Call us on
    Exit
    Exit
    Vector art of a turtle drawn in bold gold lines

    Spot incredible wildlife

    on guided excursions

    A side facing vector image of a hiking trainer shoe, drawn in bold golden linework

    Marvel at waterfalls

    on immersive hikes

    Vector art of a river, drawn in bold, gold line

    Enjoy white water rafting

    on Pacuare river

    A wild river coursing through rich rainforest valleys

    25,000 acres of primary, virgin rainforest stretching from the Talamanca Cordillera to the eastern Caribbean lowlands are nurtured by the swirling waters of the magnificent Pacuare River.

    This is the exhilarating Pacuare region, voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 10 river trip destinations. Its steep gorges of churning rapids and cascading waterfalls are lined with the clamouring wilderness of its thick undergrowth, a landscape regularly interchanging with quieter sections of serene banks with banana trees, coconut palms and perforated by the sounds of howler monkeys and home to the likes of river otters and blue herons.

    Despite its remoteness Pacuare still remains very accessible and is the perfect rainforest retreat for nature-lovers, thrill-seekers, or those just looking for a bit of wild seclusion with the natural world.

    Highlights

    Embark on a night tour, spotting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes, spiders, porcupines, tree frogs and more.

    Follow an expert guide on trails through lush rainforest, marvelling at thundering waterfalls and uncovering ancient history along the way.

    Spot exotic bird species that include the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colourful toucans.

    Experience the thrill of canyoning, or canyoneering, which combines hiking, climbing and rappelling.

    Pacuare Reserve is Costa Rica's nature at it's best. I recommend a stay in one of the luxury suites at Pacuare Lodge, embedded in the heart of the jungle, where you'll be awoken by the serenade of toucans and colourful hummingbirds. Then set out to reach new heights in the treetops as you glide from one tree to the next in an exhilarating canopy adventure.

    Lizzie Slater headshot

    Lizzie Slater

    Travel Designer

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

    Authentic experiences illustration image

    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

    Responsible travel illustration image

    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Pacuare Reserve tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Arenal thumbnail

    Arenal

    The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.

    Discover more
    Corcovado and Osa Peninsula thumbnail

    Corcovado and Osa Peninsula

    Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.

    Discover more
    Dominical thumbnail

    Dominical

    A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.

    Discover more
    Manuel Antonio thumbnail

    Manuel Antonio

    One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.

    Discover more
    Nicoya Peninsula thumbnail

    Nicoya Peninsula

    Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. A natural paradise with a focus on sustainability and respecting the precious environment.

    Discover more
    Puerto Viejo thumbnail

    Puerto Viejo

    Located on the southern Caribbean coastline there’s plenty to do here. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife, surf the big waves on Salsa Brava beach or find the calmer waters and beach bars at Limon.

    Discover more
    Rio Celeste thumbnail

    Rio Celeste

    Over 100 kilometres from San Jose, truly off the beaten track. Many habitats converge here attracting hundreds of bird species. Float on the azure blue river and meet with the Maleku Indigenous Tribe.

    Discover more
    San Jose thumbnail

    San Jose

    A cosmopolitan city with some worthwhile highlights to explore. The colonial quarters of the city are vibrant and filled with smells of food stalls and ground coffee.

    Discover more
    The Central Cloud Forests thumbnail

    The Central Cloud Forests

    Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.

    Discover more
    The Coffee Valley thumbnail

    The Coffee Valley

    Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.

    Discover more
    The Guanacaste Coast thumbnail

    The Guanacaste Coast

    Known for wide, long stretches of coastline and consistent sunshine, Guanacaste has long been a ‘surfers paradise’. Explore inland to discover the region's wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

    Discover more
    Tortuguero thumbnail

    Tortuguero

    Explore this region on foot or by boat, discovering its many lagoons, canals and rivers. With 11 different habitats attracting a diverse range of wildlife species, including turtles, this is a great place for nature lovers.

    Discover more

    Meet your Latin America team

    When to visit

    Costa Rica’s dry season runs from mid November to April, and most areas are dry, warm and sunny. Occasional blustery winds blow during January and February bringing the temperature down. During the wet season, from May to mid November, expect afternoon rains and sunny mornings.

    Caribbean Coast main icon

    Caribbean Coast

    May - November

    Sea Turtle Nesting Season main icon

    Sea Turtle Nesting Season

    May - November

    Birdwatching main icon

    Birdwatching

    Year Round

    When is the Best Time to go to Costa Rica?

    When is the Best Time to go to Costa Rica?

    Read more

    Plan your trip to Pacuare Reserve

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Pacuare Reserve, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

    Find out more
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline