Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero

4.6 (10 reviews) · Mid-range
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

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
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.
Cons
  • 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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 27098172
Hotel address icon Canals, Limón Province

Traveler Reviews

10 total ratings, 9 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.6
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,... Read more

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, which was a great idea for the free times.

Authenticity & Character
Nice lodge feeling. Nice wood architecture. One drawback, was that one can hear human neighbors due to open layouts. Saw monkeys, and sloths in trees at the lodge. Always had hot water, which was pleasant… and food was good.
Location
For the park and tours.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2024
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 Read more

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff here went out of their way to take care of us. Very friendly and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Keep in mind the lodge is in the middle of a jungle, so if you don't want to hear the sounds of monkeys and other creatures at night, this is not the place for you - that said our rooms were clean and spacious, and the beds were comfortable. The rooms do not have A/C, but at least in December when we were there, the evenings cooled off nicely and the ceiling fans kept us comfortable.
Stayed in December 2024
Linda
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. Read more

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.

Authenticity & Character
It's an eco lodge with monkeys playing in the trees.
Location
Staff
Oliver
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was as expected. Beds were comfortable.
Stayed in August 2024
Lily
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.

Stayed in July 2023
H
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

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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
JULIE
JULIE M.
Mount Prospect, IL | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023
Awesome jungle experience. Rooms are spacious, nice pool and bar. Read more

Awesome jungle experience. Rooms are spacious, nice pool and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
We we’ve confused about pick up time and the staff was very helpful with this
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Stephanie
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... Read more

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 large water-facing gazebo as a designated smoking area was appreciated. Being that we were in the middle of the jungle, the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms exceeded my expectations. There is no AC but the temperature was perfect the whole time and I truly didn't even notice. There are also mosquito screens rather than windows, but I still felt like I had enough privacy, plus the screens allowed us to hear all the jungle noises! I had a lot of fun just walking the nature trail and looking for (and finding) wildlife. The grounds were very relaxing.

The tap water here is not for drinking but there is a place to fill up water bottles toward the entrance. The food was better than I expected. It is not out of this world or anything, but it is more than adequate. It is offered buffet style (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We sat at assigned tables in small groups, but the tables were big enough that I didn't feel crowded. Also, the time window that meals are offered is large enough that it was rare for everyone at a given table were all eating at the same time. It is best to go outside toward the bar/restaurant for a good WiFi connection, if needed.

I believe a lot of these lodges in Tortuguero (Pachira, Evergreen) all have the exact same setup and function essentially the same. I would definitely recommend them for staying somewhere that feels like 'the jungle' but doesn't sacrifice comfort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Gail
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. Read more

We spent only one night at the lodge and we were happy with the rooms and service. I would definitely recommend it.

Authenticity & Character
Nice views and built to
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2022
Esther
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! Read more

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!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Their energy is contagious
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was good, not so much the beds.
Stayed in June 2022

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 27098172
Hotel address icon Canals, Limón Province