Pacuare Lodge, San Jose & Central Costa Rica

rooms

With a simple, natural design and exquisite décor which perfectly complements the surrounding jungle. The 12 palm-thatched river suites offer spacious accommodation, a private terrace that opens on to landscaped native bush gardens and a stunning view of a massive wall of thick rainforest that cascades down a mountainside opposite the Pacuare River. A luxuriously appointed canopy king size bed or two canopy full size beds ensure a restful night’s sleep while the bathroom offers a nearly 360º view of the jungle. Nearby, a private alfresco heated shower lets you soak up the quiet sounds and invigorating scents of the rainforest. Take a deep breath. Relax. Unwind.

The River View Deluxe Suites also feature a private waterfront deck with sitting area.

The spacious Linda Vista Suites boast a wooden deck with a private plunge pool fed by spring water. They were designed so that guests enjoy gorgeous views of the river and forest from every area - the bedroom, living room, bathroom, deck and pool!

The jewel in Pacuare’s crown is the Canopy Suite. The bungalow has a high, thatched roof, plantation teak floors and wide screened windows that let the breeze through and provide a 180-degree rainforest view. The adjacent covered deck has a hammock and rattan sofa, and the entire suite opens onto a sundeck with a small stone swimming pool fed by spring water. Your very own private suspension bridge leads from the deck to a platform high in a massive rainforest tree that affords a vertiginous view of the Pacuare River and surrounding jungle. On any given morning or evening, you can spot dozens of bird species in the nearby treetops.

facilities & activities

Of course, the big appeal of Pacuare is the adventure of getting there. The unforgettable river trip takes you through lush jungle and narrow canyons where tropical trees tower over the riverbank and crystalline waterfalls plummet out of the greenery. In addition to rafting, you can enjoy horse-riding, bird watching, canyoning, a rainforest canopy tour, or a trek to a Cabecar Indian community. But the Pacuare Lodge is also an ideal spot to kick back and relax, enjoy the scenery and serenity, and get to know the local people. In fact, most guests say they wish they’d booked a longer stay.

dining

Pacuare’s guest book is testament to the fact that, despite its wild and remote setting, it prides itself on producing outstanding food. Not only that, but they’ve successfully integrated a programme of training local young people to work in their kitchen, thereby providing highly valued vocational training and employment to local communities. Their approach is simple; to use fresh and quality ingredients to produce innovative, creative menus. Gourmet dinners are accompanied by candlelight and a fine wine list.

To make your stay at the Pacuare Lodge a little more magical, consider booking a romantic dinner by the riverbank. The lodge will set up an elegant, private table for you near the river’s edge, lit by a fire pit and candles and surrounded by nature. What better than savouring an exquisite meal under the stars, with the sound of a camp fire crackling nearby and the soothing sounds of flowing water.

family

The great appeal of Pacuare for many is the wonderful rafting and whilst this is sure to be a hit with teenagers, it is of course, not viable for younger children, hence we would recommend Pacuare for families with children aged 12yrs+.

The two Jungle View Rooms are especially designed for families. They are tastefully decorated and features a canopy king size bed or two canopy full size beds, hardwood flooring, spacious terrace with hammock, and a private bathroom with heated water and rainforest view. These rooms are the only ones that have limited electricity to illuminate the room & bathroom.

location

The Lodge is set deep in the rainforest jungle on the banks of the Pacuare River in Eastern Costa Rica. The nearest International Airport is San José.


Due to the remote location, the lodge organises shared transfers from San Jose so, unless you have pre-booked a private transfer, you can expect to be collected early morning 5.45-6.30am with a stop en-route at a local restaurant at around 8am for breakfast. After a further hour you reach the departure point for the rafts which will take you to the lodge, deep in the jungle. After a training and safety brief, where you will be kitted out for your rafting adventure, you begin your journey to Pacuare Lodge about 4 miles up river. You will have the opportunity to stop en-route for a rest and swim in a lovely shallow pool by a waterfall. For anyone who prefers not to/is unable to raft to the lodge, alternative transport can be arranged using 4WD and a gondola across the river. A well-deserved lunch will be served on arrival.



On your departure day, after breakfast you will board the rafts once more for your return journey downstream for 14 miles, with 2 rest stops, one to include lunch in a scenic picnic spot. You’ll reach the dock at around 2pm and have time to change into your dry clothes, before your shared road transfer back to San Jose, or onward journey by private, pre-booked transfer.