PACUARE LODGE: THE ROMANCE OF THE RAINFOREST
The journey to Pacuare Lodge is part of the adventure. White water raft along the Pacuare River, which flows from the eastern slopes of the Irazu Volcano through Costa Rica’s verdant rainforest and out to the Caribbean Sea. The lodge is within 340 hectares of protected forest reserve within the Barbilla Biological Corridor, a pristine ecosystem home to the indigenous Nairi Awairi community, hundreds of species of birds, and a significant jaguar monitoring programme.
Pacuare’s villas and suites are spread out along the fast flowing river, which provides a constant soundtrack. Their architecture has been inspired by that of Costa Rica’s Cabécar people, with natural wood, thatched roofs, and raised walkways through the trees. The luxury of the designs goes beyond the wildest dreams of the Cabécar, however, with private aerial terraces, al fresco bathtubs, king size beds, and spring fed plunge pools.
The Canopy Suite feels rather like a tree house on account of both its building materials and the 180 degree rainforest views. Lying in the hammock on the deck, swinging gently, you’ll be able to spot dozens of tropical birds, and you can continue watching and listening to them as you take a dip in the pool. It’s on a level with the tops of the trees, but oriented so as to give guests complete seclusion.
Chefs in Pacuare’s kitchen follow a farm to table philosophy, so almost everything you eat will be organic, seasonal, and locally grown. The lodge has its own farm, Las Nubes de Tuis, a short distance away in the mountains, and this is where the restaurant’s fresh produce comes from. To expand the culinary selection, the Pacuare team — most of whom come from the local community — has been working with local farmers and producers to make organic goats cheese and other products, so you’ll have the chance to taste these as well.
Guests at Pacuare typically choose to dine at the lodge, but if you’re up for a romantic dinner for two (or more!) in the jungle, then they’ll set up a candle lit table down on the river bank. There will be a firepit for additional light and warmth, and chirruping frogs will serenade you as you eat mouthwatering dishes which combine influences of Costa Rican and European cuisines.
The real attraction of Pacuare Lodge is that you are immersed in the jungle setting, and that creates an almost infinite range of things to see and do. You’ll get a taste of the white water rafting as you arrive, but can go further afield on a five hour rafting excursion that includes class III and IV rapids. El Tesorito Creek has carved a striking gorge behind the lodge, and it’s a prime site for canyoning. Pacuare provides all the safety equipment you’ll need for a Tarzan-esque adventure swinging between the trees, rock climbing, and scrambling over waterfalls.
Encounters with the birds and animals of the rainforest are just as thrilling. You can hike straight from the lodge within this birders’ paradise, and you’re guaranteed to see dozens of exotic species, including sun bittern, black cheeked woodpecker, and numerous kinds of toucan. Follow an ancient mule trail through the jungle and look out for signs of puma and jaguar, then cool down with a splash in a natural pool beneath one of the many picturesque waterfalls.
Back at the lodge, it’s time to chill out. At the Jawa Juü Spa the therapists aim to harness the natural energy of the rainforest. Their treatments incorporate the ancient wisdom of Costa Rica’s indigenous healers, and the scrubs, body oils, wraps, and lotions are all made from natural, organic products. From your body to your mind, you’ll start to feel at one with the lodge’s flourishing green ecosystem.
