Pacuare River Class V and Canopying in Selvaverde
Extreme rafting on Costa Rica's Class IV-V rivers with canyoning in 60m waterfalls and rappelling in the Sarapiquí rainforest.
Description
Costa Rica is the world capital of tropical rafting, and this 6-day itinerary concentrates the country's wildest rivers and most spectacular canyons. The heart of the trip is the Pacuare River on its Class IV-V section, with 18 km of continuous rapids cut by a primary rainforest canyon where you sleep in a riverside camp. You complement it with the Class IV Reventazón River, canyoning with a 60m rappel in Sarapiquí waterfalls, and a night hike on Arenal Volcano with crucifix toads and fer-de-lance snakes. The risk is real: Class V rapids with siphons, rappelling in cold-water waterfalls, rainforest with venomous snakes, and rivers that rise 2 meters in 30 minutes with rain. Each activity is guided by certified operators, but personal responsibility is critical.
Health & safety
- The fer-de-lance and eyelash viper are Costa Rica's most lethal snakes
- Dengue in the low river areas: repellent is mandatory
- Leptospirosis in river water: do not drink untreated water
- Hypothermia on waterfall rappels with cold mountain water
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in San José and Preparation
San José
Arrival in San José and Preparation
Informational meeting with raft operator and gear check
Meeting with rafting operator Exploradores Outdoors
sport2hBuying extra gear in San Pedro
sport2hPacuare River Upper Section Class IV-V
Pacuare River
Pacuare River Upper Section Class IV-V
The most beautiful river in the world according to National Geographic
Dos Montañas and El Huaco Rapid Class IV+
sport2hPacuare Canyon: Cimarones and Playa Oriente Rapids
sport3hRiverside Camp on the Pacuare
nature4hPacuare Lower Section and Transfer to Turrialba
Turrialba
Pacuare Lower Section and Transfer to Turrialba
Final rapids and exit from the canyon
Exit Rapids from the Pacuare Canyon
sport3hTransfer to Turrialba for a Recovery Night
rest3hCanyoning in Sarapiquí Waterfalls
Sarapiquí
Canyoning in Sarapiquí Waterfalls
60m rappel in tropical rainforest waterfalls
Canyoning with Rappel on 4 Waterfalls
sport5hZip Line Back to Base Camp
sport1hReventazón River Class IV and Night in Arenal
Arenal
Reventazón River Class IV and Night in Arenal
Aggressive river and Arenal Volcano rainforest
Tucurrique Section of the Reventazón Class IV
sport3hNight Hike in Arenal with a Herpetologist
nature3hFree Morning in Arenal and Return to San José
San José
Free Morning in Arenal and Return to San José
Farewell with a view of the volcano
Morning at Arenal Hot Springs
rest2hTransfer to San José and Departure Flight
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