Pacuare River Rafting Trip from Turrialba

Summary: I had an incredible time on this white-water rafting tour. It was full-service from start to finish — they picked me up, dropped me off, and handled everything in between. Our guide kept the group laughing with great jokes, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with lush jungle, deep canyons, and exciting class III and IV rapids. When one of the guys in our boat (a German traveler) took a few unplanned swims, our guide handled each rescue calmly and safely, which really showed their professionalism. We enjoyed fresh fruit halfway through the trip, and ended the day with a home-cooked dinner and warm showers, which was the perfect finish. Highly recommend this tour for adventure, scenery, and great vibes.

Summary: The amazing: the white water was wonderful. There were enough heart-pumping level 4 rapids to get the adrenaline going, and many many milder rapids too. A calm steep-sided gorge stretch where we could jump in and float downriver was a delightful antidote to the bum-clenching drops of some of the other rapids. Definitely to be recommended. The good: our guide Adriano was great fun and instilled a strong sense of teamwork. He produced fresh fruit at the halfway point stop, which was delicious. There was also a safety kayaker/photographer who accompanied the group and took hundreds of photos that can be bought at $60 per boat (can be shared between different families/groups if there is more than just your group) - this was the price in July 2025. Delicious typical local ‘casado’ lunch awaited at the end of the rafting, after a chance to shower and change into dry clothes. The ‘could be better’: Safety briefings beforehand were cursory - and we were only instructed on how to recover someone from the water after it had happened to the other boat in our party. And no briefing on what to do if you fell out in a rapid. Really that info should be given before setting off - and this is the reason I am giving only 4 stars. Because as a rafting experience it is top notch, and I stress that the guide was great fun and skilful. Just the safety side needs to be better - a few minutes more briefing is all that is required.

Summary: Excellent place, all very friendly staff and very good guides give good directions and excellent teaching. Entrance is accessible for 4×4 vehicles but you are also taken by bus I had never done rafting but for the first time it was excellent the guide was explaining things along the way and showing different places