Most stays in the Pacuare River Gorge begin with a whitewater rafting trip through towering rainforest before arriving at a riverside lodge. There are no roads, no towns, and very little cell service. Instead, you'll spend your days hiking jungle trails, swimming beneath waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and enjoying one of Costa Rica's most beautiful rainforest settings.
At a glance
| Best for | Rafting, adventure, rainforest, honeymoons, and disconnecting |
|---|---|
| Recommended stay | 2–3 nights |
| Pairs well with | The Central Valley, Arenal, Tortuguero, and the South Caribbean |
| Closest airport | Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) |
| Best time to visit | December through August; rafting conditions vary with river levels |
| Budget | $$$$ |
Why stay in the Pacuare River Gorge?
The Pacuare is one of Costa Rica's classic rafting rivers, but it's much more than a rafting destination. Once the day trips are over, the river becomes remarkably quiet. The only sounds are the rainforest, the river flowing past your cabin, and whatever wildlife happens to wander through.
Most lodges offer guided hikes, waterfall visits, birdwatching, canyoning, and opportunities to simply enjoy the property. There isn't a town to explore or restaurants to choose between. Life revolves around the lodge.
Our take: We recommend staying a minimum of three nights, which gives you time to enjoy all the amenities at the lodge and the surprises the area has to offer. Arriving by raft is part of the experience, but having time to enjoy the rainforest afterwards is what makes the stay memorable.
Is the Pacuare River Gorge a good fit?
The Pacuare River Gorge is a great fit if you:
- Want to stay in one of Costa Rica's most unique rainforest lodges.
- Enjoy hiking, wildlife, and being immersed in nature.
- Would like to experience the Pacuare River, one of the world's classic whitewater rivers.
- Don't mind being away from towns, restaurants, and cell service.
- Appreciate slowing down and disconnecting for a few days.
Another destination may be a better fit if you prefer having restaurants, nightlife, or the freedom to explore independently by car.
Best things to do
Raft the Pacuare River
For most visitors, the journey to the lodge is just as memorable as the stay itself. Rafting through the Pacuare Gorge takes you past waterfalls, towering canyon walls, and untouched rainforest before arriving directly at your lodge. It's widely regarded as one of the world's finest whitewater rafting experiences.
Explore the rainforest
Guided walks reveal giant trees, medicinal plants, colorful frogs, butterflies, monkeys, toucans, and countless other species that thrive in this protected section of Caribbean rainforest. The pace is unhurried, allowing you to appreciate details that are easily missed elsewhere.
Swim beneath waterfalls
Several waterfalls cascade into natural pools hidden within the rainforest. Depending on your lodge, guided hikes often include opportunities to cool off beneath the falls before returning through the forest.
Go birdwatching
The Pacuare River Gorge is home to an impressive variety of tropical birds, including toucans, parrots, motmots, hummingbirds, and many other rainforest specialists. Early mornings are particularly rewarding.
Try canyoning or zip lining
Some lodges offer additional adventure activities, including waterfall rappelling, canyoning, and zip lining through the rainforest canopy, allowing guests to experience the forest from a completely different perspective.
Relax by the river
One of the greatest luxuries here is simply slowing down. Spend an afternoon reading in a hammock, listening to the river, watching butterflies drift through the forest, or enjoying a drink from your private deck while wildlife moves through the surrounding trees.
Enjoy a spa treatment
Several rainforest lodges offer spa treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, providing a relaxing way to unwind after hiking or rafting through the gorge.
Where to stay
Accommodations are limited, and that's part of the appeal.
Rather than choosing between towns or neighborhoods, you're choosing a rainforest lodge surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected forest. The experience revolves around nature, guided activities, exceptional hospitality, and the feeling of being completely removed from everyday life.
Our favorite hotel
Pacuare Lodge
One of Costa Rica's most iconic luxury lodges, Pacuare Lodge combines elegant riverside suites with exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, and a remarkable rainforest setting. Whether you arrive by raft or road, the sense of escape begins the moment you reach the property. It's one of our favorite hotels anywhere in Costa Rica.
Best time to visit
The Pacuare River Gorge is rewarding throughout the year.
During the green season, higher river levels create more exciting rafting conditions and the rainforest is at its lushest. The drier months generally bring lower water levels, making hiking a little easier while still providing excellent rafting and wildlife viewing.
Because the rainforest remains green year-round, there's never really a bad time to visit.
Pair it with
- Central Valley for a relaxed beginning or end to your journey.
- Arenal for volcanoes, hot springs, and adventure.
- Tortuguero for canals, wetlands, and outstanding wildlife.
- Southern Caribbean for beaches, snorkeling, and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Getting there
Most visitors travel by road before rafting into the lodge, although road transfers are available for those who prefer not to raft.
Approximate travel times:
- San José: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Arenal: 4 to 5 hours
- Puerto Viejo: 3 to 4 hours
For many travelers, arriving by raft is one of the highlights of the entire Costa Rica itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to raft to reach my lodge?
No. Most lodges can also be reached by road. That said, we usually recommend rafting at least one direction if you're comfortable doing so, as it's an unforgettable way to experience the Pacuare River.
Is the Pacuare suitable for first-time rafters?
Usually, yes. The exact rafting route depends on water levels and your lodge's operations, and many first-time rafters complete the journey without difficulty. The minimum rafting age is generally 13, although this can vary depending on river conditions.
How many nights should I stay?
Two to three nights is ideal. That gives you enough time to experience the river, explore the rainforest, and enjoy the peaceful pace that makes the Pacuare Gorge so special.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell service?
Expect very limited connectivity. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi in common areas, but this is one of the few places in Costa Rica where disconnecting from technology is part of the joy.
