The Pejivalle River (Rio Pejivalle)

Activities | Sections | A Safer Alternative | The Town | The Name

Introduction:

The Pajivalle River (Rio Pejivalle or even sometimes spelled Pejibaye), pronounced "Pay-E-Baa-He", is one of our favorite rivers in all of Costa RIca. This smaller volume river is located outside the town Turrialba and is a tributary to the Reventazon River.   The river offers a good time for the beginner or early intermediate river runner with numerous class II and II+ rapids and a single III- rapid set in a breathtaking jungle river canyon.

Activities:

Due to easy access to the river and its close proximity to Turrialba Green Frog Adventures uses the Pejivalle River for many activities for our whitewater enthused clients.

Set in a stunning location, a large pool created by a massive boulder, is the ideal location to learn how to roll a kayak. With the help of patient and knowledgeable instructors, the warm water and lack of current, this spot is the perfect area to learn all the steps necessary to roll a tipped over kayak back upright. For taking a brake or to learn from watching at a distance the beach next to the pool is a perfect spot to rest, observe and soak up some rays.

Because of the easier rapids, the Rio Pejivalle is also a great river to learn how to kayak after the kayak roll is learned. You can follow your guides, who are also in kayaks, as they show you the routes to take to avoid the big waves and holes and help you practice your 'Eddy Turns'. If you do get flipped upside down and don't quite get your roll the Pejivalle River is also perfect place to practice your swimming.   

For those that don't have the time or desire to learn how to kayak in a hard-shell boat but want the freedom associated with it, the inflatable kayak is the perfect answer. With a good safety talk and a little courage a non-experienced client can hop in an inflatable kayak (sometimes called 'River Duckies') and have the time of their lives making their way down the river by themselves or with a partner.  

The Pajivalle River is also a great river for a family who wants to experience whitewater but doesn't want the stress associated with running the big rapids. Our guided paddle raft is the perfect size to fit through some of the tight channels found on the Pejivalle River. Paddle rafting is also the ideal method to learn to work as a team to overcome obstacles.  

Sections:

There are two runs on the Pejivalle River. The "Upper Section" is class III and IV and is rarely run in rafts.   Due to its steeper technical attributes it appeals more to very experienced kayakers in specialized higher volume kayaks.

The main section of the river is the more popular destination for rafters and kayakers.   This main section starts where the road ends at a small school. From here its about ten beautiful miles along the river to the take out.   

The first third of the run is relatively continuous class II rapids. The rain forest comes right down to the river and the canopy here sometimes spreads completely across the whole river. Midway through is a great rock for jumping off into the river and swimming.  

The second third of the run passes by a town with the same name as the river. Here the river slows down just a little bit and opens up. The river is a bit wider here and also a little more shallow in spots. The last part of this middle section contains the one class III- rapid. Typically after conquering this rapid we pull over for a lunch on the beach underneath the grand canopy of giant tree. Lunch is served off the bottom of an upside down raft, tablecloth and all.

The final third of the river is much wider now and the rain forest retreats and opens up into a sugar cane plantation.   The whitewater in the last section mellows out and it is here that it is best for spotting some of the numerous beautiful birds that call Costa Rica home. The area is wildly popular for Egrets and Cranes. But its when we have spotted a Sun Bird, with two bright orange or yellow rings on its outstretched wings that look like suns, that we know its been a good day.  

The take out is at the base of a bridge just before the river meets up with the Reventazon River and Lake Angostora. From here it is about half an hour back to the city of Turrialba over some pretty bumpy roads but you will hardly notice it after your grand adventure.  

Safer Alternative:

Besides having less technical rapids the Pejivalle River is a safer alternative for the more popular Pacuare River (Rio Pacuare) for a two reasons. After hard rain the Pacuare River will flood turning the normally predictable river into chaos and with too much rain the Rio Pacuare can even be shut down by the local authorities.   However, the Pejivalle River has a greater range of water volume where it still runs safe. The Pejivalle River is still possible even after the Pacuare has been shut down because of too much rain.  

The second reason that the Pejivalle River is a safer option for enjoying Costa Rican whitewater is because the main access road is never further then 100 yards from the river. Compared to the Pacuare River where at times it is impossible for boaters to leave the river canyon the Pejivalle River always has emergency access for the worst-case scenarios.  

Town of Pejivalle:

The very small town of Pejivalle is located about halfway down the main stretch of river and is marked on the river with a bridge. This bridge and the swimming hole underneath it are popular destinations for the town's inhabitants on hot afternoons and the weekends. The rapid leading into this swimming hole is a bit of a challenge but those that stay upright are rewarded with large smiles and an applause from any of the locals that have congregated in the area.  

The Name:

The name Pajivalle comes from a type of Palm Tree that produces small fist sized red fruit. These fruit, after being boiled for about an hour and skin and seed removed are eaten. The Tico's prefer them with a little Mayonnaise or in the delicious Cream of Pejivalle Soup. We think they taste a bit like Artichoke but always enjoy the opportunity to feast on them.