4-Hour Run, Pickup Included

Pacuare River Rafting

★ 4.9 27 verified reviews

from $119 per person

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

Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Ticos River Adventures

Overview

This run covers 27 kilometers of the Pacuare River, mostly Class III and IV rapids, with a family-owned operator that has been running rivers for over 30 years. The day starts at the operator's base in Turrialba at 7:30 am, and the bus leaves for the river at 7:45 am. The drive to the put-in near Linda Vista in Siquirres takes about 50 minutes. Once there, guides hand out all the rafting gear and walk the group through a safety briefing covering how to sit, how to paddle, raft commands, and what to do in an emergency.

Time on the water runs 3.5 hours to 4 hours depending on the water level, with a picnic-style lunch stop at midday on the riverbank. The trip ends in the Siquirres area between 1:00 and 1:30 pm, with arrival back in Turrialba around 2:30 pm. Reviewers often mention the homemade lunch and the quiet stretches between rapids, with waterfalls visible along the route. One returning visitor called it a favorite after multiple trips to Costa Rica over decades, and teenagers in that family enjoyed it too.

It suits people who want a long, full descent rather than a short taster, and who are comfortable with genuinely powerful rapids. One reviewer cautioned that first-timers or nervous paddlers may find the river imposing. Small groups are part of the setup, and a safety kayak accompanies the rafts.

What's Included

Included

Transportation from Turrialba or nearby areas
Deli-style lunch
Beverages
Gear for the activity
Certified guides
Safety kayak
Insurance policy

Not Included

Photos and videos

Itinerary

Arrive at Turrialba baseArrival time at the base in Turrialba is 7:30 am, with departure for the river at 7:45 am. Hotel or town pickup and drop-off are included; confirm the pickup point on the booking page.
Drive to the riverThe drive to the put-in takes approximately 50 minutes, ending in the Linda Vista area of Siquirres at the Ganadería 3X Adventure Park.
Gear and safety briefingAll necessary equipment is provided at the river. A guide is assigned to each group and explains paddling, commands, positioning, and emergency procedures.
Raft the PacuareThe descent covers 27 kilometers of mostly Class III and IV rapids, lasting 3.5 hours to 4 hours depending on the water level.
Midday lunch stopThe group stops on the riverbank for a picnic-style lunch with beverages before continuing downstream. A photo and video service is offered at scenic points for an extra fee.
Finish and showerThe run ends in the Siquirres area between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. There is a place to shower, and dry clothes left on the bus are waiting at the end.
Return to TurrialbaApproximate arrival back in Turrialba is 2:30 pm, with drop-off at your pickup point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from what to wear to how photos work.

What to wear. Light, running-type clothing is recommended, with sneakers or adjustable sandals required. Bring a mandatory change of clothes for the drop-off; these stay on the bus during the trip.
Valuables. The listing strongly advises bringing nothing on the raft, since cameras, phones, and jewelry are easily lost. A photo and video service (not included) shoots the best rapids, and you can view the results at the end with no obligation to buy.
The pace. Expect 3.5 hours to 4 hours on the water over 27 kilometers. Several reviewers describe calm stretches to admire the surroundings between the rapids, so it is not constant paddling.
Food and drink. A deli-style lunch and beverages are included, served picnic-style at a midday river stop. Multiple reviewers praised the homemade meal as a highlight.
Group and guides. The operator runs small groups with certified guides, a safety kayak, and an insurance policy. Reviewers repeatedly describe guides who know the river deeply and keep the group informed throughout the day.
Water levels. The tour length varies with water level, and the start and end times are approximate. One reviewer reported a route change after heavy rainfall, handled conscientiously by the team, so flexibility helps.

Common issues. The Pacuare is a serious river: one reviewer would not recommend it for first-timers or anyone nervous, given the imposing rapids. Photos and videos cost extra. One reviewer reported a hotel pickup request made at booking that the operator was not aware of, so it is wise to confirm the pickup point directly through the booking page. Heavy rainfall can affect the route or water level, and all timings are approximate.

Common Questions

Is Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel or town pickup and drop-off are included from Turrialba or nearby areas. Confirm your exact pickup point on the booking page before the day.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours on the water, between 3.5 hours and 4 hours depending on the water level. The full day, from the 7:30 am base arrival to the roughly 2:30 pm return in Turrialba, includes the drive and lunch.

Is Lunch Included?

Yes, a deli-style lunch and beverages are included, served picnic-style at a midday stop on the riverbank. Photos and videos are the notable extra and can be viewed with no obligation to buy.

Is This Suitable For Beginners?

No specific restriction is listed, but the rapids are mostly Class III and IV, and one reviewer advised against it for first-timers or anxious paddlers. The safety briefing, certified guides, and safety kayak cover the basics, but honest self-assessment matters here.

What Should I Bring?

Light running-type clothing, sneakers or adjustable sandals, and a mandatory change of clothes for after the trip. Leave valuables behind or on the bus, as items are easily lost on the water.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window, the listing does not state terms, so check the booking page for details.