Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge sits on a rainforest bend of the Pacuare River, inside a 340-hectare reserve in a valley the Cabécar have called home for 3,000 years. Most guests arrive by raft, one to two hours on the river depending on conditions; others come by 4x4 along a six-kilometre gravel road and cross the river by hanging gondola. The architecture draws on Cabécar building, with sustainably sourced timber and thatched roofs built by local Cabécar people, and power comes from hydroelectric turbines and solar panels. There are 20 bungalows, from Garden Suites of 62 square metres to the Jaguar Villa of 350 square metres, with terraces, hammocks and outdoor showers. Nairi Awari Restaurant serves seasonal Costa Rican fusion cooking, with most produce from the lodge's organic farm on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano. Jawa Juü Spa uses rhythmic massage and local natural products. Rafting, a canopy tour, canyoning, early birdwatching and Cabécar cultural visits are on offer.