican and international dishes. Notify AskZipy of allergies or dietary restrictions before booking so the operator can confirm whether they can be accommodated.
Pickup, Luggage and Return
Door-to-door pickup and return are offered from selected hotels in the San José metro area. Enter the complete hotel name and address when booking. The exact pickup time will be provided with the confirmation.
Transportation from Arenal or Puerto Viejo may be available for an additional charge and must be arranged in advance.
Pack a small overnight bag suitable for the lodge. Appropriate luggage is transported separately and kept dry. Leave large suitcases and unnecessary valuables at your San José hotel whenever possible.
Return time on Day 3 varies with traffic, weather, river level and group pace. Do not schedule a flight or time-sensitive connection for the evening of your return.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and quick-drying rafting clothing
- Long-sleeved quick-dry shirt for sun protection
- Secure water shoes, strapped sandals or athletic shoes that can get wet
- Dry casual clothing and shoes for two nights at the lodge
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Eco-friendly sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and required medication
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Waterproof camera or phone case with a secure strap
- Cash or card for optional activities, drinks, souvenirs and gratuities
Flip-flops and loose sandals are not suitable for rafting.
Safety and Participation Requirements
- No previous rafting experience is required, but participants must be comfortable in moving water and ready for sustained physical activity.
- The listed minimum age is 12 during the dry season and 14 during the rainy season; the operator may increase the requirement based on conditions.
- All participants must follow guide instructions and wear the provided safety equipment.
- The experience is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Travelers with heart, back, neck, mobility or serious medical conditions should obtain medical advice and confirm suitability before booking.
- Body size, physical ability, river level and weather may affect participation approval.
- The operator makes the final decision regarding safe operation and individual participation.
Cancellation Policy
Multi-day packages involve reserved accommodation, transportation and guide capacity and may have stricter cancellation terms than single-day tours. Review the final cancellation deadline and penalties shown during checkout before payment.
The operator may change, postpone or cancel the trip when river, weather or safety conditions require it. Any applicable rescheduling or refund options will follow the confirmed booking terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the displayed price per person?
No. Select the package for 1, 2 or 3 guests. The selected amount is the complete package total for that occupancy. Keep the quantity field set to 1.
How many nights are included?
The package includes two nights at the riverside rainforest ecolodge.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No previous experience is required. Participants should be physically active, comfortable in moving water and able to follow paddling and safety instructions.
What is the minimum age?
The listed minimum is 12 during the dry season and 14 during the rainy season. Final eligibility depends on current river and weather conditions.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast on Day 1, meals during the lodge stay and lunch after the final rafting section are included. Confirm dietary requirements before booking.
Are Day 2 activities included?
Self-guided walks, relaxation and access to designated natural areas are generally included. Guided hikes, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding and other organized activities may cost extra.
When should I book?
Book as early as possible because this package requires both rafting space and two nights of ecolodge availability. Peak and holiday dates can fill well in advance.








