Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
Eco-friendly jungle lodge with canal views, guided nature walks, buffet dining, turtle-shaped pool, and spa
Overview
Pachira Lodge is on a narrow stretch of land—just 5 minutes outside of Tortuguero National Park—along the banks of the main canal, with lagoons on either side. The property, inaccessible by car, does a great job of making guests feel like they're living in the jungle, with 34 acres (14 ha) of tropical gardens hosting its blocks of rooms and bungalows. Guests can use the outdoor pool and surrounding loungers, open-air restaurant and bar, and spa.
Kimkim's Take

Pros
- The property’s rooms and private bungalows sit on 34 acres of extensive tropical gardens and forests (home to lots of wildlife).
- Enjoy your meals at a pleasant open-air dining area—which features a cocktail bar—facing the central lagoon.
- You can swim in the on-site pool and/or receive a massage or reiki treatment from the poolside spa.
- The bathrooms in the rooms are fairly large, recently updated, and well-maintained.
- The buffet meals are somewhat limited and don't change much, so they get a little old after a few days.
- The walls between rooms are quite thin and don't go all the way to the ceiling (for better airflow), so it's easy to hear what's going on on the other side.
- Rooms aren't air-conditioned but screened windows and ceiling fans keep the outdoor critters out and help circulate the air.
Authenticity
If you want to feel like you're in the jungle, Pachira Lodge will make it happen. The lodge doesn't have direct beach access, but you'll trade it for 34 acres (14 ha) of the sprawling tropical wilderness. If you choose a private bungalow, you'll truly enjoy those Costa Rican jungle vibes. Not to mention, past kimkim travelers have spotted plenty of native wildlife directly around the lodge and its grounds.Location
One of Pachira Lodge's biggest draws is its proximity to Tortuguero Town. Otherwise, its location is pretty standard for the area: between the two lagoons (Penitencia and Tortuguero). It's a 5-minute boat ride from Tortuguero National Park and 3 minutes from the town of Tortuguero. This remote setting offers views of the picturesque village and lush rainforest. While the lodge is not accessible by car, transportation packages from San José make it convenient to reach.Rooms & Bathrooms
Rooms are standard and comfortable, featuring high ceilings and wooden accents typical of Costa Rican interiors, including wood beds and ceiling beams. Although most rooms are in lodges, there are six private bungalows. There isn't any air-conditioning; instead, the rooms come with netted windows so you can enjoy the breeze and the sound of the jungle. Ceiling fans provide some relief from the humidity. Bathrooms are large and tiled and include eco-friendly toiletries. Some are wheelchair accessible.Amenities
The open-air dining is lovely (and features a cocktail bar), though the buffet gets a little old after a few days, as the menu doesn't change much. The property has a turtle-shaped pool, complete with a whirlpool hot tub and areas designated for guests with limited mobility. There's also a spa offering a range of massage, body treatments, and reiki in a relaxed, breezy setting near the pool. Although WiFi is available, it's not fast.Family-Friendliness
Families are welcome at Pachira Lodge, with children of all ages accommodated. The large turtle-shaped swimming pool is a highlight for kids, and the lodge's wildlife-rich environment offers endless opportunities for discovery. Rooms can accommodate up to four people, and infant cribs are available. While meals are served buffet-style, families should bring snacks since the town isn't easily accessible. The lodge's paths and boardwalks help make the property stroller-friendly.Wildlife
Surrounded by lush rainforest and flanked by two lagoons, Pachira Lodge provides ample opportunities for wildlife encounters. Guests frequently spot toucans, monkeys, sloths, and other creatures on the grounds. The lodge's private walking trails and proximity to Tortuguero National Park enhance your chances of seeing native animals. Plus, from July to September/October, travelers can see green sea turtles that come to the area beaches to nest.Sustainability
The lodge sits on 34 acres (14 ha) of jungle, a protected environment for local flora and fauna, including sloths and monkeys. In its commitment to the regional environment, Pachira Lodge also avoids air conditioning.Like what you see?
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Get startedTraveler Reviews
11 total ratings, 10 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.6
4.6
Location
4.7
4.7
Staff
4.7
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.5
4.5

Peter C.
Canada
| Reviewed on Mar 08, 2025
This hotel is beautifully situated on the waterfront and surrounded by dense forest. The gardens are lovely and home to Howler Monkeys and a variety of birds. Our room was comfortable and situated quite deep in the forest. Meals in the communal area were highly sociable, and the waterfront bar is delightful. Added attractions were the adjoining short forest trail and access to the spa and massage facilities at the neighbouring lodge. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
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E
Elizabeth Koshy R.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
For being in an isolated area, very nice. When not touring one has few options. Lodge could provide more activities, especially due to rainy weather, (when the swimming pool was not always suitable) and an ‘iffy’ internet connection in the rooms. In the public areas of the lodge, internet was ok if not always at its best, but then, one is in the isolated tropical forest, We enjoyed lying in hammocks under a covered, open space while it rained. Some tourists brought cards and games with them,...
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C
Colin R.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Dec 28, 2024
The lodge is designed in a way that you feel you are in the jungle. We saw both Howlers and Spider monkeys up close on the lodge grounds. Additionally we saw sloths, Jesus Christ Lizard, Toucans, Bare Throated Tiger Herons, and leaf cutter ants without leaving the lodge
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Linda S.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
Pachira Lodge has their own boardwalk through the jungle where you will see monkeys, sloths and poison frogs! Three meals are served here and there is good variety and it all tastes delicious. We sat at each meal with another family to fill our table and it was fun getting to know them. Eco lodges do not have air conditioning but the overhead fan cools the room down at night where you will use a blanket.
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Lily N.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023
The hotel is an eco lodge meaning there’s no air conditioning. The flora and animals that surround you make sweating it out more than worth it! We saw monkeys and sloth right outside our door. We loved doing the Turtle nesting experience and the hotel made the experience very easy to book.
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Hanna K.
Mooresville, NC
| Reviewed on May 28, 2023
The lodge itself was really nice, but not as much privacy as we would have liked. You can hear your neighbors extremely clearly and the wall dividing the rooms don't go up all the way.
Other than that, the pool was really nice to relax at and we were able to see plenty of wildlife at the lodge itself. We were greeted by some monkeys right outside of our room which was a pleasant surprise! Read more
Other than that, the pool was really nice to relax at and we were able to see plenty of wildlife at the lodge itself. We were greeted by some monkeys right outside of our room which was a pleasant surprise! Read more

JULIE M.
Mount Prospect, IL
| Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023
Awesome jungle experience. Rooms are spacious, nice pool and bar.
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Stephanie N.
Fountain Hills, AZ
| Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023
This is where we saw the majority of wildlife during our stay. The grounds are spread out and lovely with tons of beautiful vegetation, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Howler monkeys and iguana were abundant. Our guide for being transported via boat as well as the boat tours was Elias, and he was amazing and also very helpful when we needed to modify our plans slightly. Bismark at the front desk was also very helpful and friendly.
They keep the bar running from 10am - 10pm and the...
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Gail A.
Israel
| Reviewed on Dec 09, 2022
We spent only one night at the lodge and we were happy with the rooms and service. I would definitely recommend it.
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Esther B.
Indio, CA
| Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022
There are so many activities within the hotel and you will not experience a single dull moment. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and simply enjoy!
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