Pacuare River

Pacuare is one of the most extensive nature-filled sites to head to over in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. And while whitewater rafting is one of the most popular activities to do, there is so much more to Pacuare that anyone would enjoy being there. 

Pacuare is the rafting capital of Costa Rica. It offers class II, III, and IV rapids. The Pacuare River starts 9,842 feet above sea level and goes for 82 miles in length, flowing from mountains to plains and draining into the Caribbean Sea. There are some stunning views, such as the view of the stone walls of the Pacuare canyon. Photo ops of the rainforest are plentiful too.

Because of the proximity between the freshwater canals and the ocean, many marine species thrive in Pacuare. There are so many types of fish and aquatic birds to encounter. One of the lodges in the area was recognized as a good practice in sustainability and ecotourism by the World Tourism Organization.

Some rafters prefer November and December because there’s more rain and higher waters. However, beginners like to start a little bit easier, so make sure you know what type of rafting you can handle before you pick a time to come. Remember, the guides will find a safe route if you want to raft the Pacuare in December. The water is lower but challenging in some parts, and tours can be adjusted to your comfort level and ability. 

Keep in mind that the best time to travel depends on other factors. Not everyone goes there for rafting. For instance, if you want to observe leatherback sea turtles, you might have the best luck between March and July, when they are present in more significant quantities. However, the turtles are spotted in February and August as well. The black river turtle is seen from March to July, too. These are easier to spot with the help of a trained guide.

Birdwatching is another big draw to the Pacuare area, with migrating species from North and South America passing through. Of course, every time you open your door, you’ll see an exotic bird of one type or another, but if you are hoping to check off a specific species from your list, you’ll want to check what months it’s most often seen in the area. Guides can also provide binoculars and help you find and identify the birds. 

The Pacuare area has pleasant temperatures year-round, between 70 and 87 degrees. As for rain, the driest months are February, April, and September, and the wettest months are July, November, and December. Rainfall is expected most of the year, but this means a quick afternoon shower most months. The average monthly precipitation ranges from 6.5 to 13.3 inches.

The Pacuare area is safe. It’s mostly rural and adventure tourism. Locals are kind; tourists are around but not overcrowded. It’s still off the beaten path. If you don’t go rafting without a guide, you will be safe. Keep valuables out of sight, but Pacuare is not dangerous.

It is known for good attention to their clients and great taste and prices. It’s also got great views!

This place is a local favorite. Try the special of the day, no matter what it is. Trust the chef!

You want to try either or both for pizza. There’s a debate about which is best, but everyone agrees they’re both pretty great.

A favorite bar is El Comal, as it is a place to relax and enjoy a local beer. Will you prefer Imperial or Pilsen?

While the most fun way to get to Pacuare is by rafting, you can also arrive by car. It’s about a 2-hour drive from San Jose via Route 10. Some people prefer to charter a private helicopter to arrive in Pacuare.

Another top tourist destination is Tortuguero, a 2.5-hour trip via the Braulio Carrillo Highway/Route 32. This trip ends by crossing the canals by boat. Another option is to drive from Pacuare to Limon and take a flight to Tortuguero. Airport codes are LIO and TTQ.