An adventurous stay at the Pacuare lodge
This morning I look at the Arenal volcano for the last time and then we will be taken to the banks of the Pacuare River in Costa Rica. We are welcomed by two enthusiastic guides of the Pacuare lodge and we get a life jacket, helmet and paddles. We are brought to our accommodation for the next few days while rafting. It promises to be an adventurous stay.
Curious about the Pacuare lodge? Then watch the video below
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Birds and butterflies sparkle in the sunlight
As we sail over the Pacuare river we see the surroundings around us slowly change. We leave the inhabited world behind us and sail deeper and deeper into the rainforest. We see several birds and blue coloured butterflies shining beautifully in the sunlight that shines between the leaves of the trees. We pass a small waterfall and get a refreshing shower. After about 1.5 hours we arrive at the Pacuare lodge. We are kindly welcomed by the staff and I am offered a cool drink.
A gem in the middle of the rainforest
One of the employees shows me the way to my lodge where I will stay for the next days. It turns out to be a riverfront suite overlooking the river. Via a small staircase I reach my lodge. At the front there is a hammock and I can see myself relaxing here. Inside there is a large bed and the interior is cozy with many natural elements that fit well into the environment. The bathroom is spacious and has a shower and sink. From my bedroom I look out on the second terrace with sitting area, here is also an outdoor shower. After a hot shower I enjoy a delicious freshly prepared lunch with ingredients from the lodge's farm.
Research programme for nature conservation
After lunch we get to see a movie that shows that the Pacuare lodge has sustainability in high esteem. The flora and fauna of this area is very special and the lodge supports a research program that focuses on the conservation of this nature reserve and does research on the jaguars that live here. Furthermore, all energy in the lodge is generated by solar panels, water turbines and a bio processor. The lodge offers the population in the area the opportunity to work. I saw the staff practicing English together so that they can not only work behind the scenes, but also receive guests and continue to develop.
Discover, relax and enjoy
The rest of the afternoon we have time to explore the rest of the area. The birds whistle and we hear the river flowing in the background. Just before nightfall a guide takes us on a walk to discover birds and insects. We see a toucan and in the distance an owl. When we come back we drink a cocktail and not much later we sit down for dinner. We choose a good wine from the wine cellar and let the food taste good.
After a good night's sleep in this fairy tale setting I am peacefully awakened by the first rays of sunshine. I take a cup of coffee and while I sit down in my hammock I see the jungle awake. After breakfast I pay a visit to the indigenous Cabecar community. To reach this community we walk on a slippery path through the rainforest. Along the way we get explanations about all the animals and plants we encounter. After a walk of 1.5 hours we arrive at the community. It is quiet because most people are working on the farm. We walk through the village and get explanations about how the people live here. After this visit we go back to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon I choose to zip through the treetops and relax a bit in my hammock.
A perfect end to a great stay
The next day it's time to leave, but before we go the staff has another surprise for us. We are going to have breakfast at a special place they tell us. A zipline takes us to a platform high up in the trees, this is 'the nest'. Here a delicious breakfast is waiting for us. Between the birds we enjoy our breakfast. A perfect end to a great stay.
Travel through Costa Rica?
Would you like to stay at the Pacuare lodge yourself during a trip through Costa Rica? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.