Winner of numerous awards — including National Geographic Traveler’s Best World Lodges (July 2013), National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World (January 2015) and the World Tourism Association’s Exemplary Tourism Practice (2001) — Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica sits roughly two hours by road from San José.
Set within an 860-acre privately owned rainforest, the lodge feels wonderfully remote while offering a wide range of activities. Guests can hike on ancient trails that pass cascading waterfalls, watch for the region’s rich birdlife, explore the treetops on the Pacuare Canopy Adventure, or learn traditional recipes and techniques in a hands-on cooking class.
White-water Rafting © Pacuare Lodge /Aventuras Naturales
For adventurers, the Pacuare River provides thrilling white-water rafting, and some guests even arrive or depart the lodge by raft. Air transport and 4×4 transfers are available as alternative ways to reach the property.
Accommodations include 20 separate units ranging from intimate suites to larger villas. Highlights include the private 3,767-square-foot Jaguar Villa and the 1,076-square-foot Canopy Suite, each with a private spring-fed pool. Other options include River Suites, River View Deluxe Suites and Linda Vista Suites, all designed to blend comfort with the surrounding rainforest.
The main lodge houses a wine cellar, bar and a lounge with views over the river. Much of the food served in the restaurant comes from the property’s organic farm, which supplies fruits, vegetables, cheeses and poultry. For relaxation, Jawa Juu Spa offers treatments tailored to the rainforest setting, and guests can arrange an Indigenous Community Visit to learn about local culture in a nearby village.
© Pacuare Lodge / Aventuras Naturales