Pacuare Jungle Lodge Expedition
3 days & 2 nights
Experience the wonders of the tropical rainforest from the comfort of Costa Rica’s premier ecolodge, nestled between the jungle and the pristine Pacuare River.
Day 01 Ground transportation to Pacuare Lodge. Afternoon waterfall hike
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up at your hotel in San José, before heading east in a modern minibus to Cartago, Costa Rica’s former capital. The bustling metropolis slowly gives way to small towns and picturesque villages as we wind our way to a hilltop restaurant with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the majestic,11,300-ft. Irazú Volcano. Here you’ll enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast of scrambled eggs and “gallo pinto” (black beans and rice), accompanied by a cup of mountain grown coffee.
From there, the road winds past lush coffee plantations and fern farms as it descends to the colorful town of Turrialba, a mecca for river enthusiasts from all around the world. The 2.5-hour trip then skirts the slopes of Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes to the north, and the Reventazón River Basin and Orosí Valley to the south.
The paved road ends at Santa Marta, where you leave your bus and board a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the remaining six-kilometer journey to the banks of the Pacuare River. Isolated hamlets and farmsteads greet you as you slowly descend a snaking dirt road affording dramatic views of the approaching rainforest below. A silvery ribbon soon appears, heralding your arrival at the swift flowing Pacuare River.
At the river’s edge, you’ll climb up to the top of a wooden platform where a small gondola stands ready to carry you across the river just feet above the white-tipped rapids below. Upon arrival at the other side, you enter a timeless place of enchanting natural beauty, where the hustle and bustle of the outside world seem far away. The last 300 meters to the Pacuare Lodge are hiked over a trail that runs parallel the river.
After a warm welcome briefing at the main lodge, you’ll leave your belongings at your spacious bungalow and return to the lodge for a light but delicious lunch. The afternoon is a perfect time to hike to our gorgeous thirty-foot waterfall, or simply kick back and relax in your private bungalow, or suite. In the evening, a candlelight gourmet dinner awaits, and perhaps a visit to our upstairs lounge for a cocktail or refreshment, before turning in for a restful night’s sleep. (B, L, D)
Day 2: Optional excursions at Pacuare Lodge
A symphony of bird song gently wakes you from your slumber. Head to the main lodge for a hearty breakfast of homemade bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal, juice and coffee. Then how about an early morning guided hike to look for some of the fascinating bird species that call this land their home? <http://www.pacuarelodge.com/php/tourdaybeak.php> Perhaps you prefer to hike high into the mountains to meet a Cabecar Indian shaman.<http://www.pacuarelodge.com/php/tourcabecar.php>, or glide through the treetops of the tropical rainforest on our Adventure Canopy Tour? <http://www.pacuarelodge.com/php/tourcanopy.php> Whatever adventure you choose, be sure to take advantage of a soothing therapeutic massage before returning to the main lodge for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Early bird watching tour – Depart for San José
Golden rays stream through the treetops heralding the beginning of a new day. Dewdrops glisten over a carpet of emerald green as you make your way over to the main lodge for eggs, pancakes, fruit and cereal.
Afterwards you’ll have time to relax or participate in an optional tour before departure from the lodge at 11:00 a.m. Leaving the millennial rainforest behind, you’ll once again cross over the Pacuare River on the gondola, and then travel up to the main road by four-wheel-drive vehicle. There, a microbus will be waiting to take you back to San José. Travel time, 2.5 hours. (B, L)
Minimum age for the rafting trip: 8 years old
Departures: daily with a minimum of 2 guests, year round
What’s included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, round-trip transportation from your San José hotel, experienced bilingual guide, accommodations at the Pacuare Lodge for 2 nights, waterfall hike, early morning bird watching tour.
Note: The Pacuare Lodge operates as a separate facility allowing you to stay extra nights. Prices are subject to change without notice.
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