cindyn

Has anyone done either overnight trips? <BR>- To those who did the 2-ngt trip, was the extra day worth it in terms of the canopy tour / hiking / relaxing at the Pacuare lodge?<BR>-To those who did the 1-ngt trip, would you have preferred the extra day?<BR><BR>Your thoughts are much appreciated!

ramblinman

Hey Cindy, <BR><BR>I've gone up to Riosparaiso on two trips to Costa Rica. My first trip, I only stayed one day and on my second, I stayed over night. Both are obviously worthwile as the canopy tour, horseback riding, and hotsprings are incredible. Personally though, I really loved the overnight. It was an adventure, and thats what I was looking for. If the full moon is out, I'd say its not even a question, stay up at the lodge. Part of the fun is waking up on the mountain, eating breakfast at the lodge, just being there and having the experience, not just the canopy, etc. But if there's no full moon, and you are open to new things, stay up at the lodge, its worth it for the experience, even without the moonlight tour. <BR>If you don't want to stay overnight at a rustic lodge with no electricity or hot water in the showers, I'd go one day, and then be back at your hotel by nightfall. Both ways its awesome. If you want adventure, and you're open minded, stay up at the lodge. Trust me, its worth it.

ramblinman

Sorry, it just occured to me that you might have been talking about the Pacuare river, which would explain the rafting. Ha ha, whoops. I didn't raft on the Pacuare river, so that might be a different Pacuare lodge. I stayed at the Pecari lodge located in the Riosparaiso biological reserve near Quepos. I'm almost definately talking about a different place, so my last posting doesn't answer your question. Sorry about that, Cindy, have a blast in Costa Rica.

cindyn

Thanks for info anyway. If I make it to Quepo/MA, was thinking about doing RioSPAraiso day trip. Sounds interesting-- helpful to hear re your experience.

ScottGauvin

Cindy,<BR><BR>the difference between the 1 day and 2 day pacuare trips really comes down to time. You do the same approx 17 mile stretch, except that on the 1 day you must stay on the water most of the time to make it in one day. On the 2 day you have several opportunities to stop and explore the river (depending on the outfitter). You also spend the night along the river which also gives you some time to hike along the banks and up into the hill side where a couple thousand Cabecar indians still call their home. Chances are you won't find any of them as they tend to keep themselves isolated from the peopel who play on the river, but the exploration of the inner depths of the jungle is pretty exciting.<BR><BR>I always recommend the 2 day trip to my guests as it offers the explorer (if that is what you are) a deeper insight as to life in the jungle - something the average toursit usually misses being shuttled in and out of parks so quickly.<BR><BR>if you have more questions you can always post on my thread or e-mail me at [email protected].<BR><BR>Enjoy Costa Rica!<BR><BR>Scott

ScottGauvin

I thought I would also take this opportunity to offer the INTERNATIONAL SCALE for White Water Rafting for those who need clarification.<BR> <BR>CLASS I Moving water a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions <BR><BR>CLASS II Easy rapids with waves up to three feet, and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required. <BR><BR>CLASS III Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore. <BR><BR>CLASS IV Long, difficult rapids, with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should be able to Eskimo roll. <BR><BR>CLASS V Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in event of a mishap. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes. <BR><BR>CLASS VI Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken <BR>

Katrina

Scott:<BR>I've tried to reach you at the company you work for and have not heard from you. Will be in cr 3/11 - 26 and looking for a guide or tour. I will also try the e-mail address. Please try to reach me at [email protected].<BR>Thanks!

Suzie2

As was mentioned..the 2 day is just the one day split up. Still worth it though. If i remember correctly the Lodge you are refering to is run by Adventuras. I have heard that they run a good trip and that the lodge is great. I have done the trip twice with two other companies and had fun with both. The Pacuare is an unbelievable river with amazing scenic beauty as well as great rapids.

cindyn

Scott-- thanks for the helpful info, esp. definition of the diff. classes. I know that I want to spend time on the river, so my original question pertained to the 3day/2ngt or 2day/1ngt trip. Does the shorter trip allow for much nearby hiking/exploration. Thanks!

ScottGauvin

Cindyn,<BR><BR>Though I have spent extended days on the river and enjoyed every moment, spending the and night 3rd day on the river really depends on what you expect to get out of the experience. If it is your first time to Cost Rica and you would like to get in several experiences, I would think 2 days 1 night is sufficient to get a good overall feel for the Pacuare.<BR>