Luxury Lodge
Costa Rica

Pacuare Lodge
Límon

Pacuare Lodge, Límon, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge, Límon, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge, Límon, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge, Límon, Costa Rica

Highlights

  • Remote Rainforest Location: Nestled in the untouched rainforest along the Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge offers an immersive experience in nature. Accessible primarily by rafting or by 4×4, the lodge is surrounded by lush jungle, offering a true sense of adventure and seclusion, ideal for those looking to disconnect from the modern world.
  • Sustainability: The lodge is a leader in eco-friendly tourism, operating completely off-grid with renewable energy sources such as solar power. It integrates sustainable practices in every aspect of its operations, including reforestation efforts, water conservation, and protecting the local biodiversity, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
  • Luxury Eco-Lodging: Blending luxury with sustainability, the lodge offers beautifully designed bungalows and suites featuring river views, private plunge pools, and open-air designs that connect guests to the sounds and sights of the rainforest, all while maintaining a strong focus on environmental conservation.
  • Adventure Activities: Pacuare Lodge is a haven for adventure lovers. Experience world-class white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, zip-line through the forest canopy, hike remote trails, or rappel down waterfalls. These activities cater to those seeking both thrills and a deep connection to nature.
  • Cultural Immersion: Guests have the opportunity to engage with Costa Rica’s indigenous Cabécar community. The lodge offers guided tours that introduce visitors to local traditions, history, and the way of life of these communities, creating a meaningful cultural exchange.
  • Gourmet Dining: The lodge emphasises sustainability even in its dining experiences. The restaurant serves gourmet meals prepared from fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients, many of which are grown on-site. The farm-to-table philosophy ensures both a delicious and environmentally friendly dining experience.

Good to know

How to get there

Getting to Pacuare Lodge in Limón, Costa Rica, is an adventure in itself due to its remote, off-the-grid location deep in the rainforest. Here’s how to get there:

1. By Land and River 

  • Drive or Shuttle to Turrialba: The journey begins with a 2 to 3-hour drive from San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport) to the town of Turrialba. The lodge offers private shuttles, or you can rent a car or arrange a transfer.
  • Rafting to the Lodge: From Turrialba, you’ll embark on a white-water rafting trip down the Pacuare River, guided by the lodge’s expert staff. This thrilling 90-minute to 2-hour rafting trip takes you through scenic rapids and the stunning rainforest, and you’ll arrive directly at the lodge via the river.

2. By 4×4 and River

  • Drive to the Lodge’s Access Point: For those who prefer not to raft, you can take a 4×4 vehicle to the lodge’s private access point (a 3-hour drive from San José). From there, it’s a short boat ride or hike to reach the lodge. The lodge can arrange this alternative transfer as well.

3. Helicopter Transfer

  • Fly Directly to the Lodge: For a more exclusive and quick option, you can arrange a helicopter transfer directly to the lodge’s helipad. This scenic flight takes about 30 minutes from San José and offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and river.

Are children welcome?

Yes, Pacuare Lodge welcomes children, but it is best suited for families with older children due to its remote location and the adventure-oriented activities available. The lodge’s focus on sustainability and nature immersion, as well as its range of activities such as white-water rafting and zip-lining, are ideal for families with children who enjoy adventure and outdoor exploration. However, for safety reasons, some activities have age restrictions, such as the minimum age requirement for white-water rafting (typically around 12 years old).

Giving back

Pacuare Lodge has a robust sustainability policy focused on preserving the environment and supporting local communities. Key aspects of their policy include:

  1. Off-Grid Operations: The lodge runs entirely off-grid, using renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric power to minimize its carbon footprint. It also utilises solar energy for heating and electricity.
  2. Reforestation and Conservation: Pacuare Lodge is committed to the preservation and reforestation of the surrounding rainforest. The lodge owns and protects over 340 hectares of tropical forest, ensuring the conservation of local wildlife and plant species.
  3. Sustainable Construction: The lodge was built using sustainable, locally sourced materials, with minimal impact on the environment. The construction adhered to eco-friendly principles, ensuring the protection of the surrounding ecosystem.
  4. Waste Reduction and Water Management: The lodge practices responsible waste management, including recycling and composting organic waste. It also implements water conservation techniques, such as treating wastewater and using biodegradable products to ensure the purity of the surrounding river system.
  5. Community Engagement: Pacuare Lodge supports local communities by employing residents, sourcing produce from nearby farms, and offering educational programs. They invest in projects that improve local infrastructure and health services, as well as supporting Indigenous communities through cultural exchange and tourism.
  6. Eco-Friendly Guest Practices: Guests are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices during their stay, such as limiting energy use, reusing linens, and participating in environmental conservation activities like tree planting.

How to spend your time here

At Pacuare Lodge, you can spend your time enjoying a blend of adventure, relaxation, and nature immersion. Here are some ways to make the most of your stay:

1. White-Water Rafting

One of the main highlights of Pacuare Lodge is the thrilling white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. The lodge is accessible by rafting in or out, and guests can enjoy guided trips through class III and IV rapids, offering both adrenaline and scenic beauty as you pass through lush rainforests and waterfalls.

2. Jungle Hikes and Nature Walks

Explore the surrounding rainforest with guided nature hikes. The lodge’s naturalists will lead you through trails where you can discover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, including tropical birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other wildlife. Guests can also enjoy self-guided hikes on some of the well-maintained trails.

3. Zip-lining and Canyoning

For adventure seekers, the lodge offers zip-lining through the forest canopy and canyoning down waterfalls. These activities provide a unique perspective of the rainforest, with a combination of adrenaline and breathtaking views.

4. Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Learn about the local Cabécar Indigenous culture through guided tours that introduce guests to the traditions, history, and way of life of the Indigenous communities living in the region. You can visit local villages and gain insights into their sustainable ways of living.

5. Wellness and Spa

Pacuare Lodge also offers opportunities to unwind with spa treatments that incorporate natural, locally sourced ingredients. Relax in the lodge’s open-air spa, surrounded by the calming sounds of the river and the rainforest.

6. Birdwatching

Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and Pacuare Lodge is an excellent location for spotting rare and colourful species. Early morning birdwatching tours are available with experienced guides who can help you spot toucans, hummingbirds, and other exotic species.

7. Romantic and Private Dinners

For couples, the lodge offers romantic, private dinners in unique settings, such as candlelit meals by the river or in a secluded part of the forest, providing an intimate and luxurious dining experience amidst nature.

Why we love Pacuare Lodge

The rafting here is incredible with class III and IV rapids to explore with world class guides, but there’s so much more with beautiful hikes and abundant wildlife. If you love the great outdoors then there are few places better.

Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
Pacuare Lodge, Límon, Costa Rica

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