Going FarOut in Costa Rica with GoRafting.com
Earlier this year in May, the FarOut team flew down to Costa Rica for an unforgettable adventure with Matt, Augie, and Byron of GoRafting.com. This meet-up was especially significant as both FarOut and GoRafting.com operate fully remote, making it the first time both teams connected in person.
The chosen destination couldn’t have been more fitting: the famous Pacuare River. Known for its stunning whitewater rapids and breathtaking tropical scenery, the Pacuare River is not only a paradise for rafting but also a crossing point for the Camino de Costa Rica, a popular thru-hike that was recently added to our FarOut app.
Our first day on the Pacuare River was filled with exhilarating moments as we rafted through the Class II & III rapids, perfect for easing us into the adventure ahead. Along the way, we took time to explore the hidden gems of the river, from secluded swimming holes to jumping rocks—all of which are documented in our detailed Pacuare River Whitewater Guide within the FarOut app. These stops allowed us to soak in the beauty of the lush rainforests that border the riverbanks.
On the second day, the adventure turned up a notch as we tackled the intense Class IV rapids within the famed Pacuare Gorge. With its towering canyon walls and roaring waters, this section of the Pacuare River is truly a heart-pounding experience that showcases the raw power of nature. Between the rapids, we had moments of calm where we lazily floated through the gorge, marveling at the epic landscape that surrounded us. As if the journey couldn’t get any better, a refreshing downpour drenched us towards the end, making the final stretch of our rafting trip even more memorable. In total, we rafted 26 kilometers of the Pacuare River, finishing the adventure on a high.
But Costa Rica had one last surprise for us. On the drive back, our sharp-eyed driver spotted a sloth hanging in the trees—a perfect finale to an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
This Costa Rican meet-up on the Pacuare River was just the beginning. It kicked off a series of visits to connect with our other trail partnerships, including Asociación Mar a Mar, a non-profit organization which manages and oversees El Camino de Costa Rica. We’re thrilled to continue collaborating with these amazing outdoor adventures and bringing new trail experiences to the FarOut community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Pacuare Outdoor Center for hosting us and making this experience one for the books. If you’re seeking an epic rafting adventure, the Pacuare River is not to be missed—whether you’re navigating its rapids, hiking along its trails, or simply marveling at its untouched beauty.
Related Trail Guide
The Pacuare River is what made rafting famous in Costa Rica. Beautiful, cascading waterfalls, too many rapids to count, a jungle setting, and year round access make it an idyllic spot. There are three regions that divide the river. The sections are the Upper Upper, the Upper, and the Lower Pacuare. The guide covers commercially rafted section which is the Lower Pacuare. The other two are popular with kayakers looking for Class V fun.