Pacuare has options ranging from hostels to elaborate ecolodges. 

From whitewater rafting to hiking, zip lining, cayoning, and horseback riding! There is a plethora of activities to choose from.

<h2>Welcome to Pacuare!</h2>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294613/pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-general-view-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294615/small_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/medium_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/large_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to Pacuare</h3>Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Rafting: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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Catching a Glimpse of a Giant Turtle: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.&nbsp;Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Birdwatching: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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-canopy-tour-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/small_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/medium_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/large_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Pacuare Weather</h3>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.<h3>Is Pacuare Safe?</h3>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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-forest-trail-walk-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294636/small_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294635/medium_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/large_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>Top Restaurants in Pacuare</h2>El Rancho de CuchoIt is known for good attention to their clients and great taste and prices. It’s also got great views!&nbsp;Donde WallyThis place is a local favorite. Try the special of the day, no matter what it is. Trust the chef!&nbsp;Evonnys Pizza or El ShaddaiYou want to try either or both for pizza. There’s a debate about which is best, but everyone agrees they’re both pretty great.&nbsp;Bar Restaurante El ComalA favorite bar is El Comal, as it is a place to relax and enjoy a local beer. Will you prefer Imperial or Pilsen?&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-canopy-tour-overview-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/small_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/medium_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/large_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to Get to Pacuare</h2>Between Pacuare and San JoséWhile 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.&nbsp;Between Pacuare and TortugueroAnother 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.

Pacuare River

Pacuare

Pacuare Lodge

All Meals Included

Bar/Lounge

On-Site Tours

Panoramic Vistas

Restaurant

Swimming Pool

White Water Rafting

Adrenaline

Jaco

Rio Celeste

Hermosa Beach

Quepos

Arenal Volcano

Manuel Antonio

Savegre Valley

Canyoning & Waterfall Rappel

Waterfall Rappel

Bajos del Toro

Rio Perdido

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Golfito

Drake Bay

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Jiménez

Cahuita

Corcovado

Tortuguero

Upala

Dominical

Uvita

Cooking Class with Locals

Culture

Punta Islita

Indigenous Reserve Visit

Indigenous Reserve

Guided Nature Hike at Night

Nature Hike at Night

Monteverde

Santa Teresa

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

National Parks

La Paz

Heredia

San Gerardo de Dota

Flamingo Beach

San Isidro

San Ramón

Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking

Beach Fun

Tamarindo

Isla Chiquita

El Jobo

Playa Hermosa (Jaco)

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

Papagayo

Guanacaste 

Playa Avellanas

Liberia

Conchal Beach

Las Catalinas

Nosara

Samara

Playa Langosta

Turrialba

Rincón de la Vieja

Poás Volcano

San José

Los Sueños

Esterillos

Rainforest

Costa Rica Eco Adventure

 Welcome to the Jungle

Unique Lodges of Costa Rica

Pacuare and Drake Bay

Exotic Luxury

Wellness Journey

Adventure Honeymoon

Jungle Adventure & White Sands

Pacuare and Manuel Antonio

Jungle Nights & City Lights

Opulence and Heritage

Unique Costa Rica Adventure

Dare to Dream

Pacuare and Santa Teresa

'A' for Adventure

Wild and Tame Rivers of Costa Rica

Costa Rica Glamping

Jungle Adventure on the Caribbean

Jungle Rafting Extravaganza

Evening Megan!&nbsp;Thanks so much for all that you did for us. Everything was so amazing. Everyone was so nice and we really couldn’t have imagined a better trip! Costa Rica is an an amazing place and we’ll be sure to be back!&nbsp;

Savannah & Hayden Gibson - Megan Hagarty

Anastasia made our honeymoon so special in so many ways! I can’t appreciate enough how stress-free she has made this process and fun along the way. She was always available even during our trip when I was feeling unwell the first few days and had multiple recommendations which had me feeling better in no time.&nbsp;