For several decades now, Costa Rica has summoned traveling paddlers with warm whitewater rivers that snake through impossibly green rainforests and the promise of close-up encounters with jungle wildlife. Add reliable water flows and challenging rapids and this friendly Central American country regularly makes the shortlist of the world’s best whitewater destinations. In fact, the rivers here are so good that many top US Olympic paddlers head to Costa Rica to train for the winter. And who could blame them? Besides the tasty whitewater, trip logistics are a cinch in Costa Rica. Rental cars are plentiful, public transportation is relatively reliable and even hitch-hiking is safe. Food and accommodations are cheap. Travel is easy in this tropical nation.
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Of Costa Rica’s five main whitewater rivers, the Pacuare is one of the most attractive to international paddlers. Located in the highland region east of the capital of San Jose, the Pacuare flows through steep gorges, past towering waterfalls and virgin rainforest on its way to the Caribbean. At its most beautiful, the river runs emerald green, but heavy rains swell it to a muddy brown. The flat gray rocks that make up the riverbank lead to solid walls of granite and endless curtains of vines and leaves. Its verdant banks are home to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, birds galore and a respectable number of poisonous snakes. All of this makes the Pacuare, arguably, the quintessential jungle river.
The river boasts 32 miles of class III–V whitewater that challenges most intermediate to advanced paddlers and keeps adventurous whitewater enthusiasts on their toes. Although the river can be paddled without a guide, the most fun is had when you are shown the best play spots by someone who knows the river.
To experience the Pacuare, you can go by raft or kayak. Whereas kayaking demands a high level of experience, rafting doesn’t, so it’s a great way to get a taste of Costa Rica’s whitewater.(The ratings are based on the raft trip.)
The kayaking trip starts with a warm-up paddle on the class III section of the Reventazón (a smaller, easier relative of the Pacuare). Six nights are spent camping on the grounds of the outfitter’s operations center—replete with pesky insects and howler monkeys taunting you from the treetops. But here’s a twist: The center also provides the luxury of hot showers and cooked meals.
After shaking off any pre-trip jitters on the Reventazón, the group heads south to the Pacuare for the challenging 14-mile-long class III–IV section that runs from Tres Equis to Siquirres. The kayak is broken up into two days of paddling with a stay at an amazing jungle lodge in between. Nestled on a 1,000-acre plot of virgin rainforest, this lodge was built in traditional Cabecar Indian-style and conjures up childhood memories of the Swiss Family Robinson.
But before you get too comfortable at the lodge, you’ll be whisked away for four more days of paddling and camping. Depending on which of the region’s rivers are producing the best flows, Rios Tropicales’ guides escort paddlers to spots like the Pacuare’s remote Arriba section with seven miles of steep class III and IV rapids and the class IV big-water Pascua section of the Reventazón.
For rafters, all gear is provided, but for kayakers only the kayaks are supplied. Most outfitters stock a variety of relatively recent high-performance boats, but if you’re picky about what you paddle, consider bringing your own kayak. Because the rivers tackled on this trip can be quite challenging at times, especially at high water, the outfitter also has strict rules requiring paddlers to be proficient in class III and IV rapids. In fact, all prospective guests are interviewed in terms of their river skills by outfitter staff before they will even accept a reservation. There are day-trips for whitewater rafting that require a basic fitness level, but no prior paddling experience.
OUTFITTERS
RIOS TROPICALES, COSTA RICA
This local outfitter offers a variety of whitewater options. In addition to its bustling rafting operation, each fall the company offers a 9-day kayaking sampler on the Pacuare with side trips to other nearby rivers. Rios Tropicales also offers one-, two-, and three-day rafting trips on the Pacuare.
Rios Tropicales offer adventure activities that take advantage of Costa Rica’s unique variety of environments: whitewater rafting on eight rivers, multisport activities that feature kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and cycling, family adventures, cultural encounters, nature and wildlife tours, and “volun-tourism”. Rios Tropicales' signature trips are the Pacuare River Rafting Adventures, offered in one through four day packages, with multi-day trips staying at their acclaimed rainforest eco-lodge deep within the Pacuare Protected Zone. Offer Costa Rica Adventure Tours, Whitewater Rafting, Rainforest Lodge on the Pacuare River, Family Vacation Packages. Got award - "Costa Rica's Top Adventure Outfitter 2007, 2009"- National Geographic Adventure Magazine -Winner Geotourism Challenge, June 2008 - National Geographic and Ashoka Changemakers, Finalist Conde Nast Traveler World Savers 2008 Awards, #1 Costa Rica Adventure Outfitter and #5 Rafting Company in the World by National Geographic Adventure Online Magazine in November 2007.
In an effort to preserve and protect the Pacuare and Reventazón watersheds and endangered rivers worldwide, Rios Tropicales founded the nonprofit Fundación Ríos Tropicales (FRT). Thanks to the work of the FRT and other concerned groups, a proposal to dam the Pacuare has been postponed, but not cancelled. So it would be wise to put the Pacuare on your own shortlist, just in case this Central American jewel is lost forever in the questionable name of "progress." More info visit website: http://www.riostropicales.com/