Pacuare Lodge
Remote adventure eco-lodge meets jungle luxury. Teak floors, Egyptian-cotton sheets, and spring-fed plunge pools exist right alongside howler monkeys, candlelit dinners, and guides who double as river experts and naturalists. Earnestly sustainable without being precious about it.
Book a riverside bonfire dinner in advance — it's not automatically included and spots fill quickly.
Why It Matters
Recognized in the Michelin Guide 2025 for exceptional sustainability and hospitality. Former National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Holds Costa Rica's highest Level 5 Certificate of Sustainable Tourism. One of the few lodges on earth that is genuinely inaccessible by road — you arrive by whitewater raft, 4x4 ground transfer through the mountains, or helicopter. No trees were cut during construction; all lumber came from a sustainable reforestation project.
Pacuare Lodge sits on the banks of one of the most dramatic stretches of whitewater in Latin America, deep inside a 340-hectare private rainforest reserve. Getting there is the opening act: most guests raft in on Class III-IV rapids, luggage waterproofed and stowed, arriving soaked and exhilarated. The lodge itself is 20 thatched-roof bungalows built with architecture inspired by the indigenous Cabécar culture, powered entirely by hydroelectricity and solar, and lit by candles and lanterns after dark. No TVs, no hair dryers — and most guests say they don't miss them.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Canopy Villa
The honeymoon suite perched high in the rainforest canopy. A private suspension bridge connects the deck to a platform in a towering rainforest tree with 360-degree views of the river and jungle. High teak-floored villa with wide screened windows, king canopy bed, and a covered deck with a hammock. The spring-fed stone plunge pool sits on a sundeck. Excellent early-morning birdwatching from the treetop platform.
King · 230 sqm
Garden Suite
The most accessible entry point at 62 square meters, but still properly appointed. Seven of these suites are on the property. Private terrace opens onto landscaped native gardens with views of a thick wall of rainforest cascading down the mountainside opposite the river. King canopy bed or two full canopy beds, both with 300-thread Egyptian cotton linens and Beautyrest mattress. Heated shower. Good for families or guests who don't need a private pool.
King or Two Full · 62 sqmJaguar Villa
The flagship suite, right on the riverbank. At 350 square meters it's the largest accommodation on the property, with hardwood floors, teak furnishings, and open areas designed to frame the surrounding rainforest. The spring-fed stone pool sits on a terrace overlooking the river. A private bridge leads to a tree platform with river views. The master bathroom includes a bathtub positioned to face the river, plus both indoor and outdoor solar-heated showers.
King · 350 sqmLinda Vista Villa
Perched on a ridge, these villas command the widest views in the property — the Pacuare River below and rainforest canopy on all sides. At 230 square meters, each includes a spacious master bedroom with sitting area, a tastefully decorated living room with daybed, private spring-fed pool, and a long terrace with hammock. Built specifically to maximize the topography so every room angle — bedroom, living room, bathroom, deck — frames the view.
King · 230 sqm
River View Suite
At 91 square meters, this is a proper mid-tier luxury suite — not cramped, but significantly more intimate than the villas. King canopy bed with 300-thread Egyptian cotton linens, teak floors, and a nearly 180-degree bathroom view of the rainforest and river. Private terrace opens to views of the Pacuare and surrounding jungle. Both indoor (screened) and outdoor heated showers. Two balconies.
King · 91 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided jungle hike along historic trails, concluding at a hidden waterfall. One of the 8 included experiences.
Guided early-morning bird walks with bilingual naturalist guides. The 340-hectare reserve is rich in tropical species. One of the 8 included experiences.
A guided loop trail through the private reserve. One of the 8 included experiences.
Hands-on cooking experience with the Cabécar community using sustainably harvested local ingredients. Cooking methods passed down through generations.
Guided visit to the local Cabécar indigenous community in the Nairi Awari Reserve. Includes the Cabécar Rancho (meeting the community) and cultural hike. Part of the 8 included experiences.
Immersive cultural outing connecting guests with local rural farming communities near the lodge. One of the 8 included experiences.
Behind-the-scenes look at the lodge's hydroelectric turbines, solar panels, organic farming practices, and conservation partnerships with Costa Rican universities. One of the 8 included experiences.
Multi-platform zip-line through the rainforest canopy. One of the 8 included experiences in all stay packages.
Rappelling down waterfalls and navigating through the jungle canyon. One of the 8 included experiences.
Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare River — the lodge's signature arrival and departure. No experience required. Bilingual guides are certified in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue. Minimum age 9 for rafting in, 12 for rafting out. Weight limit 275 lbs. If river levels are unsafe, guests transfer by 4x4.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available in suites, reception area, and restaurant. Due to remote location, connectivity may occasionally be unstable. Speeds reported at 100+ Mbps under good conditions.
Curated wine collection from around the world. Wines, spirits, and liquors available for purchase.
Produces two craft beers: Pacuare IPA and a Pale Ale. Available at the restaurant and bar.
Laundry service available at additional cost. All laundry is transported out of the property daily.
Tap water comes from an uncontaminated, periodically tested mountain spring. Safe to drink; guests are encouraged to use refillable bottles.
The main communal pool fed by a mountain stream and treated with salt rather than chemicals. Year-round outdoor pool.
Resident manager and security staff available 24 hours a day for emergencies.
The entire property is powered by onsite hydroelectric turbines and solar panels. Lighting and charging for small devices available. High-energy devices (e.g., hair dryers) are not permitted.
Private helipad for helicopter arrivals and departures, available at additional cost via Xplore Air Costa Rica.
Electric vehicles (golf carts) provided to navigate the property between bungalows, spa, and main lodge.
Full-service spa with treatments inspired by Cabécar indigenous culture. Open 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm daily. Treatment prices additional.
BUILD YOUR PACUARE LODGE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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