river rafting questions.....
Dec 12th, 2003, 05:53 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
river rafting questions.....
if we do a rafting trip on the pacuare river (one day or 1/2 day trip), is this a day-trip from san jose, or should we stay overnight somewhere? we will be in MA,monteverde, arenal, are there very scenic raft trips in those areas?
Dec 12th, 2003, 08:07 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Pacuare is considered one of the most scenic rivers in the world to raft. That said, if this is your first trip to CR, you would probably find any one of the others very scenic also.
Rios Tropicales has a pretty good web site with some descriptions of the rivers they raft on. Aguas Bravas rafts out of Fortuna.
Rios Tropicales has a pretty good web site with some descriptions of the rivers they raft on. Aguas Bravas rafts out of Fortuna.
Dec 13th, 2003, 06:27 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Forgot to mention that the larger rafting companies like Rios Tropicales, Costa Rica Expeditions, etc. will pick you up at your hotel and you will be gone most of the day. You will stop at a little restaurant in Cartago for a typical Costa Rican breakfast and have lunch on the river. Two nights would be recommended in San Jose to do this.
Dec 13th, 2003, 10:05 AM
#4
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
According to what I've read it takes 3 hours from San Jose to get to the 'put in' of the class III-IV Pacuare. Rafting is about 4 hours. I'm not sure if that 4 hours includes lunch time. It sounds like a long day, but I plan on a similar trip to Reventazon and maybe Pacuare also. Pacuare is supposed to be the most scenic.
Dec 13th, 2003, 12:12 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It does take that long but that includes a stop for breakfast and instruction time. We even had a wonderful surprise on one trip (wonderful for us but not for her). A female sloth had fallen out of a tree so we all got out of the van to see her.
The 4 hr trip does include lunch and what an amazing lunch it will be. The food has never been anything but delicious.
Our first rafting trip down there was on the Reventazon and we did not stop for lunch but ate at the put out.
The 4 hr trip does include lunch and what an amazing lunch it will be. The food has never been anything but delicious.
Our first rafting trip down there was on the Reventazon and we did not stop for lunch but ate at the put out.
Dec 13th, 2003, 05:14 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL
After 1 trip on the Reventazon and at least 4 on the Pacuare, I have yet to be thrown out. HEAR THIS GUYS!!!! We had a guide that was a great gal (Tara) who guides a raft for Rios Tropicales. She told me that more men fall out because they don't listen to the guide as well as women do (we listen better out of sheer terror I think).
Our first trip on the Reventazon the guide was thrown out. My husband was actually thrown out the last time we went on the Pacuare. It had been shortly after a heavy rainfall and the river was up higher than I have ever seen it. The rafting companies had actually stopped running the week before because of the high water. The side of the raft went up against a rock and out he went.
I am not exactly sure about the Reventazon now. I think the part we rafted on is now dammed. There is a big lake now by Casa Turire. It was pretty wild when we did it. Most likely there will be six people plus the guide. Three on each side. The back two people by the guide are the most likely to be tossed out. I would also recommend wearing tennis shoes rather than sandals. You will be pushing your feet under the rubber for stability and it does rub your feet and gets uncomfortable.
After 1 trip on the Reventazon and at least 4 on the Pacuare, I have yet to be thrown out. HEAR THIS GUYS!!!! We had a guide that was a great gal (Tara) who guides a raft for Rios Tropicales. She told me that more men fall out because they don't listen to the guide as well as women do (we listen better out of sheer terror I think).
Our first trip on the Reventazon the guide was thrown out. My husband was actually thrown out the last time we went on the Pacuare. It had been shortly after a heavy rainfall and the river was up higher than I have ever seen it. The rafting companies had actually stopped running the week before because of the high water. The side of the raft went up against a rock and out he went.
I am not exactly sure about the Reventazon now. I think the part we rafted on is now dammed. There is a big lake now by Casa Turire. It was pretty wild when we did it. Most likely there will be six people plus the guide. Three on each side. The back two people by the guide are the most likely to be tossed out. I would also recommend wearing tennis shoes rather than sandals. You will be pushing your feet under the rubber for stability and it does rub your feet and gets uncomfortable.
Dec 30th, 2003, 05:07 AM
#8
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suzie, are there a lot of rocks on the Reventazon or Pacuare? You mentioned your husband fell out when the raft hit a rock. Does the guide jump out of the raft to help you get back in? I'm getting more nervous, but I am not going to back out. I just like to know as much as I can in advance.
Dec 30th, 2003, 06:43 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At least with the bigger companies like Rios Tropicales, there is always at least one rescue kayak nearby to help anyone that falls out. On a couple of occasions there were more than one. We had an olympic trainee from Germany one year helping out as well as the regular kayak rescue person. They have much more manuverability so can go backwards or sideways etc. The rafts pretty much keep going until the end of the white water area. You will be given explicit instructions before even getting into a raft on what to do and what they will do in the event you should go out. Listen carefully to all that they say. Even after all my trips I still find myself forgeting little things and appreciate the reminder.
Dec 30th, 2003, 07:15 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One more thing, yes there are rocks. That and the drop in the river is how they get white water. What will happen is, there will be spurts of white water with incredible adrenalin rushes. Some longer than others but there will be calm spots to rest in. It is not a continuous fight to stay in the raft. Some places do have longer continuous white water. The Reventazon does have a couple of longer stretches if I remember correctly. There will be areas to just float and enjoy the scenery. The first couple were the scariest for me because I didn't really know what to expect. After that, I kept waiting and listening for them. The type of ride you will have will depend greatly on where you put in. I haven't been on the Reventazon since they dammed part of it so can't really say with any great certainty what you will be rafting on.
I believe on the Reventazon you will not stop for meals along the way but will eat at the restaurants by the put in and take out.
I believe on the Reventazon you will not stop for meals along the way but will eat at the restaurants by the put in and take out.
Dec 30th, 2003, 11:27 AM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also Suzie2, I've seen quite a few rafting pictures with waterfalls in the background. Are there a lot of waterfalls on the Pacuare or Reventazon rafting trips? Now you have 2 questions to answer. See previous post on this subject. Thanks
Dec 31st, 2003, 08:47 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Again, because of the dam I can't say with certainty which part you will be rafting on on the Reventazon. It has been quite a while since I did that river. All I have are my distant memories and a video. On the Pacuare there are several waterfalls and they do go under one and you do get out to play in at least one.
Daming can affect the water in two ways. When they are releasing water it can be a wild ride. My husband goes to West Virginia to run the river when they are releasing water. They only do it for a few weekends in the fall. A little too exciting for me. I don't think the Reventazon will be that bad. At other times, it will be calmer because the water will be lower just below the dam. It will also depend on which trip you have picked to go on. Some are not quite as difficult as others.
I know I have mentioned that my husband fell out when rafting in higher water. Keep in mind that high water can also give you a smoother ride a good bit of the time because you are going over the rocks more than between. The water is just a little more forceful when you do get into the rocks.
You have picked a good company to go with. Tara also told us that much of what we do in the rafts is just to keep us stable and our minds occupied. It is the guide that is really doing most of the work. The year my husband fell out, there were just three of us in the raft. One was the guide and she sat up front next to my husband so it was a little different situation. The guide is usually in the back steering.
If you are really as nervous as you sound you might want to re think your trip and possibly go on one of the calmer ones. I am scared to death every time I head out but once I have been through one rapid I am ready for more.
Daming can affect the water in two ways. When they are releasing water it can be a wild ride. My husband goes to West Virginia to run the river when they are releasing water. They only do it for a few weekends in the fall. A little too exciting for me. I don't think the Reventazon will be that bad. At other times, it will be calmer because the water will be lower just below the dam. It will also depend on which trip you have picked to go on. Some are not quite as difficult as others.
I know I have mentioned that my husband fell out when rafting in higher water. Keep in mind that high water can also give you a smoother ride a good bit of the time because you are going over the rocks more than between. The water is just a little more forceful when you do get into the rocks.
You have picked a good company to go with. Tara also told us that much of what we do in the rafts is just to keep us stable and our minds occupied. It is the guide that is really doing most of the work. The year my husband fell out, there were just three of us in the raft. One was the guide and she sat up front next to my husband so it was a little different situation. The guide is usually in the back steering.
If you are really as nervous as you sound you might want to re think your trip and possibly go on one of the calmer ones. I am scared to death every time I head out but once I have been through one rapid I am ready for more.
Dec 31st, 2003, 08:57 PM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As far as getting back into the raft. The kayak person will grab you and have you hold on to the kayak until you get through the rapids and into calmer water where the raft will be waiting for you. There are certain ways to get into the raft so you don't get your arms dislocated by people trying to help. Listen carefully. You may be the person helping someone else back in also. Do not grab them by their arms.
Jan 2nd, 2004, 11:56 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 2 day rafting trip on the Pacuare with Rios Tropicales is one of my favorite activities in Costa Rica. What's nice about the Pacuare is that you will hit a tough rapid and then you will find a calm spot which makes for great sight seeing and picture opportunities.
As far as the Reventazon, there is a section called the Pasqua (spelling?) section that is really rough. my friends have done it and tell me it's class v after class v. There is no time to stop and enjoy the scenery, as there is on the Pacuare, because the river is soo fast. I do not know about the other parts of the Reventazon, I just know that this section is tough.
On the Pacuare trip they will feed you at their facility that has ample bathrooms with private showers. And if you do the 2 day they stop and feed you along the river. Then you will be cooked a wonderful meal at the camp site which has cabinas that you will sleep in. In the morning the guides will cook breakfast and then it's time to hit the river again. After you are finished rafting you will be taken back to their facility where you can shower, change, eat and purchase photos if you wish.
Finally, on all my rafting trips I have seen more men than women fall in. In fact my husband fell into the Pacuare on our honeymoon in 2002! No problem really because as someone already mentioned there are safety kayakers that will grab you if you cannot get back in the boat.
Definately don't chicken out, I was soo scared my first time but after that you cannot keep me off the river. In fact we go on the 2 day everytime we are in CR. It is a blast!
As far as the Reventazon, there is a section called the Pasqua (spelling?) section that is really rough. my friends have done it and tell me it's class v after class v. There is no time to stop and enjoy the scenery, as there is on the Pacuare, because the river is soo fast. I do not know about the other parts of the Reventazon, I just know that this section is tough.
On the Pacuare trip they will feed you at their facility that has ample bathrooms with private showers. And if you do the 2 day they stop and feed you along the river. Then you will be cooked a wonderful meal at the camp site which has cabinas that you will sleep in. In the morning the guides will cook breakfast and then it's time to hit the river again. After you are finished rafting you will be taken back to their facility where you can shower, change, eat and purchase photos if you wish.
Finally, on all my rafting trips I have seen more men than women fall in. In fact my husband fell into the Pacuare on our honeymoon in 2002! No problem really because as someone already mentioned there are safety kayakers that will grab you if you cannot get back in the boat.
Definately don't chicken out, I was soo scared my first time but after that you cannot keep me off the river. In fact we go on the 2 day everytime we are in CR. It is a blast!
Jan 4th, 2004, 06:32 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have just returned early this morning from Costa Rica. Rios Tropicales is a very good outfit, but Exploradores Outdoors is so much better. I have done both, but the latter group is made up of disenfranchised guides from the former...and they are super----much more fun. The Pacuare is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world for rafting. Right now, the Reventazon is a bit low and has been ruined for rafting during most months because of the damming, although the Class V section is still exhilarating. EO is great with fabulous guides and drivers.
Jan 6th, 2004, 12:42 PM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just got back this weekend from a holiday trip to Costa Rica. We were supposed to raft the Pacuare with Rios Tropicales, but the water level was too high due to the recent heavy rains (in the "red zone"
, so we were taken instead to Reventazon. The guides said they would start us off earlier in the rapids so we could get in some serious whitewater, and sure enough, FOUR out of the FIVE boats in our group flipped on the second rapid (large hole + huge wave).
Everyone was thrown out of my boat, including the guide, and I ended up under the boat for a few terrifying seconds. We floated/bobbed and crashed through the rapids separately (thank God for helmets and life preservers), but I wound up so far away from the raft that I had to be reeled in with a line the guide eventually threw--once he had re-righted the raft.
In retrospect, I was probably in the water a grand total of one minute, but it was honestly one of the most harrowing minutes of my life, and I am a decent swimmer. I swallowed about a quart of river water, and got some colorful bruises.
Having said all this, you might be surprised to hear that I would be willing to go again. The safety talk at the beginning of our trip was very helpful--I learned to hold my feet out in front of me if I fell out, and how to correctly grasp the safety line, should it be needed. The guides were very efficient about pulling people back in the raft, and after the initial flipping, we proceeded through the rest of the rapids without mishap.
If we hadn't flipped, I wouldn't have gotten a true sense of the power of the rapids. I had gone rafting before on a few occasions, and had never flipped. I therefore had the mistaken impression that it was oh-so-easy and not that much of an adventurous activity. Now I truly know better.
, so we were taken instead to Reventazon. The guides said they would start us off earlier in the rapids so we could get in some serious whitewater, and sure enough, FOUR out of the FIVE boats in our group flipped on the second rapid (large hole + huge wave). Everyone was thrown out of my boat, including the guide, and I ended up under the boat for a few terrifying seconds. We floated/bobbed and crashed through the rapids separately (thank God for helmets and life preservers), but I wound up so far away from the raft that I had to be reeled in with a line the guide eventually threw--once he had re-righted the raft.
In retrospect, I was probably in the water a grand total of one minute, but it was honestly one of the most harrowing minutes of my life, and I am a decent swimmer. I swallowed about a quart of river water, and got some colorful bruises.
Having said all this, you might be surprised to hear that I would be willing to go again. The safety talk at the beginning of our trip was very helpful--I learned to hold my feet out in front of me if I fell out, and how to correctly grasp the safety line, should it be needed. The guides were very efficient about pulling people back in the raft, and after the initial flipping, we proceeded through the rest of the rapids without mishap.
If we hadn't flipped, I wouldn't have gotten a true sense of the power of the rapids. I had gone rafting before on a few occasions, and had never flipped. I therefore had the mistaken impression that it was oh-so-easy and not that much of an adventurous activity. Now I truly know better.
