» RIO PACUARE
The Pacuare River Specialists!

TRES EQUIS TO SIQUIRRES

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Class III-IV • 2-3 Days, San Martin to Siquirres. Class III-IV Tres Equis to Siquirres. Class III-IV The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids. Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife. After an early morning pickup from your San José hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to our Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the river at our private put-in, you'll raft 16 miles deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests. On the river you will raft by Ríos Tropicales Lodge, where guests stay on two and three-day trips. Intimate and charming, the lodge blends naturally into the forest on our 1,000-acre private reserve, with waterfalls and pools. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, after we finish, a short drive to Ríos Tropicales Operations Center for a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks and souvenir store. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. This unforgettable trip will easily be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica!. 1 Day US$95.00/Person

RÍOS TROPICALES LODGE / ECO-ADVENTURE CENTER

RESERVATION

Immersed in the heart of the Pacuare Protected Zone on the Atlantic slopes of Costa Rica, Ríos Tropicales has developed its Lodge an "Eco-Adventure Center". Over 1000 acres of private property, 90% of which is primary rain forest, stage this magnificent setting for play and relaxation. Río Pacuare, a quintessential magical river is the main highway into the Ríos Tropicales Lodge.

PACUARE RIVER (COSTA RICA)

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We were all excited, and a bit apprehensive about our whitewater rafting expedition on the Pacuare River. We chose this river because of its unique location. The Pacuare winds through a dense jungle! Our river guide, Fernando, is an expert and his company, Ríos Tropicales, specializes in whitewater trips in Costa Rica. He quickly put our crew at ease by saying that he had a specially equipped raft for filming purposes, and that the possibility of having one of our expensive cameras "dunked" would be small!. After careful instructions, we boarded the rafts - Jack and Kathaleen in one, the crew shooting from the other special "oar" boat. The river during April has class 3 and 4 rapids - which was perfect for our needs. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular!. We wound along the river and bounced over the waves. The banks on each side towered hundreds of feet overhead. It began raining very heavily for about 20 minutes. Then, the bright tropical sun shone and the river twinkled like a diamond. Up ahead, we saw a fantastic waterfall, probably 200-300 feet in height. It spilled water down over protruding rocks and on top of us! It's no wonder that part of the movie Congo was filmed here - what a perfect tropical paradise! Ríos Tropicales has a great rustic lodge located on the river where you can stay overnight during their extended whitewater trips. Jack said that in all of his worldly travels, the Pacuare River trip is at the top of his list of memories!". Jack Hannah's Animal Adventures (A Journey with Jack Panama & Costa Rica, 2000).

2-3 DAYS, SAN MARTÍN TO SIQUIRRES - CLASS III-IV

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On the Río Pacuare 2 and 3 Day Trips, you'll enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible - breathtaking beauty far removed from civilization's rush and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids. DAY 1 You'll depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at our New Ríos Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river, your friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim. Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in "Cabecar Indian" style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides. DAY 2 Don't worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge surroundings. You can choose a variety of hikes - a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge - or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know! (Note: For the 2 Day Trip, simply omit Day 2. You will not spend the extra day at the Lodge). DAY 3 After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at our New Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. 3 DAYS US$305.00/PERSON

One of the first adventure disciplines that conquered the public’s taste, and that nowadays enjoys great popularity is rafting. It’s a sports modality that consists of descending a river of fast waters, where the current impulses the ship. It’s directed by a guide, while the rest of the crew help from the lateral seats with their oars. The word “rafting” derives from the English term “raft” which means raft.


A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

The historical background of rafting lies with ancient rafters, which used the logs of trees they had felled as a transport media in the river. It was also a simple form of carrying the materials to the sawmills.

The first record of a rafting descent goes back to 1869, when John Wesley Powell, one of the most important expeditionary in American history, organized an expedition to the Grand Canyon to travel the Colorado river in wood ships. Each year a descent trial is held on this river to commemorate this date.

In 1909 the company of Julio’s Stone Grand Canyon initiated descents for tourists. The search for a boat that could be adapted to the river’s conditions, led rafting lovers to try different materials. One of these trials was using inflatable boats pneumatic from the United States’ army, which proved to be the most adequate. In 1938 was held the first descent of the Colorado River in a pneumatic raft.

During the decades of the 60’s and 70’s, the sport suffered a stagnation period, only to surge again with all its force in the decade of the 80’s. The creation of a boat called “self bailer”, of lighter materials and resistant made it possible.

Today rafting is one of the tourist activities that best combine adventure with the enjoyment of beautiful scenarios, for those deciding to go down a river.

EQUIPMENT

The boat used for the practice of rafting can be of two types. The first is a raft with a central oar, possessing two big oars that are placed on a platform on the ship and count with a resting point. A monitor or trainer, who will be in charge of directing the boat, conducts them. It is generally employed to transport the luggage and food. The other is known as paddle raft, in which the monitor direct from the rear part, with a long oar he uses as rudder, while the rest of the steersmen, equipped with a short, single paddle oar will follow his orders.

Rafts measure 5 x 2 meters and have a capacity of four to ten persons. Besides the oars, members of the crew must wear a helmet, a lifesaver, sandals and clothes that can get wet.

CLASSIFICATION OF RIVERS

The moment they descend a river, steersmen will face a series of obstacles such as currents, the changes in levels and the rapids.

According to these difficulties, a classification of rivers has been created:

»	Class I, Easy: Fast current, with ripples and small waves. Little obstructions, that can be easily surpassed with some training. The risk for swimmers is low and self-rescue easy.
»	Class II, Beginners: Direct rapids with wide canals. Simple maneuvers are needed on some sections of the river. Scarce danger for swimmers.
»	Class III, Intermediate: Rapids with moderate waves. Narrow passages and rapid currents, require complex maneuvers. A previous exploration is recommended for those who don’t have enough experience.
»	Class IV, Advanced: Intense rapids, requiring precise control of the ship in turbulent waters. Many of the maneuvers should be done quickly, and under pressure. Water conditions make self-rescue difficult, so group’s assistance is necessary.
»	Class V, Expert: Very long and violent rapids. Descents may have waves, big holes and abrupt falls with complex routes. Rescue is very difficult.
»	Class VI; Extreme: Only for expert teams, running the river under strict safety norms. Consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible.

In 1979 a Polish expedition arrived to the country and descended the rivers Pacuare and Reventazón on modern rafts for the first time. One year later, Michael Kaye from the U.S.A. began commercial activities doing rafting on both rivers. He founded the company Costa Rica Expeditions. The second company that was created was Ríos Tropicales, directed by Rafael Gallo and Fernando Esquivel. They began operations on river Sarapiquí and later embarked on the discovery of other rivers.

ROWING AND SAFETY COMMANDS

»	¡Todos adentro! (adentro, abajo) (get down): All passengers in squatted position on the raft’s floor to avoid falling into the water.
»	¡Todos arriba!: keep rowing
»	¡Lado alto! (highside): everyone should place themselves on the side that goes up, to balance the raft.
»	¡Adelante! (Forward): everyone rows forward.
»	¡Atrás! (Back paddle): everyone rows backwards.
»	¡Izquierda atrás! (Left back): the left side rows backwards while the right goes forward. This makes the raft turn left.
»	¡Derecha atrás! (Right back): the right side rows backwards while the left one goes forward. The raft turns to the right.
»	¡Alto! (Stop): break

Following are a few of the most convenient rivers for rafting:

REVENTAZÓN

The Tucurrique section (Class III) is easy enough for first-timers. The Pascua section (Class IV-V) is very wild, and requires previous rafting experience. Can be run year round.

PACUARE

The country's longest and most spectacular river trip (Class III-IV) can be run from mid May thru mid March. Two-day trip recommended.

SARAPIQUÍ

Beautiful river (Class II-III), good trip for beginners. Can be run out of San Jose or the Arenal area, from mid May thru mid March.

SAAVEGRE

Another beautiful river (Class II-III) excellent for first timers. River trips leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, May thru January.

NARANJO

A wild river (Class III-IV) near Quepos that requires some rafting experience. Run from June thru November.

EL GENERAL

A popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip (class III-IV) best during the height of the rainy season, September to November.