Pacuare Lodge

Press Reviews

Conde Nast Traveler (US), February 2011
"Roll through the Class III and Class IV rapids of the wild Pacuare River while keeping a eye out for howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths in the surrounding old-growth rain forest. At night, bunk down in a luxe jungle bungalow at Pacuare Lodge."

World Saver Awards, Conde Nast Traveler (US), September 2010
"Small surprise that ecotourism pioneer Costa Rica, which has avoided some of the overbuilding that destroyed other destinations, won big–time this year. Pacuare Lodge (Honorable Mention, Environmental Preservation) generates electricity via water–driven turbine, using no fossil fuels."

Daily Mirror, April 2010
"This riverside lodge in the depths of a rainforest is so remote that you get there by raft. Your alarm clock comes in the form of birdsong and monkeys, and there is no phone, internet or TV."

The Guardian, December 2009
"...guests can arrive by raft, passing canyons and waterfalls that flow into the Pacuare River. The lodge is hidden inside tropical forest, with bungalows and a central building with a restaurant and bar. Rooms are luxurious, with pristine white linen and polished wood floors."

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), December 2009
"This beautiful lodge on the Pacuare River is best accessed by raft. The main building is set above the river and has majestic views, a large dining area (mostly al fresco), open kitchen and plush bar. There are 13 tastefully decorated cabañas, all with comfy beds, screened widows and views of the river or jungle. The Honeymoon Suite, set in lush rainforest on the hillside, has a spacious bedroom, a private plunge pool and a terrace that's ideal for wildlife-watching. Owner Roberto Fernandez takes responsible tourism seriously; there's no electricity, and at night the complex is lit with candles and lanterns; no trees were felled during its construction and donations from internet bookings are made to local schools."

The Observer, September 2008
"Could there be anything more exhilarating or romantic? Rafting down the river through virgin forest while exotic birds and butterflies cavort around you.

Every rapid is an adrenaline rush as your raft is whisked into a whirlpool eddy and you paddle madly before emerging with relief into calm waters on the other side. Then the fairy tale arrival - in the midst of the forest, on a bend in the river, Pacuare's thatched cabins are luxurious havens. They are candlelit at night and you dine like kings on organic food and fine wines, before drifting off to sleep with the murmur of the river. Quite breathtaking."

National Geographic Adventure, September 2008
"For more than a decade, Pacuare Lodge was mainly a springboard for rafting trips on its namesake river. That was prior to the 15-room ecoretreat's transformation from déclassé to deluxe. The new bungalows are electricity free but polished hardwood floors, net-draped four-poster beds, and hot showers by candlelight don't exactly make for hardship. Right out of the door is one of Costa Rica's highest canopy rappels, plus whitewater paddling through lush canyons. The Pacuare River surges up to Class IV this time of year - and a former one-night wonder has gone high-class to match."

Vancouver Sun, May 2008
"Guests stay in elevated thatched-roof bungalows and suites with canopy beds, private bathrooms and verandas, and almost 360-degree views. Staff members serve meals on fine china in the open-air restaurant in Pacuare's new main lodge, where there's also a small bar and lounge.

While at the lodge, you can choose to relax and get a massage or go on optional excursions: Explore the rainforest canopy on a system of transverse cables, hike to an Indian community and visit with a local shaman, or go on a naturalist-guided walk to observe the wildlife and tropical flowers."

Outside Magazine, March 2008
"Not content to rest on their green throne, the owners of the 13-year old Pacuare Lodge built a new 6,450-square-foot, open-air main lodge last summer. Hidden in 25,000 acres of rainforest next to the Pacuare River, this place is the archetypal greener-than-thou eco-retreat, which kind of makes us want to hate it. But while Pacuare is off-grid, the accommodations are decidedly comfortable. Guests relax in hammocks on pine decks overlooking the Pacuare, Costa Rica's premier rafting river. And the new lodge features an organic tea bar, a honeymoon suite made of native rainforest hardwood, and an extensive wine cellar."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “Liked - everything. A dream! Wonderful staff, good food, white water rafting was just marvellous.The only thing I would mention was that we hadn't expected the white water rafting to be grade 3 & 4 rapids. We're in our 60's and if we had known, maybe we wouldn't have booked. But, as it turned out, as we're very active and fit for our age, we probably had the best few days of our holiday!! The trip to the indiginous village was also a strenous hike, but again well worth it, must have lost a few pounds in weight! I would recommend to anyone wanting adventure with a bit of luxury.”
  Angela, France (19.11.10)