Set deep in Costa Rica’s central highlands, Pacuare Lodge is a pioneering ecolodge perched above the emerald waters of the Río Pacuare.
Accessible only by white-water raft, it’s surrounded by 25,000 acres of protected rainforest – an extraordinary setting for one of Central America’s most atmospheric retreats.
Launched in 1986 as a conservation project, it has evolved into a collection of 20 open-air luxury suites, built with natural materials and designed to disappear into the jungle canopy. Expect plunge pools, candlelit dinners, and the soundtrack of the forest all around. More than just a place to stay, Pacuare is a benchmark for sustainable, experience-led travel.
What we love about Pacuare Lodge
- The expert naturalist guides. From rafting to wildlife walks, Pacuare’s passionate guides bring the rainforest to life with deep local knowledge and storytelling.
- Electricity-free calm. Suites are blissfully unplugged (no TVs, no harsh lights), just solar-heated showers, lantern glow, and the sounds of the jungle. With no electric lighting, the lodge glows by candlelight at night, casting a dreamlike atmosphere over dinners and jungle paths alike.
- The Canopy Honeymoon Suite. Reached by a private suspension bridge, this treetop hideaway features a spring-fed plunge pool and sweeping canopy views.
- The riverside spa and its open-air treatment rooms that sit beside the river, where massages using natural ingredients are both soothing and surreal.
- Sustainability is of great importance. Pacuare runs on renewable energy, supports reforestation, and partners with local communities to protect its rainforest home.
- Organic, local dining means that most ingredients are grown on the lodge’s farm or sourced nearby; expect fresh, seasonal dishes rooted in Costa Rican tradition.
Rafting in and out is a signature thrill, with the Pacuare River’s jungle-wrapped canyons and Class III–IV rapids offering one of the most scenic rides in the world.
Once at the lodge, days can be spent hiking to waterfalls, ziplining through the canopy, canyoning down natural rock slides, or spotting toucans and hummingbirds on guided birding walks. Guests can also visit remote Indigenous communities to learn about local culture and conservation.
All activities are led by expert guides and designed to connect you deeply with the rainforest, while still leaving time to unwind in the spa or by the river with a good book.
When to Travel
Pacuare Lodge can be visited year round, but we recommend travelling between November and April for the best chance of sunshine.
September and October are best avoided, as rainfall can be particularly strong.
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