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There are two main lodges to choose from situated in valleys on opposite sides of the river about half way down. Mid-way there are hikes from the lodges into the indigenous reserve on the east bank of the river where the rain forest and way of life have changed little in the past few hundred years. We’d been on the river for all of fifteen minutes before her face was locked in a permanent grin.Īlong the way there are side waterfalls where the rafts pull ashore for lunch, photo ops, and swimming. I’ve never seen her scared of anything, but she did not want to get into that raft. My mom grew up in northeastern Montana on a ranch with an outhouse, no electricity and six older brothers to toughen her up.
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We took my parents on the Pacuare a few years ago. It’s famous because it’s amazing, beautiful and fun. The Pacuare isn’t famous because it’s viscous, difficult or dangerous. Pacuare River – It’s hard to decide which is better, the adrenaline of crashing through the throbbing waves or the calm rippling stretches where you can relax and watch the rainforest slip by. Spend a few days around Puerto Viejo relaxing under a palm, enjoying the restaurants, hiking in the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge, or even surfing before heading back to nature at Tortuguero and its canoe and kayak water trails and of course sea turtles nesting. The river is a hard act to follow but the Caribbean destinations of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Tortuguero hold their own. I feel a little guilty invoking “once in a lifetime” considering how many times I’ve gone back, but every time I’ve found something more incredible than the last. Add the overnight in a float in rainforest lodge cut off from from roads, cell service and the world as we know it and it’s a once in a lifetime experience. The Pacuare is one of the top ten rafting rivers in the world. Pacuare River >rafting, rainforest, indigenous + Puerto Viejo > Caribbean beaches, sloths + Tortuguero >wildlife water trails, sea turtles Small raft on the Pacuare Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica.The best time to check out the waves is at high tide.
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The crowd at Playa Cocles is usually comprised of locals and experienced tourists and typically remains laid-back and spread out. The clear water and surrounding jungle make for a gorgeous view as you ride the waves. The current is strong, but there are lifeguards on duty. Beginners can surf here with the help of an instructor. Just a 15-minute walk from the center of town, this spot offers strong waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. One of the main spots to surf in Puerto Viejo is Playa Cocles. Because the wave is speedy and steep, it is only recommended for advanced surfers. The super-fast wave is known as a reef break and includes two peaks, lefts and rights and best to surf when it’s barreling. People who have ridden the waves describe it as a combination of Baby Backdoor and Laniakea, two popular surfing destinations in Oahu, Hawaii. Many international surfers enjoy Salsa Brave because its waves are consistently powerful. Less experienced surfers can check out some of the smaller breaks or simply watch the more experienced take on the powerful waves. The area is known to have some of the best waves in Costa Rica. In fact, it’s considered the most intense wave in Costa Rica. While surfing is excellent throughout the town's beaches, many surfers visit Puerto Viejo for the sole purpose of riding the surf break known as Salsa Brava. It is less crowded during the day but still offers challenging launch points for surfers of all skill levels. If you are a less experienced surfer or simply prefer a quieter atmosphere to enjoy the water, the second peak is located just a bit north. This spot is popular and often crowded during the day. The first one is just south of town and is close to Salsa Brava. Most surfers choose to hit the waves at one of two separate peaks. Whether you're new to surfing or you were practically born on a wave, Puerto Viejo has plenty of spots to explore. Even if it labeled correctly, you may want to confirm with the driver. If you're visiting the surfing town from another part of the country, it is important to double-check that you're on the right bus. It should be noted that a similarly named town, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, is in northeast Costa Rica and is known for white water rafting. A coastal town, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in southeast Costa Rica's Limon province.