It's the happiest nation on earth. That's not travel agent hype, but statistical fact. The Happy Planet Index puts Costa Rica top of 151 countries. Visit, and you may discover why. It's a small country with dense rainforests, hundreds of colourful bird species and the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans lapping on its shores. Much of the country has national park status and the scenery is fantastic with active volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Offering the ideal opportunity for exploration and relaxation, you can visit jungle waterways, pristine beaches and somewhere so special we have chosen to share it with you.
Pacuare Jungle Lodge Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, the Pacuare Jungle Lodge has 19 bungalows designed to blend in with the surrounding environment. Their palm-thatched roofs are dotted throughout the reserve. Illuminated by candles and lanterns, rooms offer a romantic glow at dusk and feature a canopied king size bed, sustainable wood furnishings, a private terrace and alfresco shower. The Honeymoon Suite is set high above the forest canopy with access to a hanging bridge connected to a private tree top platform overlooking the rainforest. This plush suite also features an indoor and outdoor shower, private deck and terrace with hammock and a spring-fed infinity pool. The palm-thatched, two-story Main Lodge boasts solid teak floors and is candlelit by night. On the ground floor, there is an open-air restaurant with chefs preparing gourmet dishes, wholegrain breads and fresh desserts. Freshly brewed coffee and an assortment of organic teas are available throughout the day and evening. Upstairs, there is a spacious, yet cosy open-air lounge and bar with sitting areas and hammocks and amazing views of the river and surrounding lush rainforest.
An Adventurous Arrival The lodge can only be accessed from the Pacuare River. After arriving at the river by road, the expert guides will explain safety precautions and provide you with the necessary rafting gear before the rafting adventure begins. It takes just over an hour and a half, passing through scenic canyons where crystal clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. Tall trees and dense green vegetation come right down to the water’s edge. The thick undergrowth of this protected area provides shelter for a variety of tropical animals and birds, including some endangered species. The rafting on your return journey is arguably even more thrilling as you take a mixture of class III and class IV rapids. You will raft until around midday when you can then enjoy a tasty lunch on an overturned raft along the water’s edge. On disembarkation there are private facilities to change into dry clothes before transferring by road back to San Jose.
A Typical Day at the Lodge You’ll wake up to bird song and the soothing sound of the river nearby. Then head over to the main lodge for a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal, juice and coffee. The lodge employs a resident naturalist guide who will provide you with unique insights into the plant and animal world. Choose from exciting optional tours that include guided hikes through an emerald rainforest, the Cabecar Indian tour (where visitors may participate in a cultural exchange with a shaman), and the Adventure Canopy Tour, where visitors glide atop the rainforest.
Exploring Costa Rica The lodge is a must-see destination, best enjoyed as part of a wider Costa Rican trip. We recommend a number of other essential experiences: • Rejuvenate in hot springs while looking up at the magnificent Arenal Volcano • Look out for the Resplendent Quetzal in the cloud forest of Monteverde • Raft the raging waters of the Reventazon River • Explore the jungle-fringed waterways of Tortuguero • Experience the wilderness and wildlife of the remote Corcovado National Park
Itineraries There are many exciting Costa Rican itineraries available, please contact us to discuss what elements may help create your perfect trip to this wonderful country.