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 Pacuare Lodge nineteen bungalows and main lodge were 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. Inspired by its magnificent natural setting,the spacious main lodge has been thoughtfully designed for the comfort and pleasure of our guests, and sets a new standard in a Costa Rica nature experience. Overlooking the Pacuare River,the palm-thatched, two-story structure boasts solid teak floors, tropical flowers and plenty of fresh air, enticing guests to come in and admire the timeless beauty of the swift-flowing river and millennial rainforest. On the ground floor an open-air restaurant and kitchen are always bustling with activity as local chefs prepare delicious gourmet dishes, whole grain breads and fresh baked desserts. Freshly brewed coffee and an assortment of organic teas are available throughout the day and evening.

You will enjoy your meals as you are immersed within the sights, sounds and tantalizing scents of the tropical rainforest.  An expansive pine-hewn deck opens onto the Pacuare River, offering you a panoramic view of a dense wall of green that literally soars to kiss the heavens.  Dinnertime is a particularly memorable affair, where by the dim glow of candlelight you will savor haute cuisine served on fine china and accented with a homegrown medley of tropical herbs and spices. Upstairs a spacious yet cozy open-sided lounge with a small bar invites guests to kick back and recount the day’s adventures in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Locally crafted wood furnishings, hand-hewn timber beams and wrought iron chandeliers create a warm ambiance of rustic splendor as gentle breezes drift off the Pacuare river. Here the views never fail to dazzle. Four lookout areas offer great vantage points for photos of the river and lush vegetation. Comfortable wicker sofa chairs, board games and plenty of colorful bromeliads make this a favorite area for our guests. 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’s philosophy of simplistic luxury and oneness with nature is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Our distinctive palm-thatched bungalows and suites are carefully designed to blend into the surrounding forest. Each features a canopy king size bed, hardwood flooring, private veranda, and a spacious private bathroom adorned with brass fixtures, private alfresco shower with solar heated water, and a nearly 360º rainforest view—all within an area seemingly removed from time and the worries of the outside world, yet just two and a half hours from San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. Click Garden-view bungalow and River-view junior suite for a complete description. For an added touch of luxury, reserve our honeymoon suite. Why not add one or two additional nights to allow yourself to experience more profoundly the beauty of the zone? A variety of optional activities —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 and back from this rainforest setting was once only via an exciting rafting trip through class III and IV rapids. While this is still a splendid way to experience the Pacuare Lodge and its surrounds, you can now also choose from a range of options that include entry and departure by land, as well as a combination of land and river transport.