Tailor-Made Travel Consultant Sophie Barber shares the experience of taking on the tempestuous Pacuare River on her latest trip to Costa Rica.
We were picked up bright and early at 5.30am for breakfast and the bumpy journey to Pacuare. When we got to the river, I was starting to feel a bit apprehensive having never been rafting before. However, as soon as I met the guide and safety kayaker I knew I was in safe hands and began to let myself relax.
We were given our helmets, buoyancy aids and paddles before clambering into the raft. The guide ran through the instructions and off we went! Two hours soon began to fly by as we paddled down-river, negotiating grade 3 and 4 rapids: the adrenaline was pumping and I really started to get into the rafting. By now I had completely forgotten my earlier nerves.
Lush rainforest surrounded us on either side of the river and there were little waterfalls trickling down to join the main current; clouds merged into the jungle canopy and toucans flew overhead. It was incredibly atmospheric.
There were many other companies rafting down the river at the same time but the beauty of the company Journey Latin America use is that they hold back a bit so that you can enjoy the river without the other rafts blocking the view. After about two hours we pulled over at a pebbled bank and were told to relax, sunbathe and watch the other rafts go by while they prepared a special lunch for us, even going as far as to don a white chef’s hat, apron and gloves! The guides had turned our raft over to use as a table and laid out a table cloth and a big spread of fruits, rolls, tortillas, salads, avocados, hams, cheeses, nachos and cake.
After lunch we carried on for another couple of hours. During the second half we had some torrential rain, thunder and lightning, but the guide was very safety-conscious and everything went smoothly. Despite the weather it was an amazing day and one I would recommend to anyone.
Now watch Sophie and fellow Travel Consultant Caroline Maber vs the rapids in the video below!