Rios Lodge, Río Pacuare

Rios Lodge—an award-winning ecolodge—is a sanctuary of comfort nestled within a sprawling private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge. This sustainably built lodge, adorned with reclaimed wood and powered by hydroelectricity, is a testament to eco-conscious hospitality. The 17 bungalows that make up the lodge can only be accessed via hike or river raft. Amenities are limited on-site, but the access to outdoor recreation and exploration is unparalleled and the main highlight of the lodge. 

Pros

• The lodge is equipped with everything you'll need during your stay, as the remote location necessitates staying on-site for the duration of your trip. 
• Surrounded by a huge rainforest reserve, the lodge has excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing. 
• The mandatory hike or river journey to reach the lodge adds an extra adventurous element to any stay. 

Cons

• There's no option to go off-site during your stay, so the lodge isn't ideal for travelers who like to explore an area on their own. 
• The difficult traverse to the lodge makes it inaccessible to travelers with limited mobility. 
• Due to the remote location, amenities are quite limited on-site: there's no spa, pool, laundry, or fitness center, and there's minimal WiFi access.  
• No air-conditioning in any of the rooms. 

Authenticity

The lodge presents an authentic Costa Rican experience with just 17 rustic bungalows inspired by Indigenous Cabécar building traditions. These rooms offer a harmonious blend of simplicity and modernity, featuring hydroelectric power, hot water, and eco-friendly shower toiletries. The 2,040-acre private rainforest reserve around the lodge is the largest of its kind in the Pacuare region. Hiking or river rafting in and out of the lodge adds to the adventurous spirit of a stay at Rios Lodge. 

Location

Rios Lodge is located in Limon Province on the banks of the Pacuare River. While the closest town, Bajo Tigre, is just a few miles away, the lodge is only accessible via your choice of river raft or hiking trail. When booking your stay, you'll be able to choose which method of transportation you prefer. It takes about 30 minutes to hike the mile-long trail or several hours via river raft. Due to the remote location and transportation logistics, it's not feasible to go off-site during your stay. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 17 bungalows are broken up into three main room types: Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Suites, with more space as you upgrade. The rooms are all quite simple, featuring reclaimed wood flooring and beds, and few other furnishings. All rooms include a private bathroom, and the bathrooms have been updated to modern tiling and walk-in showers. Each bungalow has an outdoor sitting area with mixed views of the Matsu Creek and the Pacuare River. Suites are significantly more spacious than the other room types and worth the upgrade for a bit of luxury. For budget-conscious travelers, the lodge recently added an EcoHostel option, offering eight-bed bunk rooms with shared bathrooms.

Wildlife

You'll be immersed in a slice of Costa Rica's primary rainforest, home to an abundance of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and even the elusive jaguar. There are 40 miles (64 km) of trails throughout the reserve that provide fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. Organized outings are also available, and the keen eyesight of the local guides can be helpful in pointing out some of the more elusive animals.

Amenities

Rios Lodge is all about outdoor adventures and, as such, lacks many of the amenities you'd expect at a standard hotel. There's no spa, fitness center, or pool on-site, though there are several natural waterfall pools within walking distance. WiFi is limited to WhatsApp access in the common areas and there are no laundry services available. However, the outdoor package is about as good as it gets. Activities available on-site include guided ziplining tours, tubing and rappelling tours, hikes, horseback riding, and more. 

Family-Friendliness

Due to the unique traverse in and out of the lodge, children must be at least six years old to raft to the lodge and twelve to raft out. Younger children are welcome to hike, but in general, the lodge is better suited for families with older children who can handle the journey and remote location. The lodge provides a family discount as every child past the third receives a discount. The Family Suites are the best room type as they're extra spacious and can sleep up to four people. Many of the outdoor activities offered are popular with children, though some have varying age requirements. 

Other Highlights

The resort takes care of all your dining needs, with three daily meals included in your stay, featuring local produce and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased a la carte. Yoga mats are available for travelers to either partake in group yoga or stretch independently. Travelers choosing to hike out of the lodge get a bonus stop at the Pacuare Butterfly Garden during the shuttle portion of the journey.