Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHITE-WATER RAFTING IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY
The Turrialba area is a major center for white-water rafting. Traditionally the two most
popular rafting rivers have been the Río Reventazón and the Río Pacuare , but the
former has been dramatically impacted by a series of hydroelectric projects, including a
huge 305MW dam currently under construction.
As a result, most organized expeditions from Turrialba now head for the Río Pacuare,
which arguably offers the most scenic rafting in Central America. The river plunges down
the Caribbean slope through a series of spectacular canyons clothed in virgin rainforest,
through runs named for their fury and separated by calm stretches that enable you to
stare at near-vertical green walls towering hundreds of meters above.
Lower Pacuare With Class II-IV rapids, this is the more accessible run: 28km through
rocky gorges, past an indigenous village and untamed jungle.
Upper Pacuare Classified as Class III-IV, but a few sections can go to Class V, depending
on conditions. It's about a two-hour drive to the put-in, after which you'll have the pretti-
est jungle cruise on earth all to yourself.
The Pacuare can be run year-round, though June to October are considered the best
months. The highest water is from October to December, when the river runs fast with
huge waves. March and April are when the river is at its lowest, though it is still challen-
ging.
TRIPS & PRICES
Rafting trips are offered by several Turrialba-based agencies as well as reputable national
companies such as Exploradores Outdoors ( www.exploradoresoutdoors.com ) and Ríos
Tropicales ( www.riostropicales.com ) .
Day trips usually raft the Class II-IV Lower Pacuare, thanks to its relative ease of ac-
cess. A tamer alternative for beginners and families is the Class I-II Río Pejibaye. Other
runs - such as the Upper Pacuare and/or remaining navigable segments of Río
Reventazón - require more time spent in a van and tend to be more expensive.
For day trips (many of which originate in San José), expect to pay anywhere from
US$99 to US$125 depending on transportation, accessibility and amenities. It is gener-
ally less expensive to leave from Turrialba (day trips from US$80). Multiday excursions
with camping or lodge accommodations are also offered by numerous companies. For
two-day trips, prices vary widely depending on accommodations, but expect to pay
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