Costa Rica Rafting & Culture Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
- Season: Year-round availability
- Age Requirement: 12+
- Difficulty: Moderate (Class II – IV rapids)
- Group Size: 6-12 guests for personalized experience
Costa Rica Adventure Rafting: An 8-Day Expedition Beyond Alaska
Navigate the legendary Pacuare River through tropical rainforest. Zipline through jungle canopy. Rappel down waterfalls. Explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This 8-day expedition combines world-class whitewater with cultural immersion in one of Central America’s most biodiverse countries.
After years of guiding Alaska’s rivers, we’ve expanded our operation to include one international destination. We chose Costa Rica because the Pacuare River delivers the same quality wilderness experience we demand in Alaska—just in a different climate with different wildlife and completely different geology.
This trip runs Class II-IV whitewater through pristine rainforest, stays at an exclusive eco-lodge accessible only by river, and balances adventure activities with beach time on the Caribbean coast. It’s designed for travelers who want serious outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort or cultural authenticity.
The partnership with Pacuare Outdoor Center means you’re guided by people who know these rivers as thoroughly as we know Alaska’s glacial systems. Same standards. Same refusal to compromise on safety or experience quality. Just warmer water and howler monkeys instead of bears.
What Makes This Costa Rica Trip Different?
World-Class Pacuare River Delivers
National Geographic rates the Pacuare as one of the top 5 most scenic rivers on the planet. You’ll understand why when you’re paddling through sections where canyon walls rise 300 feet overhead and waterfalls drop 200 feet into the river.
Two full days on the water. First day rafts you to the Pacuare Outdoor Center Lodge through Class II and III rapids, stopping at pools and waterfalls. Second day runs the Pacuare Canyon section—the most technical and scenic stretch of the river, with Class III and IV rapids that demand attention.
The whitewater is legitimate. Not a theme park ride. You’ll paddle actively, navigate real rapids, and get wet. But the difficulty is accessible to first-time rafters with decent fitness and experienced enough to keep paddlers interested.
Eco-Lodge in the Middle of Nowhere
Two nights at the Pacuare Outdoor Center Lodge, perched above the river in rainforest you can only reach by rafting in or hiking several hours. No road access. No day-trippers. Just your group and the jungle.
The lodge features the only Tarzan Swing on the Pacuare River—you’re harnessed in and swing hundreds of feet above the water. There’s a zipline course through the canopy. Hikes to waterfalls where you can jump into pools. And plenty of time in rocking chairs overlooking the canyon, listening to howler monkeys and watching the river below.
Accommodations are comfortable without being luxurious. You’re in the rainforest. Expect insects, humidity, and jungle sounds at night. The lodge prioritizes sustainability and minimal impact over resort amenities.
Incredible Activities Beyond Rafting
This isn’t just a river trip. Canyoneering through five waterfalls (10 to 40 feet high). Zipline courses. Sustainable cacao farm tour with hands-on chocolate making. Local fruit stands featuring varieties you won’t find in the U.S.
Your private guide and driver stay with the group the entire week, handling logistics, sharing local knowledge, and adapting activities based on weather and group interests. It’s a curated experience, not a bus tour hitting predetermined stops.
Caribbean Coast Without the Crowds
After the Pacuare, the trip moves to Costa Rica’s south Caribbean coast—the side of the country that’s stayed relatively undeveloped. No high-rises. Lots of Afro-Caribbean culture. Beaches that still feel like they belong to the people who live there.
You’ll stand-up paddleboard on lazy rivers watching sloths in trees and black turtles in the water. Visit Punta Uva Beach. Explore Puerto Viejo’s local food scene. Snorkel around “Grape Point” if conditions allow.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica feels different from the Pacific coast. More laid back. More cultural authenticity. Less tourism infrastructure, which is exactly the point.
Trip Details: What to Expect on the Pacuare River
The trip balances adventure activities with cultural immersion and relaxation. Days include rafting Class II-IV whitewater, canyoneering down waterfalls, ziplining through jungle canopy, and paddleboarding on Caribbean waters. Evenings bring local cuisine, time at the eco-lodge, and exploration of Caribbean coast towns.
Physical fitness helps but technical skills aren’t required. The rafting includes comprehensive safety briefings. Canyoneering and zipline activities come with experienced guides and proper equipment. Stand-up paddleboarding happens on flat water.
Duration:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Age Requirement:
12+
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The climate is tropical. Expect heat, humidity, and occasional rain regardless of season. Mornings tend to be clearer. Afternoons often bring showers. You’ll be wet most days from either rain, river, or sweat.
Professional Guide Service
Pacuare Outdoor Center guides bring decades of combined experience on Costa Rica’s rivers. Training includes swiftwater rescue certification, Wilderness First Responder care, extensive Pacuare River knowledge, wildlife identification, and cultural interpretation skills.
Your private guide/driver stays with the group throughout the entire trip, handling logistics, coordinating with activity providers, and ensuring smooth transitions between locations. They know the roads, the restaurants, the timing, and how to navigate Costa Rica efficiently.
When we chose to partner with Pacuare Outdoor Center, we evaluated multiple operators. They met our standards for safety protocols, environmental practices, and guest experience. The same quality you expect from our Alaska trips applies here.
Why We Chose Costa Rica
McCarthy River Tours built our reputation guiding Alaska’s glacial rivers. When we decided to offer an international destination, we wanted a location that could deliver legitimate wilderness experiences without compromising our standards.
Costa Rica’s biodiversity, established ecotourism infrastructure, political stability, and the Pacuare River’s quality made it the right choice. The partnership with Pacuare Outdoor Center gives us confidence that guests receive the same level of service and safety they’d get on our Alaska expeditions.
2026 Dates & Pricing
Price: $2,850 per person
What’s Included:
2026 Dates:
Custom dates available for private groups of 6-12 participants. Contact us to arrange dates that fit your schedule.
Travel Logistics:
Arrive: San José (SJO) Airport between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Day 1
Depart: San José (SJO) Airport between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Day 8
Customize Your Costa Rica Experience
The 8-day itinerary covers the Pacuare River and Caribbean coast thoroughly. For groups wanting additional time, we can arrange extensions for cloud forest exploration, Pacific coast surfing, volcano tours, or additional beach days.
Costa Rica’s small size and diverse ecosystems mean you can experience multiple climate zones and environments without spending your entire vacation in transit. If you have specific interests—birding, yoga, historical sites—we can usually work them in.
Contact us at 888-609-RAFT to discuss customizing your Costa Rica itinerary.
What’s Included in Your Package
We Provide
Guiding & Transportation:
- Expert professional guides throughout expedition
- Private nature guide and driver for entire trip
- Private transportation throughout Costa Rica
Equipment:
- All whitewater rafting gear (rafts, PFDs, paddles, helmets)
- Zipline and Tarzan Swing equipment
- Canyoneering gear
- Stand-up paddleboard equipment
Activities:
- All adventure activities listed in itinerary
- All entrance fees
- Pre-trip orientation and safety briefings
You Bring
Personal Items:
- Sturdy water bottle
- Personal items from our detailed packing list
- Any necessary medications plus 2-day backup supply
Not Included:
- Lodging outside tour dates (if arriving early/staying late)
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Travel to/from San José Airport
- Guide gratuity (10-20% of trip cost suggested)
The Water is Waiting
This is Costa Rica rafting and adventure executed with the attention to detail that defines McCarthy River Tours expeditions. Book your 2026 expedition now: 888-609-RAFT
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive San José & Drive to Turrialba Valley
Lodging: Local Hotel | Meals: Dinner
Arrive at San José (SJO) Airport between 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Your private guide and driver transport you to the Turrialba Valley. Evening welcome dinner and orientation covering the week ahead.
Note: Early arrivals (day before) can be arranged. We’ll coordinate group departure from San José at 2:00 PM on official Day 1.
Canyoneering & Cacao Farm Tour
Lodging: Local Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rappel down five waterfalls ranging from 20 to 100 feet during a canyoneering adventure through crystal-clear pools. Lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views. Afternoon visit to a sustainable cacao farm for hands-on learning about cultivation and chocolate-making process.
Raft to Pacuare Outdoor Center Lodge
Lodging: Pacuare Outdoor Center Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Put in on the Pacuare River after a 20-minute drive and comprehensive safety briefing. Navigate Class II and III rapids downstream through rainforest, stopping for riverside lunch and visits to pools and waterfalls. Arrive at the exclusive eco-lodge in the afternoon. Settle in and spend the evening overlooking the canyon from the lodge.
Zipline, Tarzan Swing & Waterfall Hike
Lodging: Pacuare Outdoor Center Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Tarzan Swing—the only one on the Pacuare River—swinging hundreds of feet above the water while safely harnessed. Zipline through rainforest canopy. Hike to a waterfall where you can slide into pools and swim beneath cascading water. Afternoon free to relax at the lodge. Evening bonfire.
Rafting Pacuare Canyon & Travel to Caribbean Coast
Lodging: Caribbean Coast Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft through Pacuare Canyon—the most scenic and technical section of the river. Navigate through gorges where canyon walls rise 300 feet and waterfalls drop 200 feet into the river. Take out and begin the journey to the south Caribbean coast.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Beach Exploration
Lodging: Caribbean Coast Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Punta Uva Beach. Stand-up paddleboard on flat water watching black turtles, howler monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. Paddle around Grape Point with potential snorkeling if conditions allow. Afternoon free to explore Puerto Viejo—local shops, beaches, food. Evening options include live music in town or relaxation at the hotel.
Final Beach Morning & Return to San José
Lodging: San José Airport Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Last morning at the beach—swim in warm Caribbean water or relax. Afternoon drive back to San José with your private guide and driver. Arrive at airport hotel (5 minutes from SJO). Farewell dinner and packing.
Departure Day
Lodging: None | Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to San José Airport, arriving at least two hours before your flight.
Note: Itinerary may vary based on weather, water levels, and group interests.
Guides adapt the journey to maximize both safety and experience quality.
Ready to Experience Costa Rica?
Navigate world-class rapids on the Pacuare River. Rappel down tropical waterfalls. Encounter sloths and monkeys in rainforest. Experience Caribbean culture. This is McCarthy River Tours’ first international destination—Alaska expertise applied to Central America’s premier adventure landscape.
Reserve Your Costa Rica Expedition
Professional guiding. Quality equipment. Private transportation. Curated experiences.
READY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP?
We’ve got you covered with day and multi-day trip guides for McCarthy, Alaska.
Planning that bucket list trip to the Last Frontier can be a little daunting. But not to worry – We’ve made it easy with our trip planning guides! These guides cover everything from how to get to McCarthy, Alaska, what to pack for a trip, and our most frequently asked questions from past guests.
