Pacuare Lodge
Where is the Pacuare Lodge located?
Pacuare Lodge is situated in Costa Rica's Atlantic region, within the Pacuare Protected Zone, approximately 20 miles from the town of Siquirres, at an altitude of 770 feet. You can find it on Google Earth using the following coordinates: 10° 00′ 00”.00 N, 83° 31′ 55”.00 W.
Which hotels do you provide pick-up and drop-off services for?
We offer scheduled pick-up and drop-off at the Hilton Garden Inn, Park Inn, and Grano de Oro Hotel. Pick-up is at 6 am, and the tour returns to San José around 6 pm on the departure day. If staying at a different hotel, you can reach these locations on your own or we can assist in arranging transportation for an additional fee, including from areas outside San José.
Can I reach Pacuare Lodge by car or public transport?
Due to its remote location, the lodge is not directly accessible by car or public transport. However, you can drive or take a bus to Siquirres and meet us at our warehouse. From there, we provide a transfer to the lodge by raft or ground transportation. Our sales representative will confirm your pick-up time at the meeting point.
Will I have breakfast on the way to the river?
Yes, we'll stop at a rustic, scenic mountain view restaurant for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast en route to the river. How long does it take to get to the river? The journey to the river takes between 2½ and 3 hours, depending on your hotel location.
Do you offer ground transportation to the lodge?
Yes, we offer various options including land entry and departure, or a combination of land and river transport. Pacuare Lodge also has an onsite helipad for helicopter arrivals (additional fee).
Are your facilities non-smoking?
Yes, all facilities at Pacuare Lodge, including bungalows, the main lodge, and the deck, are non-smoking. Is there onsite staff available 24 hours? Yes, in case of emergency, our resident manager and security staff are available 24 hours a day.
Does your lodge accommodate families with small children?
Pacuare Lodge is an ideal family destination with adventurous and cultural experiences. Due to our remote location and activity nature, we have a minimum age of 7 for staying at the lodge. The rafting tour requires a minimum age of 12. Ground transportation is available for children ages 7 to 11.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially during the busy mid-December to January period. Booking one to two months in advance is recommended.
Do I need experience for white water rafting? Is it safe?
No experience is required. Our tours are designed to be safe and enjoyable for those in reasonably good shape, even if it’s your first time rafting. Safety is our top priority, and our bilingual guides are highly experienced and certified in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue training.
Is there internet service available at the lodge?
Yes, free WiFi is available in our suites, reception area, and restaurant. However, due to our remote location, internet connectivity may occasionally be unstable.
What happens if rafting access to or from the lodge is canceled?
If unsafe river levels force us to cancel rafting, clients will access or leave the lodge by ground transportation via a 4×4 vehicle (approx. 45-minute ride). A minimum of 2 passengers is required for the rafting tour.
What is included in the trip?
Your Pacuare Lodge Adventure includes: Pick-up in San José, transfer to the lodge (choose rafting or 4×4 vehicle), accommodation in a suite, 8 included experiences (Canopy Tour, Tropical Canyoning, Bird-Watching, Cabecar Indigenous Hike, Ancient Trail & Hidden Waterfall Hike, Rural Experience, The Loop, Sustainability Tour), daily a la carte meals, afternoon coffee with homemade pastry, rafting or ground transfer out, and return transfer to San José.
What is the minimum and maximum age for river adventures?
The minimum age for White Water River Rafting In is 9 years old, and White-Water River Rafting Out is 12 years old, with a minimum weight of 65 pounds and a maximum of 275 pounds. Participation depends on river conditions, mobility, physical condition, and size, and is subject to the river guide's approval.
What is the recommended length of stay at Pacuare Lodge?
A minimum of three nights is recommended to fully enjoy the lodge. Our Adventure Packages include 8 unique onsite experiences, dining, and a spa.
What is the weather like?
Expect varied weather in Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. Mornings are generally sunny and clear, with afternoon rain showers. Temperatures range from the mid to upper 80’s (28 – 30 C) during the day, and evenings may require a light jacket.
When is the best time to visit Pacuare Lodge?
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, with peak seasons from December to April (Dry Season) and June through August (rainy afternoons). River levels are higher during the rainy season, especially September to November. For more availability, consider visiting from late April to early June or September to late November.
Who can participate in the activities?
Any person who is physically fitted to do soft adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, canopy tours, canyoning, hiking, etc. The minimum age is 12 years old, and we cannot accept people with recent surgeries, pregnant women, or people who are not physically or mentally fitted for this type of activities.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
A selection of wines, spirits, and liquors are available for purchase from our wine cellar and bar.
Are mosquitoes and bugs a problem?
We’re located deep in the jungle, yet mosquito complaints are rare. Our bungalows are well-screened, and it’s important to keep doors closed. We recommend insect repellent for late afternoon outings or hikes.
Are phones available?
An IP telephone system is available at the reception area for emergency contact.
Do I need vaccination to visit Costa Rica?
If traveling from outside Costa Rica, vaccinations may be required depending on your origin. There is no yellow fever risk in Costa Rica, but proof of vaccination may be required if arriving from a high-risk area. Consult your doctor for recommendations.
Does my bungalow have hot water?
Yes, all bungalows and suites have solar-heated water with a gas backup system. Food Allergy and Food Intolerance While we strive to minimize cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee dishes are allergen-free and cannot accept liability. Guests with severe allergies should assess their own risk.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes, our tap water comes from an uncontaminated mountain spring and is periodically tested. We encourage the use of refillable bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Is there electricity at the lodge?
Yes, Pacuare Lodge is powered by hydroelectric turbines and solar panels. Lighting and outlets for small devices are available, but high-energy devices like hair dryers are not permitted.
Should I be concerned about malaria?
There’s no need to worry about malaria at Pacuare Lodge. While isolated outbreaks have occurred in some areas, these are far from tourist routes. Follow your physician’s advice, but no tourist has contracted malaria in Costa Rica in recent years.
What activities are available at the lodge?
Your stay includes 8 unique experiences: Canopy Tour, Tropical Canyoning, Bird-Watching, Cabecar Indigenous Hike, Ancient Trail & Hidden Waterfall Hike, Rural Experience, The Loop, and Sustainability Tour. Relax at our spa and enjoy unique dining experiences. All activities require a minimum of 2 passengers.
What are the differences between suite categories?
• Jaguar Villa: Luxurious and perched by the river, offering a tropical rainforest experience with elegant comforts.
• Linda Vista Villas: Spacious suites with breathtaking views of the river and rainforest, featuring a king-size bed, indoor/outdoor showers, a long deck, and a private dipping pool.
• Canopy Villa: A honeymoon suite on a hilltop with sweeping views, accessible via a hanging bridge to a private lookout platform.
• River View Suites: Tranquil suites with a private terrace offering stunning river and jungle views.
• Garden Suites: Suites with a private terrace, heated showers, and views of the surrounding rainforest.
What happens if I need to cancel my tour?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions section for detailed cancellation policies.
What to pack?
Visit our recommended packing list for details on what to bring and instructions for luggage you plan to leave behind.
What types of meals are provided? Do you cater to special diets?
Meals are highly regarded, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in our main lodge or deck. We can accommodate most special dietary needs with advanced notice.
Where can I charge my devices?
You can charge devices in your room or at our reception area.
Is laundry service available?
Yes, laundry service is available for an additional charge.
ARRIVAL BY RIVER
There are no roads to Pacuare Lodge, so we use the river. The majority of our guests arrive at our lodge after rafting on one of the world’s top whitewater rivers…
There are no roads to Pacuare Lodge. So we use the river. The majority of our guests arrive at our lodge after rafting on on one of the world’s top whitewater rivers. Before the put-in we drive through Costa Rica’s old capital city, Cartago, lush farmlands that blanket the slopes of Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes, and finally the rushing waters of the Pacuare River.
Once you’re in the river, Costa Rica’s natural splendor surrounds you. Silver ribbons of waterfalls plummet down emerald-green cliffs. Blue morpho butterflies flutter past, their radiant blue wings catching the sun. In addition to the natural beauty, you’ll experience sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters down miles of raging rapids.
When you finally reach the shores of our piece of paradise, you’ll have rowed, splashed, and floated along unspoiled rainforest and unmatched tropical beauty. The trip in is short - only an hour or two, depending on river conditions - but it is the perfect introduction to the enchanting environment that awaits you.
ARRIVAL BY AIR
Take the tedious out of traveling in Costa Rica with Böëna’s Xplore Air state-of-the-art air charter service to Pacuare Lodge. Böëna clients can now fly directly to Guapiles Airport in a private, executive-configured Cessna Caravan aircraft.
The flight is a mere 25 minutes from the San Jose International Airport (SJO) & Pavas International Airport (Tobias Bolaños) followed by a two-hour drive through the scenic Talamanca Mountains. Read more about our Xplore Air Service!
ARRIVAL BY LAND
If you’re not comfortable rafting into the lodge, don’t worry. You can get there by land, too. The adventure begins as we travel through Cartago, Costa Rica’s old capital, through a quiltwork of croplands that cling to volcanic slopes, and towards the town of Turrialba. Sweeping vistas, quaint country houses, and dense vegetation provide the visuals.
If you’re not comfortable rafting into the lodge, don’t worry. You can get there by land, too.
The adventure begins as we travel through Cartago, Costa Rica’s old capital, through a quiltwork of croplands that cling to volcanic slopes, and towards the town of Turrialba. Sweeping vistas, quaint country houses, and dense vegetation provide the visuals.
The two-and-a-half-hour trip then skirts the slopes of the Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes toward the north, and the Reventazón River Basin and Orosi Valley toward the south. Majestic scenery includes rolling fields of ornamental plants, sugarcane, coffee, and macadamia, and the jungle-covered mountains of the Talamanca Mountain Range.
The bus trip ends in Santa Marta, where you board a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the remaining six-kilometer gravel road journey to the banks of the Pacuare River. Views of the mountains covered by dense jungle couldn’t be more dramatic! Advancing down the road, you plunge ever deeper into the beauty of the zone until you arrive at the Pacuare River, the Cábecar culture’s symbol of life. The adventure continues as you leave the four-wheel-drive vehicle and cross the river on a hanging gondola that carries you above the river via a 100-meter cable running from riverbank to riverbank. At the other side an electric car will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel´s lobby where a refreshing cocktail awaits your arrival.
ARRIVAL BY HELICOPTER
Guests may arrange arrival by helicopter, too. It’s always eye-opening to experience Costa Rica by air.
Guests may arrange arrival by helicopter, too. It’s always eye-opening to experience Costa Rica by air: you see how varied the landscape is in such a small landmass, travel over rushing rivers and craggy volcanoes, verdant forests and colorful farmland. It’s a beautiful ride.
Helicopters land in a sandy beach adjacent to our lodge.
The following list of recommended travel items will help you make the most out of your experience at Pacuare lodge - indoors and out!
We look forward to your visit.
Recommended Packing List
Rafting Attire:
General Attire
Recommended River Clothing and Equipment List for a 3 day/2 night Adventure
*This list pertains to a 3 Day/2 Night stay. Please add 1 or 2 changes of clothing for each additional day at the lodge.
**All suites and villas are equipped with naturally sourced shampoo, conditioner, and body cream.
***At Pacuare Lodge, our electricity comes from renewable sources such as solar panels and turbines. Because the energy is limited, we ask that guests do not bring hairdryers or flat irons.
Please note that weather conditions frequently change in Costa Rica´s tropical rainforest. Daytime weather is usually hot and humid, with the possibility of rain. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid to upper 80’s F (28-30C). We ask that guests are prepared for sudden variations in weather conditions.
Optional Accesories
Long pants, a shirt, and a light jacket/sweatshirt are recommended for the drive back to San José.
*Important Notice for Guests stowing luggage at our Operation Center
To date, we have never had any incidence of theft at the Operation Center in Siquirres. However, please be advised that Pacuare Lodge/Aventuras Naturales is not responsible for lost or stolen objects. We recommend that guests use luggage locks on all bags.
We also recommend that guests refrain from storing valuables or important documents at our Operation Center. Guests should take said items with them to Pacuare Lodge (each room is equipped with a safety box).
Guests who leave luggage at our Operation Center facilities will be asked to sign a form consenting to the above conditions.