Our favorite rainforest lodges on Costa Rica's Pacuare River

Costa Rica's Pacuare River is recognized as one of the world's premium whitewater rafting river, passing through mile after mile of lush rainforest.

Best Places to Stay on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica

Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare

Rios Lodge

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

National Parks

Cooking Class with Locals

Culture

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

Indigenous Reserve Visit

Indigenous Reserve

Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking

Beach Fun

Adrenaline

Guided Nature Hike at Night

Nature Hike at Night

Canyoning & Waterfall Rappel

Waterfall Rappel

White Water Rafting

Pacuare has options ranging from hostels to elaborate ecolodges. 

From whitewater rafting to hiking, zip lining, cayoning, and horseback riding! There is a plethora of activities to choose from.

<h2>Welcome to Pacuare!</h2>Pacuare is one of the most extensive nature-filled sites to head to over in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. And while whitewater rafting is one of the most popular activities to do, there is so much more to Pacuare that anyone would enjoy being there.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pacuare is the rafting capital of Costa Rica. It offers class II, III, and IV rapids. The Pacuare River starts 9,842 feet above sea level and goes for 82 miles in length, flowing from mountains to plains and draining into the Caribbean Sea. There are some stunning views, such as the view of the stone walls of the Pacuare canyon. Photo ops of the rainforest are plentiful too.&nbsp;Because of the proximity between the freshwater canals and the ocean, many marine species thrive in Pacuare. There are so many types of fish and aquatic birds to encounter. One of the lodges in the area was recognized as a good practice in sustainability and ecotourism by the World Tourism Organization.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294613/pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-general-view-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294615/small_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/medium_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294614/large_pacuare_lodge_general_view_caribbean_2693966198.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to Pacuare</h3>Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Rafting:Some rafters prefer November and December because there’s more rain and higher waters. However, beginners like to start a little bit easier, so make sure you know what type of rafting you can handle before you pick a time to come. Remember, the guides will find a safe route if you want to raft the Pacuare in December. The water is lower but challenging in some parts, and tours can be adjusted to your comfort level and ability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Catching a Glimpse of a Giant Turtle:Keep in mind that the best time to travel depends on other factors. Not everyone goes there for rafting. For instance, if you want to observe leatherback sea turtles, you might have the best luck between March and July, when they are present in more significant quantities. However, the turtles are spotted in February and August as well. The black river turtle is seen from March to July, too. These are easier to spot with the help of a trained guide.&nbsp;Best Time to Travel to Pacuare for Birdwatching:Birdwatching is another big draw to the Pacuare area, with migrating species from North and South America passing through. Of course, every time you open your door, you’ll see an exotic bird of one type or another, but if you are hoping to check off a specific species from your list, you’ll want to check what months it’s most often seen in the area. Guides can also provide binoculars and help you find and identify the birds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-canopy-tour-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/small_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/medium_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/large_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_caribbean_247ff2d212.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Pacuare Weather</h3>The Pacuare area has pleasant temperatures year-round, between 70 and 87 degrees. As for rain, the driest months are February, April, and September, and the wettest months are July, November, and December. Rainfall is expected most of the year, but this means a quick afternoon shower most months. The average monthly precipitation ranges from 6.5 to 13.3 inches.<h3>Is Pacuare Safe?</h3>The Pacuare area is safe. It’s mostly rural and adventure tourism. Locals are kind; tourists are around but not overcrowded. It’s still off the beaten path. If you don’t go rafting without a guide, you will be safe. Keep valuables out of sight, but Pacuare is not dangerous.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-forest-trail-walk-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294636/small_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294635/medium_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/large_pacuare_lodge_forest_trail_walk_caribbean_b0de517406.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>Top Restaurants in Pacuare</h2>El Rancho de CuchoIt is known for good attention to their clients and great taste and prices. It’s also got great views!&nbsp;Donde WallyThis place is a local favorite. Try the special of the day, no matter what it is. Trust the chef!&nbsp;Evonnys Pizza or El ShaddaiYou want to try either or both for pizza. There’s a debate about which is best, but everyone agrees they’re both pretty great.&nbsp;Bar Restaurante El ComalA favorite bar is El Comal, as it is a place to relax and enjoy a local beer. Will you prefer Imperial or Pilsen?&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg" alt="pacuare-lodge-canopy-tour-overview-caribbean.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294632/thumbnail_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294634/small_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/medium_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1654294633/large_pacuare_lodge_canopy_tour_overview_caribbean_3bc644db09.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to Get to Pacuare</h2>Between Pacuare and San JoséWhile the most fun way to get to Pacuare is by rafting, you can also arrive by car. It’s about a 2-hour drive from San Jose via Route 10. Some people prefer to charter a private helicopter to arrive in Pacuare.&nbsp;Between Pacuare and TortugueroAnother top tourist destination is Tortuguero, a 2.5-hour trip via the Braulio Carrillo Highway/Route 32. This trip ends by crossing the canals by boat. Another option is to drive from Pacuare to Limon and take a flight to Tortuguero. Airport codes are LIO and TTQ.

Pacuare River

Adults-Only

Luxury

Dare to Dream: Pacuare River and Las Catalinas

Dare to Dream

Relaxing

Waterfalls

Rainforest

Las Catalinas has plenty of accommodations. From larger homes to mid-sized townhouses and smaller apartments. Also, high-end, beautiful boutique hotel options.

There are great beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie-boarding. Plus, some thrilling adventures to try.

Las Catalinas

Beach

 Welcome to the Jungle: Monteverde and Pacuare

 Welcome to the Jungle

The Monteverde area offers a mix of accommodation, from hostels and B&Bs, to unique eco-resorts. We recommend booking in advance.

Monteverde is known for great zip lines, hanging bridges, rich biodiversity, photography, birdwatching and so much more. 


Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde

Cloud Forest

Honeymoon

Remote

'A' for Adventure: Puerto Viejo and Pacuare

'A' for Adventure

Puerto Viejo has a wide range of places to stay, from budget friendly to higher-end, boutique luxury beach bungalows. 

Aside from surfing and partying, Puerto Viejo offers ATV touring, zip lining, horseback riding, cycling, fishing, boogie boarding, stand-up paddling, etc. You won’t find it hard to have fun!

Puerto Viejo

Yoga

Beachfront

Adventure Honeymoon: Pacuare and Uvita

Adventure Honeymoon

Uvita has several places to stay. They are smaller, with more boutique options, and a strong sense of eco-awareness.

The visiting humpbacks from northern and southern waters are probably the highlight of any trip to Uvita. 

Uvita

National Park

Adventure

Relaxation

Surfing

Costa Rica Eco Adventure: Arenal Volcano and Pacuare River

Costa Rica Eco Adventure

From luxurious five-star options with fantastic volcano views to the more cozy three-star boutique options. There are no all-inclusive resorts, but the service is generally excellent!

There is so much to do in the Arenal area! Hot springs, hikes, nature reserves, hanging bridges, waterfalls, etc.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Countryside

Volcano

Freshwater Fishing

Fly Fishing

Group Travel

Boutique

Sustainable

Costa Rica Glamping: Isla Chiquita and Pacuare

Costa Rica Glamping

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is really the only place to stay on the island. And we can't complain!

The whole point of Isla Chiquita is to lose yourself in nature on a tropical island in Costa Rica. 

Isla Chiquita

Island

Exotic Luxury: Pacuare and Papagayo

Exotic Luxury

There are five-star hotels such as the Four Seasons, Andaz Hotel, Ritz Carlton, and more to come. Also, top-of-the-line homes can be found. These villas are perfect for large families or groups of friends. 

If you're interested in getting in touch with the ocean, down at the marina, plenty of boats and yachts can be found. There are also many beach access points to enjoy a nice swim in the calm waters. 

Papagayo

Sailfish

Yellowfin Tuna

Christmas

Teen-friendly

Snapper

Inshore Fishing

Rooster

Wahoo

Jungle Adventure & White Sands: Pacuare River and Flamingo Beach

Jungle Adventure & White Sands

A selection of resorts, including Margaritaville, and plenty of rental options ideal for families looking to enjoy the beach.

From fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset sailing, to thrilling ATV tours, Flamingo has something for everyone.

Flamingo Beach

Blue Marlin

Deep Sea

Fishing

Mahi Mahi

Jungle Adventure on the Caribbean: La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest and Pacuare

Jungle Adventure on the Caribbean

The Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens often merge, but they're separate. 

There's no doubt about it - the trails and stairwells that follow the Rio La Paz and its waterfalls are a major highlight.

La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest

La Paz

Evening Megan!&nbsp;Thanks so much for all that you did for us. Everything was so amazing. Everyone was so nice and we really couldn’t have imagined a better trip! Costa Rica is an an amazing place and we’ll be sure to be back!&nbsp;

Savannah & Hayden Gibson - Megan Hagarty

Anastasia made our honeymoon so special in so many ways! I can’t appreciate enough how stress-free she has made this process and fun along the way. She was always available even during our trip when I was feeling unwell the first few days and had multiple recommendations which had me feeling better in no time.&nbsp;