# Pacuare Lodge: rainforest lodge you reach by raft > Pacuare Lodge is a remote rainforest lodge on a bend of the Pacuare River in Costa Rica, and most guests arrive by white-water raft. It's best for fit couples, friends and families with older kids who want adventure by day and a comfortable suite by night. Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/pacuare-lodge/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Location: Pacuare River, near Siquirres, Costa Rica Type: eco lodge, spa, wellness Official website: https://www.pacuarelodge.com Best for: Active couples and families who want adventure plus comfort Setting: Riverside rainforest inside a 340-hectare protected reserve Getting in: Raft the Pacuare River, or 4x4 when the river isn't safe Stay: Garden and river view suites up to large private villas Power: Hydroelectric turbines and solar panels Recommended stay: Three nights Minimum age: 7 to stay, older for some rafting trips ## What it's like Pacuare Lodge sits on a quiet bend of the Pacuare River, deep in Costa Rican rainforest, about 20 miles from the town of Siquirres. There's no road to the front door in the usual sense. Most guests arrive the fun way, rafting down the river for an hour or two depending on water levels, and step off the boat at the lodge. When the river is running too high for safe rafting, the team brings people in by 4x4 instead, a ride of about 45 minutes. Once you're there, the feel is part jungle camp, part polished hotel. The suites and villas are built with teak floors, hardwood furniture and bamboo, with screened interiors, big terraces and hammocks. You get around the grounds by electric golf cart. Meals are served à la carte at the Nairi Awari restaurant, with a farm-to-table approach, and there's afternoon coffee with something homemade. There's a pool and a spa, and the lodge says its spa services are part of its sustainability certification. ## The programs This isn't a yoga retreat with a fixed schedule. Think of it as a wellness-minded adventure stay. The lodge's all-in package bundles a set of guided experiences, including: - A canopy tour and tropical canyoning - Bird-watching and a sustainability tour of the property - A hike with members of the local Cabécar Indigenous community - A trail walk to a waterfall and a rural farm visit The package also covers transfers from San José, your rafting or 4x4 trip in and out, your suite and daily meals. Adventure packages add a spa visit. The lodge recommends staying at least three nights so you're not rushing between activities. Sustainability is a real focus here, not a slogan. The lodge runs on three small hydroelectric turbines and a large bank of solar panels, with battery storage, and suites use solar-heated water. In January 2024 Costa Rica's tourism institute gave it the ELITE level of its Sustainable Tourism Certificate. The lodge also works with the Nairi Awari Cabécar community, offering jobs and training in guiding, English and food handling, and supporting clean drinking water projects in their reserve. ## Who it suits (and who it doesn't) Pacuare Lodge works well for couples, groups of friends and families who like being active and want the rainforest close up without roughing it. The lodge calls itself a family destination, and children can stay from age 7, though rafting trips have higher age limits (9 to raft in, 12 to raft out) plus a weight range set by the guides. It's less suited to anyone who wants a structured meditation or yoga program, or to guests who need constant fast internet. Wi-Fi is free in the suites, reception and restaurant, but the lodge warns it can be patchy given how remote it is. High-power gadgets like hair dryers aren't allowed because of the off-grid power system. The lodge also says it can't take pregnant guests or people who've had recent surgery, and you should be fit enough for soft adventure. ## Getting there On the standard package, a driver picks you up from your San José hotel at around 6 a.m. The drive to the river takes roughly two and a half to three hours, then you raft in. Some guests meet the team at the Siquirres warehouse instead. Private flights can land at Guápiles, followed by about a two-hour drive, and helicopters can land on a sandy beach beside the lodge. Plan to arrive before 6 p.m. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I have to raft to reach Pacuare Lodge? No. Rafting is the usual way in, but there's a 4x4 option when the river isn't safe and for younger children. ### How long should I stay? The lodge recommends three nights to enjoy the activities without rushing. ### Is there electricity and Wi-Fi? Yes. Power comes from hydro turbines and solar panels, and Wi-Fi is free in key areas, though it can drop out at times. ### Can I bring kids? Children aged 7 and up can stay. Rafting has its own minimum ages, so check with the lodge before booking. ### Is there a spa? Yes, there's a spa on site, and some packages include a spa visit. See the [official website](https://www.pacuarelodge.com) for current details.