In the Atlantic region of Costa Rica there is a protected zone of incomparable beauty that begins near the town of Siquirres and covers approximately 25,000 acres as it descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range. This is the area known as Pacuare, which constitutes one of the most important protected areas in the region. High annual rainfall, along with its proximity to the lowlands combine to nature the complex life systems whose abundance make for extraordinary scenic beauty. This area is still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, you can hike the same paths that this indigenous tribe still uses.

The Pacuare River, located within this zone, offers some of the finest white water in Latin America. This officially designated Wild and Scenic River winds deep inside impressive primordial rainforest. Remote and scenic waters course through a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds.

Located strategically inside this zone of protected wilderness, and accessible only by the Pacuare River or by hike, is the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting rainforest. We offer this unforgettable escape in connection with white-water rafting and hiking packages. Or if you prefer, try one of our other amazing packages we describe below:

PACUARE RIVER - a Carbon-Neutral, Environmentally-Friendly Adventure   SARAPIQUI RIVER - One day, Class III white-water rafting RATES VALID UNTIL DEC 31, 2012

PACUARE RIVER - a Carbon-Neutral, Environmentally-Friendly Adventure

The trip down this wild and scenic river offers some of the finest white water rafting in Latin America and takes you past luxuriant rainforest, crystalline waterfalls and dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges. It is also an environmentally sustainable adventure that is carbon neutral and supports efforts to conserve the river’s ecosystems and help nearby communities. Once we pick you up from your hotel, you’ll ride in our bio-diesel bus past lovely mountain scenery to a rustic restaurant where you’ll enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast made with organic ingredients. We’ll then drive you to the Pacuare River put-in site, where our expert river guides will give you a quick course in white water rafting and safety before you begin your 18-mile journey down that spectacular waterway. You’ll float past pristine tropical forest populated by toucans, parrots and other birds, some of which is protected in our 637-acre (258-ha.) nature reserve, where the fast-growing trees absorb more atmospheric carbon than our vehicles emit, making our tours carbon-neutral. This unforgettable river adventure combines class-II and -IV rapids with floats past breathtaking scenery that includes massive tropical trees and waterfalls that plummet into the river. We'll break for a healthy lunch by the riverbank in a traditional palm-thatch structure owned by a Cabécar Indian family, who recycle our organic waste and wash dishes so that we don’t have to use disposable plates and cups. After lunch, well paddle through more adrenaline-pumping rapids and marvel at amazing scenery, such as the narrow canyon of Dos Montañas. After we reach the highway, you’ll be able to change into dry clothes before we begin our 90-minute drive back to San José. You’ll also have a chance to purchase carbon-offset certificates, which finance the planting and care of native trees on deforested land that will absorb tons of atmospheric carbon as they grow, and can offset all the carbon that enters the atmosphere during your Costa Rica vacation. Rafters should be physically fit and at least 12 years old, but no previous white-water experience is necessary for this trip.

Trip length: 18 miles (10-13 hours). Difficulty: Class III-IV, moderate-difficult Minimum age: 12 years old. Departures: daily, all year. Price: US $100 per person (including taxes). Included: Transportation, breakfast, lunch at Cabecar palm thatch structure, river equipment, bilingual river guide, changing facilities at our take out in Siquirres, towel service at the end of the trip.

SARAPIQUI RIVER - One day, Class III white-water rafting

The Sarapiquí is a scenic white water river that winds its way through some of Costa Rica's most lush and vibrant scenery. Free-flowing, it has its origins in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rainforest, finally joining together in the crystal waters of the beautiful Sarapiquí. Verdant forest reaches right up to the river's sun-basked banks. If Matisse had come to Costa Rica, this is what he would have painted! This narrow, low-volume river is ideal for white-water novices, as well as families, all of whom will enjoy its moderately flowing rapids, interspersed with tranquil stretches. The journey is also excellent for bird-watchers and other nature lovers, as the river stretches its way through lush vegetation that is home to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, and scores of other native bird species. Don't miss this classic tropical river experience! We will pick you up from your San José hotel, driving approximately 2 1/2 hours to the river put-in. A traditional breakfast is served at a restaurant en route. After a short safety briefing, you will rig your raft and begin the journey downriver. Lunch is served on the banks of the river. Take out will be in the afternoon, at which time you can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before your return to San José.

Trip length: 10 miles. Difficulty: Class III, moderate. Minimum age: 8 years old. Departures: daily, all year. Price: US $90.00 per person (including taxes). Included: breakfast, picnic lunch, use of rafting equipment, English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from San José.

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