Located towards the Caribbean side of the country, the Pacuare River is considered the best river for rafting in Costa Rica. With Class II, III, and IV whitewater, incredible scenery, and beautiful lodges, the Rio Pacuare is a vacation highlight for many tourists. To make the most of your vacation, it’s important to build out an itinerary that flows well and is the most efficient as you travel around the country. The below guide will help you with that.
San Jose <–> Pacuare River
Drive time to the put-in: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Drive time from the takeout: 1 hour and 50 minutes.
With most tourists flying in and out of San Jose this will likely be your starting point. Some prefer to first drive to Turrialba and stay at our B & B the day before their river trip, but if you get in early enough you could catch a trip that same day.
Puerto Viejo <–> Pacuare River
Drive time to the put-in: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Drive time from the takeout: 2 hours and 10 minutes.
If you look at a map, the Pacuare River is more or less on the way to the Caribbean and Puerto Viejo, with the takeout conveniently a few minutes away from the main highway that travels east. If you plan on checking out this beautiful coastal city, it makes the most sense to go San Jose –> Pacuare River –> and then Puerto Viejo.
Turrialba <–> Pacuare River
Drive time to the put-in: 30 minutes
Drive time from the takeout: 50 minutes.
Turrialba is the gateway to the Pacuare River and home to our company. Many guests will arrive in San Jose, drive to our location, do a half-day adventure/tour, stay the night at our B and B, and then the next morning, start their rafting experience.
La Fortuna <–> Pacuare River
Drive time to the put-in: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Drive time from the takeout: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
La Fortuna is one of the most popular cities in the country. If you plan on rafting the Pacuare River and checking out this city then either way you go (starting in La Fortuna and then the Pacuare, or the opposite) is fine. The exception to this is if you also plan on visiting the Caribbean. In that instance, it would make the most sense to go San Jose –>Pacuare River –> Puerto Viejo —>La Fortuna