We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 71 San Jose Attractions »

Rios Tropicales

#351 38th Street, San Jose, Costa Rica
011 (506) 2 233-6455
Ranked #3 of 29 tours in San Jose
4.5 of 5 stars 61 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: Rios Tropicales is an eco-adventure company that operates throughout Costa Rica. We offer adventure activities that take advantage of Costa Rica’s...... more » Owner description: Rios Tropicales is an eco-adventure company that operates throughout Costa Rica. We offer adventure activities that take advantage of Costa Rica’s unique variety of environments: whitewater rafting, multisport activities that feature kayaking,canoeing, hiking, and cycling, family adventures, cultural encounters, nature and wildlife tours, and “volun-tourism”. Our mission, to share the rivers, natural resources and culture of Costa Rica while sharing conservation values, has not changed since we began in 1985. Rios Tropicales was established by native Central Americans, El Salvadorian Rafael Gallo and Costa RicanFernando Esquivel, whose deep connection with the region and culture are apparent in every aspect of the company. « less
Useful Information: Lockers / storage, Bathroom facilities, Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

61 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    50
    6
    2
    0
    3
Date Rating
Guildford, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Ace, probably the best part of our 15 day holiday in Costa Rica holiday was our two day rafting trip on Rio Pacuare with Rios Tropicales. We went at the end of the dry season so the river was quite low but still great fun and some excellent rapids. We jumped out of the boat to float along as well,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Milo83 for San Jose
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
May 14, 2012

Dear Milo83, your description is literally what we strive on our multiday trips to the Pacuare. I will let Chino Randall know about your wonderful comments. Hope to host you again when you return to Costa Rica. More

Miami
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My daughter and I loved everything about our stay at Rios Tropicales. The rainforest was pristine, the rapids were exhilarating, the staff were more like friends than help, the food, lodging and information about the environment was excellent!!! I wish I could live there. We did the 1 night package, all inclusive, what a bargain!!! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
May 14, 2012

Dear Marilyn B, first of all I will relay your message to our staff. Since we started in 1985 our Mission statement has been: To Share the rivers and natural resources of Costa Rica, our culture and conservation values. Always compromised to professionalism, safety, high quality and extraordinary service. As we make sure we always stick to it, your comments... More

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Did the one-day tour to the Pacuare River. The day started with an amazing trip from San Jose through the Tropical and Cloud Forest. Then we had the best breakfast of our full week in Costa Rica, and headed down to the river. The tour lasted about 3 hours, some of us fell off in the rapids, but was a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by mofonga for San Jose
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
May 14, 2012

Thanks for taking your time to write about the Pacuare 1 day trip with us. Costa Rica has proved to be a great place for whitewater rafting, te esperamos. More

Houston
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Absolute top notch operation with 27 years in business. Our guides were no ordinary river guides - they were national rafting champions and members of the world championship teams! The equipment was well maintained and in great condition; the knowledge of the locations and wildlife was beyond expectations. My 5-year old son and I were members of a small 6-person... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
April 25, 2012

Having both of you along was a pleasure and a privilege, your description sums up our own expectations. I will send your message to Jorge, Otto and the rest of the Team. Tell your son not to forget to drink his "vacation juice". Blessings and Well-being to all. More

Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

I went ont he Pacuare one day trip with my boyfriend and it was great. Amazing scenery, lots of nice rapids (very exciting) but not TOO strong if you are looking for class 5 rivers. I thought that Rios Tropicales was a good organization, had a very good staff and also new equipment to go on the trip. I felt... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Phoenix
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

First off let me say I have never written a "review" about any company/experience in the past. I have done a lot of travelling and had many great experiences in my life, but I can say without a doubt this was one of the best things I have ever done! Talk about bang for your buck! Not too extreme, just... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
April 13, 2012

Dear Coin S, we are very happy to contribute so you could have a wonderful experience joining our day trip on the Pacuare. We strive to give top notch service with value added extras. Take care and hope to have you back some day. More

Tampa, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2012

The white water rafting trip was great, even with the water very low. Our guide Rey was patient with our group. It took a while to get working together. Once we got going the rapids were so much fun, we had to buy the photos and it was worth it. I will remeber this day when I am at work More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
March 22, 2012

Your review confirms I'm right when I answer someone on the question "When is the best time to come?" I always answer "When you need it". Getting away from the routine gets you back to it recharged. The Pacuare is a special place. More

San Salvador, El Salvador
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2012

You don't need anything but the deseire to have an adventure, all incluided, breakfast, lunch and yu eat like if it was the last day of your life. Tour guides are awesome! NIce people. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
March 22, 2012

Simple and straight to the point, thanks for your review. More

Dunedin, Florida
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A couple of friends and I rafted on the Pacuare River with Rios Tropicales in February. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica. Our river guide, Ricardo, was extremely knowledgable about the river and made the trip extra fun with his commentary. The river is rated Class III and IV, but Ricardo navigated the rapids... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
March 19, 2012

Thanks a lot for your review and of course for joining one of our river trips. Our Operations Center has been a key to the added value we give our customers like you when booking our trips. Indeed the Pacuare is what anyone dreams about rafting on a tropical river. More

Grafton, Massachusetts
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 2, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I came to Costa Rica to meet my brother in Montezuma. We decided to leave Montezuma a day early to do this trip. We booked a night at a hotel in Downtown San Jose, and they picked us up at our hotel at 6:30, and brought us back to our room at 630 at night. We paid 99.00 for the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
RiosTropicales, Owner at Rios Tropicales, responded to this review
March 5, 2012

Dear Tim, Thanks for taking your time to come up from Montezuma and go on our Pacuare day trip. Your comments about all the value added extras confirm our compromise to you, our clients. Let us know when you want to come down again for any of the multiday trips to Rios Tropicales Lodge on the Pacuare River. More

Travelers who viewed Rios Tropicales also viewed

Aventuras Naturales
5 of 5 stars 5 Reviews
Cartago, Province of Cartago
Desafio Adventure Company Day Tours
5 of 5 stars 837 Reviews
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
 
CostaRican Trails - Day Tours
5 of 5 stars 102 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
Pacuare River Tours
5 of 5 stars 36 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
 

Been to Rios Tropicales? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Rios Tropicales, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »