Pacuare Lodge

Facilities

• Dining: All meals are included and the cuisine is superb - far more sophisticated than you’d imagine in the middle of the jungle. The chefs use organic ingredients to create imaginative 3-course meals, accompanied by fine wines
• Communal areas: The main lodge building has a terrace and an open-sided lounge on its upper floor, with wood furniture and beatiful views. It's surrounded by lush rainforest
• Swimming Pool: There's no communal pool, but the Honeymoon Suite and the Linda Vista Suites have private plunge pools
• Spa Treatments: Massages and facials are available in a rustic open-sided building, where you can lie back and be soothed to the sounds of the rainforest around you
• Recreational: Pacuare is one of the top 5 rivers in the world for white-water rafting - this is a rare chance for novices to improve and a great introduction to rafting if you’ve never done it before. Other activities on site include canopy tours, and organised cycling, hiking and horse riding trips to visit indigenous communities - not to be missed.
• Disabled Access: None
• Pets: Not accepted
• Languages Spoken: Spanish, English

Environmental Policy

Costa Rica offers few rainforest experiences to equal Pacuare. It’s right in the middle of pristine forest, and is inspiring on environmental grounds too - one of the few carbon neutral hotels in the country. The river has recently gained an impressive Ecological Blue Flag - the highest rating from the government for a watershed recognising its healthy environment and clean water.

Social Responsibility

Pacuare’s policy is to employ only local staff then train them carefully to offer you the best possible service and a fantastic experience of the rainforest. They create a wonderfully warm atmosphere here.

When to go?

The Lodge is open all year round. It rains more from May to September, and showers can be very heavy in October. Nevertheless, rafting is possible all year round, though the river might be slightly colder (but was perfectly warm in June, when we went). The river moves faster when the water is high, though in the drier season (November to April) rafting is more technically difficult. On a sunny morning, Pacuare is paradise, and it would be a shame to see it only in cloud. However, this is the rainforest, so you have to be prepared for rain!

Author's tips

Pacuare sends a detailed list of what you must bring before you come. It’s basically swimwear and shorts, with something to change into on the way back. Don’t take this too literally. Your luggage will be transported in a separate large raft in dry bags, and while there’s not a great deal of space, you can bring a few more items than are detailed on the list. Women might want to bring another dress or 2, and men might need an extra pair of trousers: people dress up more than you might think in the evening. Bear in mind, though, that whatever you wear on the rafting trip will get soaking wet. It’s a good idea to wear a T shirt over your swimwear (or shorts) to prevent sunburn. You’ll need to hand over your spectacles, and sunspecs may come off, so don’t bother wearing them. Apply sun cream, but not to the back of your thighs, as you’ll slip off the side of the raft. It’s a good idea to spray yourself with mosquito repellent if you’re sensitive.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Organic produce
• Vegetarian menu
• Breakfast
• Garden
• Guest lounge
• Plunge pool
• Spa treatment rooms
• In room treatments available
• Bicycles available
• Airport Transfers