COSTA RICA Pacuare Jungle Lodge Pacuare Protected Zone

 

ABOUT THE PACUARE JUNGLE LODGE - in their own words:

Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, lies the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, here you will experience that most coveted of travelers’ rewards, an opportunity to savor the spirit of a place.

The lodge and bungalows are completely surrounded by tropical rainforest. Enormous trees and rainforest inhabitants live in natural harmony alongside the lodge itself. The Pacuare Lodge was designed and constructed to blend with the surrounding environment, affecting minimal impact, and has been recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of only sixty-five examples throughout the world of good practice in sustainability and ecotourism.

The two-story eco-lodge has a comfortable, rustic dining area on the first floor and an open-air lounge on the second floor with sitting areas and hammocks. Guest rooms are modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs, carefully designed in an indigenous style to blend into the surrounding forest. Nestled within a forest that has stood sentry for eons, each bungalow comes complete with private bathroom and shower, as well as freshly linened beds that promise a languid repose, surrounded by the intoxicating scents of the tropical rainforest.

For an added touch of luxury, reserve our honeymoon suite. A cobbled path leads you and your partner from the main lodge up to a knoll overlooking the other facilities. Arriving at the suite, you’ll enter a modern wooden bungalow with a palm-thatched roof, high ceiling, hardwood floors, and plenty of natural light. This spacious and airy bungalow features a king-sized bed, futon couch, wood tables with candles, and vibrant fresh tropical flower arrangements. The large wood-and-tile bathroom offers sun-heated water and biodegradable soap and shampoo.

The border from inside to outdoors blends where the bathroom’s large picture windows look into the dense forest behind the bungalow. Affording total privacy, the windows offer glimpses of the zone’s hidden treasures, including colorful hummingbirds as they lite for an instant before flitting again into the verdant rainforest beyond.

From the extensive front deck, you’ll appreciate a breathtaking view of stately ancient trees rising up from the dense vegetation covering the mountains across the river. A small, thatched-roof rancho on the deck provides a cozy, romantic shelter from which to admire rainforest surroundings during tropical showers.

Could there be more? Of course! A hanging bridge will lead you from the bungalow deck to a platform high in a towering tree, whose roots are grounded in the main camp far below. This private treetop platform offers you and your partner your own private immersion in the world that is the rainforest canopy.

A two-day, overnight stay at the lodge is an excellent option for the busy traveler. But with so much to choose from in this jungle oasis, why not add one or two additional nights to allow yourself to experience more profoundly the beauty of the zone. A variety of optional tours—from the highest Original Canopy Tour in Costa Rica to cultural exchanges with local inhabitants—are available to enrich any stay, from one night to several.

How about a three course candlelight dinner, with filet mignon in wild mushroom sauce and chocolate mousse? Or a friendly and knowledgeable staff that will make sure you are comfortable and taken care of, as well as lead you on variety of exciting nature tours.

GETTING THERE:
You can visit the Pacuare Lodge as part of a multiday rafting tour, access via land, or a combination of the two. Arrival by river takes you along scenic class III rapids, and departure by river allows you to experience the magnificence of this zone’s canyons and primary rainforest via class III and IV rapids. You may also plan your arrival by ground transportation through impressive scenery and cross the river on a hanging gondola. A departure by ground transportation is also available, providing an alternative for families and others who prefer dry land, or would like to avoid the more challenging rapids. Mix and match to suit your preferences!

OPTIONAL TOURS;
Could your rainforest experience be any richer? Sample one or more optional tours, and savor some of the exotic delicacies this zone offers.

Experience an adrenaline thrill, participate in a cultural exchange with members of the local community, or immerse yourself in exploration even deeper into the rainforest mountains. Each tour is an experience apart, leading you further down the “road less traveled.”

Pacuare Canopy Adventure Tour
A unique tour in Costa Rica along a series of transverse cables with the highest rappel of the Original Canopy Tour in Costa Rica.

Cabecar Indians Tour
Hike the same trails the Cabecar Indians have for centuries, and personally visit with a Zutkia, or Cabecar medicine man to learn about the traditions and customs that are at the foundation of the Cabecar’s relationship with nature.

The "El Bajo del Tigre" Experience
Guided by a local horseman, explore the river region and rainforest, and visit the community of Bajo del Tigre, where you will meet the dedicated people who make this jungle habitat their home.

Day Break Activity Tour
Enjoy the spread of color and life throughout the forest as you observe a variety of native plant and animal species begin their day in the rainforest.