Located on the Pacuare River, world famous for it’s whitewater rapids, in the heart of the Talamanca Mountains on 840-acres of private reserve, Roberto Fernandez, who is from nearby Turrialba, created Pacuare Lodge as a camp where whitewater rafters could be set up for the evening. Fast forward to now, the objective has not changed, but the camp has transformed into one of the most unique wilderness lodges in the world. A string of luxury treehouses are spread across the forest canopy above the azure blue waters of the rushing river
Arriving there is an experience in itself, as the property is only reachable via private transfer or white water rafting. The first stretch of the river is typically no more than a one hour paddle and difficulty level II, making it a wonderful introduction. Once you’re at Pacuare Lodge, all meals and excursions are included, making it easy to relax, do all of the activities or choose a nice mix. Poolside piña coladas are always tempting here, but make sure to explore with a guide to discover the authentic beauty of this location.
Each excursion is led by a certified English speaking naturalist guide, and nearly all of the activities take place on the property. Zip Line through the Canopies, repel down trees, hike to hidden waterfalls for an afternoon swim, explore the rainforest at night, and prepare yourself for the epic canyoning tour. One experience worth mentioning is the opportunity to hike to the Nairi Awari Indiegenous Reserve to meet and learn about the traditional cultures and customs of the Cabécar Indians. Choose from one of our individual suites which are luxurious treehouses in the canopy, or one of our other three suite categories. Departing Pacuare Lodge by rafting is something you will never forget. This stretch takes about 3 hours by raft at a level III difficulty max, including lunch along the shore of the river, until reaching your private transfer at the town of Siquirres. I won’t spoil the surprise, but prepare for a breathtaking view towards the end of this paddle.
Pacuare is a great option to combine with an exploration of Costa Rica's less visited, but equally impressive, destinations along the Caribbean coastline including the wild Tortuguero National Park, or the sublime laid back beach vibes of Puerto Viejo.
PROPERTY FACTS
20 Suites
Jaguar Villa (1) Canopy Villa (1) Linda Vista Villas (7) River View Suites (4) Garden Suites (7)
Minimum 2 night stay, B, L, D included, 8 different experiences included
Yes, in your room and at the reception/restaurant area
Open Year Round
Virtuoso
Massages, Face & Body Treatments
Lounge/Bar, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Pool, Spa, internet, in-house adventure experiences, rafting into/out of Pacuare Lodge
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RATES
From $621 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
From $750 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
From $920 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
Starting Green Season
Starting High Season
Starting Holiday Season
Rates include tax
Additional Mandatory Conservation Fee - $25 per person per stay valid on all reservations
During Holiday Season single occupancy is not available.
These rates are based on full-board meals and excursions.
LOCATION: Turrialba, costa rica
Closet Domestic Airport:
Domestic Terminal at SJO: Arrival at Pacuare Lodge requires transportation from San José (6:00 am departure), professional & bilingual guides, typical Costa Rican breakfast in route, arrival & departure by river rafting or opt out for 4x4 transportation. Rafting equipment, meals, accommodation, return transportation to San José (6:00 pm arrival) are all included. If you’re continuing to another destination, they will meet you in Siquirres at the river exit. There are showers, cold drinks to purchase, and changing rooms.
Costa Rica has two international airports that receive flights from North America. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is located in the capital of San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport (LIR) in Liberia is located in the northern Guanacaste region.
Whitewater rafting into Pacuare Lodge from Tres Equis, this route takes one hour and is a level II difficulty. Departure via whitewater rafting to Siquirres, this route takes three hours and is a level III difficulty with possibilities of rapid reaching level IV.
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WHEN TO VISIT
Costa Rica has two well defined seasons; the dry season from December to April and Rainy Season or 'Green Season' from May to November. However, rain typically occurs during the afternoon or evening. During the Dry Season, you can expect more sunshine and less intense rapids, however exploring the jungle can be dry and hot. During the Rainy Season, you will experience faster rapids, less sun, and more slippery trails. Although, do note that the Dry Season typically brings the most tourism to Costa Rica, and the Rainy Season is still an amazing experience.
FOR FAMILIES
The minimum age for children at Pacuare Lodge is 7 years old. However, the rafting into or out of the lodge has a minimum age limit of 12 years old. For those families with children aged 7-11 that wish to stay with us, we can arrange ground transportation to/from the lodge to avoid the rafting, but please review our activity booklet as there are a reduced number of outings available for children aged 7-11.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY
To get the most of all of the adventures offered by Pacuare Lodge, 2 or 3 nights are recommended, especially if you are planning on white water rafting in/out of the property.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
It’s one of the few hotels in the world where you can raft into/out of, and the Pacuare River is listed as one of the top 5 rafting rivers of the world by National Geographic.
Pacuare Lodge is easily approachable from San Jose, making it a great place to start or end a journey in Costa Rica.
The adventure experiences take place on the property, led by English speaking Naturalist local guides employed by Böëna Wilderness Lodges, so the group sizes are small making it an intimate wildlife experience.
In one day, you can white water raft, go canyoning down a waterfall, and end your day with a fireside dinner by the river.
Sustainability & community inclusion lie at the heart of Pacuare Lodge, much of the architecture you you’ll find is inspired by the Cabécar indigenous community, who you can actually meet in their village while staying here.
Each bungalow is a separate dwelling located near the restaurant/reception, yet far so you feel completely immersed in the rainforest surrounding the premises.
Culinary is a core focus at Pacuare Lodge, offering farm-to-table cuisine with nearby ingredients, minimizing the environmental impact by not having to ship food across seas.
Prepare for a wildly fun adventure experience where you will escape the hustle of the city, and reconnect with your adventurous side, all while staying in one of the most luxurious rain forest lodges in the world.
BEST COMBINED WITH
Pacuare Lodge is the perfect place to combine into an itinerary that explores the lesser known, but fascinating and wild Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It combines really well with Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park, considered the “Amazon of Central America” or with beach-time at place like Hotel Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo, both on the Caribbean Coast. A combination of these three lodges and destinations provides what we consider to be the most overlooked, adventurous and fascinating itinerary in Costa Rica. Whitewater, wildlife and beach without the crowds. See example itineraries.
Pacuare Lodge is accessed from San Jose, so can be a great side trip for 2-3 nights for those travelers who are basing their trip to Costa Rica out of the San Jose airport as opposed to the Liberia airport, or entering or exiting the country via San Jose. So 2-3 nights at Pacuare can be combined with a trip to the cloud-forest staying at Senda Monteverde or any Southern Pacific coastline destination, like Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Kura in Uvita, Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula or Pasha in Santa Teresa.
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Canopy Villa
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