Pacific & Pacuare River Trip
Don’t rely on luck for the success of your trip.
Pacific & Pacuare River Costa Rica Whitewater Trip
Trip Overview
Trip Includes:
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare
- Tips and Gratuities
- Alcohol
- Non Paddler Options are an extra cost for transportation
Class III and optional Class IV Rivers
If you’ve paddled in Costa Rica before, this is the trip that will put it back on your bucket list. All rivers are raftable, making it perfect for both kayakers and rafters.
Our Pacific & Pacuare River Trip, launched in 2018, has become a Fall favorite. We’ve refined it to reduce driving and maximize river time, and we’ve partnered with great hotels in Dominical so you can enjoy ocean views and sunsets after your river days.
In six days, you may paddle up to five rivers, depending on water levels. We begin on the Savegre River, a wide and friendly flow with fun surf and wave features—perfect for warming up and building skills. If levels allow, we’ll also run the Guabo River, a rarely paddled Pacific gem that starts in the mountains and finishes at the beach in Dominical, with exciting Class III rapids and an optional IV+ waterfall.
From there, we explore the south-central region with multiple river options before heading north to finish near Turrialba on the mighty Pacuare River. With over 52 rapids, this world-class river is a highlight. We use a special upstream put-in, allowing for a longer section and a two-day experience with an overnight stay at the beloved Jungle Lodge.
And if someone in your group prefers not to paddle every day, we can arrange unforgettable wildlife, waterfall, and beach experiences nearby.
Why River Trips with Amazing Vacations?
All guides have 10+ years experience and ACA are Certified
Brand new kayaks & equipment
All inclusive Small Group trips
Many sections of rivers we paddle aren’t offered by other companies
Who is this trip for? What ability level?
This trip is for Class III kayakers who have a consistent roll on the river. You do not need to be a Class IV boater, but we do stress the importance of having solid paddling skills if you plan to kayak. Beginner kayakers are welcome to join the trip but there will be some days that a beginner will be required to be in a raft. We want everyone to have a great time.
Everyone in the group has the option to jump in a raft on any of the days and we love when we have some in the group who raft. (That means we can carry heavier and better food for lunch on the river!)
If you have questions about your ability to join this trip, please contact us and ask questions.
If you are unsure of your abilities or are newer to boating, we recommend joining the Classic Week of Rivers as these rivers allow our guides to work with you in a less remote, less consequence and more controlled environment. Our guides are incredible teachers and love giving tips along the river.
If you have questions, please contact us and we’re happy to talk with you more about which trip is right for you.
What to Expect Once You're Ready to Signup
When you are ready to book, we typically do a quick phone call and/or trade emails and texts with you to make sure you don’t have questions about the trip. Once we finalize your dates, we will prepare a deposit invoice that will be emailed to you. You can pay online. We will schedule an email to be sent about 90 days prior to your trip to pay for the remaining balance on your trip. You’ll also be able to pay online when that invoice arrives via email.
Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll get a series of emails and other communications from us to help you know what to pack, what to expect and how to prepare. You’ll also get a final detailed itinerary with pickup times, phone numbers and all the details you’ll need for sharing with your family back home who will jealously be watching you post facebook photos during your amazing trip.
If you have questions at any time, please contact us and we’re happy to talk with you more about which trip is right for you. We have our team in Costa Rica as well as the support team in the United States that are here to help make this the best trip you’ve ever been on!
Pacific Rivers Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arriving in San Jose and Transfer to Dominical
You’ll fly into (SJO) San Jose, Costa Rica.
Once everyone has arrived in the group you will transfer in a private shuttle to Dominical. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic with a few stops along the way to check out some of the local attractions.
Day 2
Rio Savegre (Class II-III)
This is a super fun warm up day on a big river with lots of spots to surf and get comfortable in your boat. We’ll stop along the river for lunch and you’ll be able to walk to and swim/shower in the Savegre Falls.
Day 3
Guabo River to Dominical
(Class III+)
If water levels allow, we will also run the Guabo river. This is rarely paddled by commercial trips because it is a bit more out of the way, but it is our favorite on the Pacific. You start high in the mountain area and float all the way to the ocean in Dominical.
You’ll pass through several awesome Class III rapids and have one easy to portage optional IV+ waterfall that most people will choose to walk around. (The waterfall is featured in the image on the left.) The takeout is on the beach where you’ll be able to surf in the ocean waves before taking out your boat on the beach at Dominical, one of the most famous surfing areas in all of Costa Rica.
Day 4
Naranjo River (Class III+)
The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Qeupos through a beautiful jungle gorge.
It will take you on a wild ride down to sea level as you pass farmlands and palm plantations. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles.
The Class III & IV whitewater, jungle, canyon, and sky make for an unforgettable day. This is an exciting ride for every ability.
We’ll then head to Turrialba. We’ll stay at Turrialba B&B (or similar hotel). We’ll enjoy family style dinner from our private chef and relax.
Day 5
Pacuare River to Eco-Lodge
(Class III)
This 24 kilometer (17 miles) class III/IV section is your paddling gem today. This is the most popular run on the Pacuare, often said to be one of the top five river sections in the world. We will put-in a bit higher than other groups and enjoy an additional 4 kilometers of whitewater as we paddle to our riverside Jungle Lodge. The rapids on this day are fun class II and III. To spend a night along the shores of the Pacuare river is an experience every person should enjoy at least once in their lives.
We’ll light the camp with candles and prepare delicious tropical cuisine. The camp is complete with flush toilets, warm showers, raised platform tents with comfy mattresses and fully landscaped grounds.
Day 6
Lower Pacuare River
(Class III & IV)
Wake up to the sound of Toucans and the jungle mist snaking its way up the canyon in the morning. You’ll eat a delicious breakfast and enjoy the last of jungle camp. This section of the Pacuare winds through the beautiful and exciting Huacas Canyon with several Class III-IV rapids.
After the canyon it mellows out and then picks back up before a nice Class II-III paddle out to the Caribbean flatland town of Siquirres where we take out. Paddlers who are not feeling up to the harder rapids will experience all these thrilling class III and IV rapids in a guided raft. We then return to Turrialba to enjoy our last dinner together and last night in Costa Rica.
Day 7
Upper Upper Pacuare
(Class III+/Optional IV)
For those boaters who have proven they can safely handle Class III rapids in their kayak, this is a step up.
Very few people paddle this section of river because of how remote it is. Expect to see no more than two buildings and two bridges during the day. Traveling in a raft will be an option if you don’t feel ready.
There is one class IV rapid today called “Por Donde Me Voy” that at many kayakers choose to walk around. This is often one of the favorite days for our groups who are looking for big, fun water in the middle of the jungle.
Day 8
Transfer back to San Jose or Extend your Trip
Additional Group Trip Information
Group Size
Our trips are designed for small groups. If fewer than 4 participants are registered, the trip will still run — it will not be canceled. However, there may be a slight adjustment:
Group dinners may not be included and will typically be on your own rather than organized for the group.
Lunch will be lighter and more picnic-style (such as pastries and easy river snacks), but still enough to keep you energized and ready for a great day on the river.
All river activities, guiding, safety support, transportation, and logistics will continue as planned.
Room Occupancy & Single Supplement
Trip pricing is based on double occupancy rooms, which means:
Two people per room
Two separate beds
If you prefer a private single room, this can be arranged for an additional fee. Please let us know in advance so we can confirm availability and provide the exact cost.
Non-Paddler Option
If someone in your group chooses not to paddle during the River Trip week and instead participates in alternate land-based activities, there is an additional cost of approximately $400 per person.
This fee covers:
Daily transportation to and from alternate activities
Activity coordination and logistics throughout the week
Important clarification:
If you are on the river each day (in a ducky or raft when needed), you are considered a paddler for pricing purposes.
A non-paddler is someone who chooses to participate in alternate activities instead of being on the river.
If you are bringing a non-paddler, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the proper arrangements and confirm exact pricing.
Solo Week Fee
For designated Solo Weeks, there is an additional fee of $175.
If another kayaker joins the week at the last minute, we will gladly refund this additional solo fee.
How Amazing Vacations Costa Rica Got Started
Amazing Vacations was started because our guides wanted to offer kayakers the best possible multi-day whitewater paddling experience in Costa Rica.
Can I bring a spouse, partner or family with me for the week?
YES! We have great options to keep spouses, friends and even kids super busy and having as much fun as you are having on the river. Just let us know if you need more info about options.