Rafting the Pacuare River

Huaca Falls Pacuare River Costa Rica
Huaca Falls and the beautiful Pacuare River

Alex and I have been rafting together for the last 14 years. We have our own boat and between us, we have floated at least a dozen rivers across the western U.S., but never in a foreign country. That all changed on Saturday.

National Geographic has called the Pacuare River one of the ten best whitewater rivers in the world. The 18-mile lower Pacuare River includes 38 Class III and 5 Class IV rapids. The scenery is utterly stunning, surrounded by jungle and cascading waterfalls around every corner. It is also highly technical, with holes the size of VW buses just waiting to grab your boat. And it was probably the most fun we’ve had since we started our trip. We hope you enjoy this photo montage.

Pacuare River Costa Rica
The mellow put-in belies the whitewater that lurks below.
Rodeo Rapid Pacuare River Costa Rica
Entering Rodeo Rapid
Redeo Pacuare River Costa Rica
Rodeo Rapid is the first Class IV rapid on the Lower Pacuare River
Pacuare River Costa Rica
Erin just saw what is next
Upper Huacas Pacuare River Costa Rica
Upper Huacas Rapid– highly technical, incredibly beautiful, and totally unforgettable
Upper Huacas Pacuare River Costa Rica
Still sliding into the hole…
Upper Huacas Pacuare River Costa Rica
In the hole of Upper Huacas
Upper Huacas Pacuare River Costa Rica
Yes, we rafted under that waterfall behind us
Upper Huacas Pacuare River Costa Rica
Post Upper Huacas celebration!
Pacuare River Costa Rica
A rare but welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery
Pacuare River Costa Rica
Dodging rocks and holes in Pinball Rapid
Pacuare River Costa Rica
But not dodging all the holes
Pacuare River Costa Rica
A final high five after our last Class III rapid
Pacuare River Cost
Four very happy rafters

9 thoughts on “Rafting the Pacuare River

  1. Unbelievable photos. Have done parts of Animas (Colorado), and Nantahala (NC) but nothing so exciting. I am awed! Looks like you are having quite an adventure.

    Like

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