Tui 9-Hour Guided Day

From San José: Pacuare River Class 3 & 4 Rafting Day Trip

★ 4.7 291 verified reviews

from $125 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 9 hours
Meeting point: San José hotel pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Tui Destination Experiences

Overview

This is a full-day whitewater run on the Pacuare River, roughly nine hours door to door, with hotel pickup from the San José area and about five hours spent actually on the water. The route covers 18 miles of class 3 and 4 rapids with names like Huacas, Rodeo, Pinball, Cimarrones and Dos Montañas, plus calmer stretches where the canyon, waterfalls and jungle wildlife take over. Professional river guides and a safety kayaker are part of the package.

The day starts before dawn. After pickup, the drive crosses Cartago, Costa Rica's historic capital city, and continues through small towns and countryside toward Turrialba, the rafting hub, with a breakfast stop on the way. At the put-in, guides hand out equipment and run a paddling and safety briefing before the rafts launch. Halfway downriver the group pulls over for a riverside picnic lunch, and one reviewer described a fruit break as well. After the run, there is time to change into dry clothes for the ride back.

The listing pitches it at beginners as well as experienced paddlers, and several first-time rafters wrote that it felt more fun than frightening. Wildlife sightings along the corridor can include sloths, toucans, parrots and coatis.

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Breakfast
Tour guide
Rafting equipment
Transportation from hotels in San José

Not Included

Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks
Food and drinks, unless specified

Itinerary

Early hotel pickupPickup from hotels in the San José area. Reviewers report pickup times in the 5 to 6:45 AM range, and the listing notes times are approximate.
Drive to TurrialbaThe route passes through Cartago and small towns and countryside on the way to the rafting hub of Turrialba.
Breakfast stopBreakfast is included and is taken en route, before reaching the river.
River put-in and briefingGuides hand out rafting equipment and give a paddling explanation and safety talk before launching.
Rafting the PacuareAround five hours on the water, paddling 18 miles through class 3 and 4 rapids, with a riverside picnic lunch partway down.
Change and returnAfter the run, change into dry clothes before the drive back to San José.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how the day goes, from the very early start to what you carry in the raft.

Very early start. Pickup happens around dawn, and one reviewer waited well over an hour past the stated meeting time. The listing notes that pickup hours and tour durations are approximate. Total tour length is about nine hours.
What to pack. The listing asks for comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel and sunscreen. The change of clothes matters, since there is a place to change at the end of the run.
Photos cost extra. Photo packages are not in the tour price. Two reviewers mentioned a $60 charge, split among the people in the boat rather than paid per person. Guides take the pictures during the run and offer them afterward.
Fitness and nerves. One first-time rafter reported feeling safe thanks to the confidence the guides gave. One reviewer noted people on other boats fell in, and the teams stopped to help each time.
Food included. Breakfast and a riverside picnic lunch are both included, and reviewers described both meals as generous and good. One also mentioned cut fruit served during a break on the river. Anything beyond that, including alcoholic drinks, is not covered.
Group feel. One reviewer described a group of travellers from all over the world, and several reviewers praised their guide teams by name. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour runs with a minimum of two people.

Common issues. The main gripes in reviews concern pickup timing, with one traveller reporting a wait of nearly two hours past the scheduled meeting time. The tour also needs a minimum of two people to run; if that minimum is not met and it is cancelled, travellers can take a full refund or reschedule. Photos are a separate cost, at $60 per boat according to reviewers. Gratuities and alcoholic drinks are not included, and pickup hours and durations are approximate, so slight schedule changes can happen without notice.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, transportation from hotels in the San José area is included, both directions. The listing includes hotel or town pickup and drop-off, and you should confirm your exact pickup point on the booking page. Reviewers report pickups in the early morning, ranging roughly from 5 AM to 6:45 AM, and the listing notes times are approximate.

What Is Included In The Price?

Breakfast, a riverside picnic lunch, a professional river guide, a safety kayaker, all rafting equipment, and round-trip transport from San José area hotels. Not included are gratuities, alcoholic drinks, and food and drinks beyond what is specified. Photos taken during the trip are sold separately, at $60 per boat according to reviewers.

Is This Trip Suitable For Beginners?

Yes, the listing describes the class 3 and 4 rapids as suitable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Several first-time rafters reported feeling safe and having a great time. You should be prepared to paddle actively for around five hours.

Can Children Join The Tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, per the listing. Infant seats are available if you give prior notice. For any age-specific restrictions beyond that, check with the operator on the booking page.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is cancelled because the two-person minimum is not met, you may choose a full refund or reschedule to another available date.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel and sunscreen. There is a place to change after the rafting, so the dry clothes and towel get used on the same day. Guides take photos during the trip if you want a record of the day.