Pacuare Lodge

"Recommended by more Guests than any other lodge in Costa Rica"

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Frequently Asked Questions Pacuare Lodge - Photo Gallery

Where is the Pacuare Jungle Lodge located?
At which hotels do you provide pick-up and drop-off services?
Can I get to the Pacuare Jungle Lodge by car or public transportation?
Will I have breakfast on the way to the river?
How long does it take to get to the river?
Do you offer ground transportation to the lodge?

I have never been white water rafting before, do I need any experience? Is it safe?
What is the minimum and maximum age for participating on the river adventure?
Does your lodge cater to families with small children?
When is the best time to come to the Pacuare Lodge?
How long in advance should I book my trip?

What is the weather like?
What is the recommended length of stay at the Pacuare Jungle Lodge?
What is included in the trip?
What types of meals are provided at the lodge? Do you cater to guests with special meal requirements?
Are alcoholic beverages included?
What should I pack?

Are mosquitoes and bugs a problem?
Should I be concerned about malaria?
How do you get supplies to the lodge?
Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
Does my bungalow have hot water?
What are the differences between the bungalow types (garden-view, river-view, honeymoon suite)?
Is there electricity at the Pacuare Jungle lodge?
Are phones available?
Are your facilities non- smoking?

Is it safe to drink the water from the tap?
What activities are available at the lodge?
What happens if I need to cancel my tour?
What happens if the tour is cancelled?

 

Where is the Pacuare Jungle Lodge located?
The Pacuare Jungle Lodge is located in the Atlantic region of Costa Rica, within the Pacuare Protected zone, about 20 miles from the town of Siquirres, at an altitude of 770 ft. Locate the Pacuare Lodge with Google Earth. Coordinates: 10° 00' 00''.00 N, 83° 31' 55''.00 W
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At which hotels do you provide pick-up and drop-off services?
We provide pick-up and drop-off service at most hotels in the San José (Costa Rica’s capital city) area. Our sales representative will confirm to you the exact pick-up time for your trip (between 6:00 am – 7:00 am, depending on the hotel). Expect to be back at your hotel at approximately 6:00 pm on your day out of the lodge.
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Can I get to the Pacuare Jungle Lodge by car or public transportation?
Due to its remote location, our lodge is not directly accessible by car or public transportation. You can, however, drive or take a bus to the town of Siquirres and meet us at our warehouse. From here you will be transferred to the lodge either by raft or ground transportation.
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Will I have breakfast on the way to the river?
Yes. In route to the river we will stop at a rustic, yet scenic mountain view restaurant for a typical Costa Rican breakfast.
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How long does it take to get to the river?
Depending on your hotel, it will take between 2½ & 3½ hours.
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Do you offer ground transportation to the lodge?
Yes we do. In fact, you can choose from a range of options that include entry and departure by land, as well as a combination of land and river transport.
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I have never been white water rafting before, do I need any experience? Is it safe?
Our tours are designed to be fun and safe for individuals in reasonably good shape and require no special skills or abilities. Many of our guests are first time rafters who have thoroughly enjoyed their experience with us. Safety is our primary concern, and we spare no effort to provide the highest quality, most enjoyable experience possible. A fully stocked first aid kit is available at all times during your trip. Our bilingual guides are some of the best in the field, highly experienced and certified in first aid, CPR and swift-water rescue training. Many of our guides have additional certifications such as wilderness first aid and wilderness first responder. We are happy to boast that in almost 20 years of offering river trips we have experienced no serious accidents.
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What is the minimum and maximum age for participating on the river adventure?
The minimum age is 12 years old and there is no maximum age. However, our guides will make all final decisions regarding whether they feel an individual is capable of participating in our rafting adventure.
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Does your lodge cater to families with small children?
As our minimum rafting age is 12, most of our guests are couples, groups, or families with older children. We do offer ground transportation to and from the lodge, so guests can, if they wish, bring small children. However, the activities and facilities are geared for older children and adults. 
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When is the best time to come to the Pacuare Lodge?
Costa Rica attracts visitors all year round but the peak season is from December to April (Dry Season) and June through August (which is usually rainy in the afternoons). The river levels are higher during the rainy season (particularly September – November), which makes for a rollicking river ride. You will find more availability at our lodge in late April through early June and September through late November.
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How long in advance should I book my trip?
The sooner the better! Mid December through January are particularly busy, so at least a month or two in advance is highly recommended.
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What is the weather like?
In Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. In general, expect most mornings to be sunny and clear followed by rain showers in the afternoon. During the day the weather will be hot and humid with temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s (28 – 30 C). Evenings are usually clear and occasionally may even require the use of a light jacket.
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What is the recommended length of stay at the Pacuare Jungle Lodge?
We have had guests stay as long as a week; however, and depending on the optional tours you are interested in, a stay of two or three nights is ideal.
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What is included in the trip?
Transportation from San José, bilingual guide, typical Costa Rican breakfast in route,  Pacuare River rafting tour or ground transportation to the lodge (depending on preference), professional guides and equipment, all meals (gourmet dinners), bungalow stay, welcoming fruit punch, hot beverages, lunch along the river, use of private installations at river take-out, return transportation to San José with guide.
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What types of meals are provided at the lodge? Do you cater to guests with special meal requirements?
If you have read any of our guest comments, you will have quickly noticed that our meals are very highly regarded. This is not by accident, as we have put much effort and expense into the quality of the food we purchase and the training of our local chefs.
All our meals are served communal style in the main lodge. Breakfast is buffet style, and includes a healthy assortment of eggs, pancakes, cereal, tropical fruit, yogurt, homemade bread, juice, coffee and tea. Lunch tends to be a pasta type meal such as pizza, pasta, cous cous and salad. Dinner is the main meal at our lodge. Here you will enjoy a candlelit three-course meal that features a soup or salad entry, a choice of prime cuts of beef or chicken/fish with vegetable side dish, and desert.

With advanced notice we can usually fulfill most special meal requests. So if you are a vegetarian or require a special meal, please let our sales representative know at the time of your booking.
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Are alcoholic beverages included?
A superior selection of wines may be purchased with the evening meal. Additionally, our upstairs bar includes a nice variety of spirits and liquors that may be purchased separately.
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What should I pack?
Please go to our recommended packing list for a detailed description of items to bring, as well as what to do with luggage you plan to leave behind.
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Are mosquitoes and bugs a problem?
Although we are located deep in the jungle (too deep for the mosquitoes to even find us!!), we have had very few complaints about bugs from our guests. Our bungalows are well screened, so the important thing is to keep your bungalow door closed at all times. For late afternoon outings, or hikes into the rainforest, we highly recommend a good dousing of insect repellant.
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Should I be concerned about malaria?
The short answer is no. Although the CDC (Center for Disease Control) does list certain provinces of Costa Rica as posing a possible malaria risk, the truth of the matter is that these are isolated outbreaks occurring in areas far from tourist traffic. We strongly recommend you follow your physician’s advice in this matter – but as far as we know, in recent years no tourist has contracted malaria in Costa Rica.
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How do you get supplies to the lodge?
Practically everything you see at the lodge has been transported in by raft. This includes your luggage (in airtight containers), all food supplies, drinks, room supplies, as well as the beds and furniture (everything down to the last toothpick). Additionally, all waste is sorted and then rafted out to be recycled.  Much of the lodge’s allure and rustic charm is due to the fact that it is not directly accessible by road.
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Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
No. Laundry service is not available due to the logistical issues referred to above.
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Does my bungalow have hot water?
Yes, we have solar heated water in all of our bungalows and suites. However, as we are dependent on the sun for our hot water, there are occasions when the water will be lukewarm.
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What are the differences between the bungalow types (superior, honeymoon suite)?
Garden-view Bungalow: Our superior bungalows are larger than our standard option and feature a canopy king size bed and single bed, a spacious private bathroom with rainforest view, solar heated water, teak flooring and veranda. Click here for details.
River-view Junior Suite: Our river-view suites are much larger than our Garden-view bungalows and feature a private terrace and deck, two solar heated showers (one alfresco!) canopy king size bed and a breathtaking view of the river and surrounding rainforest. Click here for details.
Honeymoon Suite: Our spacious and airy honeymoon suite is perched on a jungle-laden hilltop overlooking the lodge facilities, and provides guests with sweeping views of the Pacuare River and surrounding rainforest. A hanging bridge leads from your bungalow door to your very own private look-out platform, located in a towering tree. The suite amenities are very similar to our superior bungalows. Click here for details.

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Is there electricity at the Pacuare Jungle lodge?
No. We have found this to be one of the most attractive features of the Pacuare Lodge Adventure. The quiet and candlelit ambience make for a much more enjoyable and romantic experience. You will experience nature’s sounds as never before, and enjoy a soothing peace and tranquility that will renew your mind and spirit. That said, we do have a small generator that we use in the kitchen for our cooking needs. 
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Are phones available?
The Pacuare Lodge does have a solar powered phone system that may be used for emergency contact.
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Are your facilities non- smoking?
All the facilities at Pacuare Lodge including our bungalows, main lodge and  deck  are  non-smoking.
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Is it safe to drink the water from the tap?
Yes. Our tap water comes from an uncontaminated spring originating in the mountains high above the lodge and is tested periodically to ensure its quality. We do, however, provide bottled water for those who prefer it. 
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What activities are available at the lodge?
Several optional tours are available that allow you to explore the rainforest and surrounding communities in a variety of exciting ways:

The Pacuare Canopy Adventure: A thrilling adventure where visitors glide amid a tropical rainforest canopy.
The Day Break Activity Tour: An early morning tour that explores the impressive variety of plant and animal life native to this area (led by a naturalist guide).
The Cabecar Indians Tour: Enjoy a fascinating cultural exchange with a Cabecar Shaman (participants should be in reasonably good shape as the tour involves some strenuous hiking).
In addition to the above tours, the second floor of our main lodge boasts several hammocks (just steps from the soothing sound of the river), board games and a well-stocked collection of nature books.
Therapeutic Rainforest Massage
Experience the energy of a tropical paradise with our deep tissue Therapeutic Rainforest Massage
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What happens if I need to cancel my tour?
Please go to our Terms & Conditions section for detailed information on trip cancellations.
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What happens if the tour is cancelled?
On rare occasions (approximately 5 days per year) we are forced to cancel the Pacuare River overnight tours on the second or third day due to unsafe weather conditions. In these cases, clients will hike out of the lodge to a point where the bus can meet them (approximately a 15 to 45-minute hike), and will then proceed to have lunch at a restaurant, before being returned to San José. A partial refund will be given under these circumstances.
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