Community and Conservation in Costa Rica

It makes sense that Costa Rica’s fertile Central Valley, ringed by volcanoes and stretching in a verdant arc from San Ramon lying to the west of San Jose right round to Paraiso in the east, possesses perfect conditions for growing and producing some of the world’s best coffee.

Experience coffee through the ages; learn how coffee was discovered, traded and consumed, then stroll the lanes of the finca's organic sustainable coffee plantation and learn the entire process of organic cultivation and harvest. We will then take you through the processing of coffee, including cleaning the berries and drying them, ending with roasting your own coffee in the roasting and packing house.

Learn how the experts discern and rate gourmet coffee by participating in a 'coffee cupping' (catación) session with the knowledgeable Barista and Coffee Tour Guide.

Sit out on the spacious deck and enjoy the views of the volcanoes above and coffee fields below while sipping your cappuccino, enjoying fresh Rosa Blanca pastries and learning more about the benefits to the environment and the community of an organic sustainable coffee farm. This tour plus the cupping session will be about two hours.

Embark on a private tour and tasting at Sibú Chocolate for a fascinating journey through the history of cacao, from its origins as a sacred food of the gods to its use as a regional currency up to the 19th Century. You will discover how Europe transformed chocolate into the bars and witness the rebirth of chocolate as an artisan treat. SIBÚ’s signature dark chocolate is made solely with premium, locally sourced organic cacao beans and organic sugar. Of course they'll be a tasting too and you can savor gourmet truffles, caramel and pure dark chocolate tasting squares accompanied by spirited discussion about cacao genetics, terroir and the future of fine flavor chocolate. Visitors will also learn about how cacao is grown, the indigenous cosmology surrounding it, and the social and environmental importance of the cacao crop to Costa Rica and the region.

Before arriving at the banks of the Pacuare River, you’ll stop to enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast. Expert guides will explain safety precautions and provide you with the necessary rafting gear before the rafting adventure begins. Once in the water, you’ll experience sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters down miles of raging rapids.

The journey takes just over an hour and a half as the river passes through scenic canyons where crystal clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. Tall trees and dense green vegetation come right down to the water’s edge. The thick undergrowth of this protected area provides shelter for a variety of tropical animals and birds, including some endangered species.

During your stay here you will be able to take part in a range of different activities to experience the magical, natural environment of the Pacuare Reserve, exploring some of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse tropical rainforests with the perfect combination of river rafting, rainforest hiking, canopy, and exquisite cuisine in beautiful, exotic and blissful surroundings. Tours here range from the adrenaline rush of the highest canopy tour in the country to cultural exchanges with the native Cabecar Indians who are scattered throughout the Talamanca Mountain region.

The Cabécar Indians are Costa Rica’s largest tribe. They traditionally live in small family groups scattered across the jungle, which has helped them to maintain their way of life. Take a short hike through the forest to a meet the son of a local shaman who will introduce to his culture and customs and show you around a traditional settlement.

The action begins with a safety orientation and donning of specialized equipment. You then begin an unhurried trek through tropical rainforest up to the first platform - this twenty-minute hike into the Pacuare Lodge’s private reserve will transport you into an unspoiled realm of gorgeous views and magnificent scenery; a haven for bird watchers and nature seekers, and offers an unprecedented glimpse of Costa Rica’s biological diversity.

Once strapped in, feel the adrenaline of dramatic views, rappelling down towering trees and sliding along cables from tree to tree as you descend the jungle cloaked mountain toward the Pacuare Lodge for a final thrilling rappel that leaves you just steps away from our main lodge. You will experience this excitement secure in the knowledge that you are safely anchored with a safety harness, providing a unique experience that no other tour of this type offers. Two hours of unforgettable adventure in the tree tops!

This tour lets you experience the adventure sport of canyoning, or canyoneering, which combines hiking, climbing and rappelling. The adventure includes a hike through the rainforest and exploration of El Tesorito Creek Canyon, where you’ll make several short rappels perfect for learning the technique before an exhilarating rappel down a 30-meter (90-foot) rock wall.

An expert naturalist guide will lead you from the Pacuare Lodge along a series of sites from which you can observe buzzing hummingbirds, dancing butterflies and exquisite tropical flowers. The area around the lodge is home to an extraordinary number of exotic bird species that include the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colourful toucans.

After breakfast you will raft out from the lodge on a two hour journey to meet your onward transfer.

Time to enjoy the natural evergreen environment of the misty Cloud Forests. If you wish we can arrange privately guided activities to fill your time here. Perhaps you would like to take a privately guided walk along the nature trails, enjoy a canopy tour, horse ride through the misty forests or take some time to practice some Yoga.

Today you have the opportunity to go on a guided hike to the three waterfalls: El Silencio (Silence), El misterio (Mistery) and La Promesa (the Promise).

This guided tour takes you to the hotel's hometown of Los Bajos del Toro Amarillo, a rural community which blossoms with its strong cultural traditions, sublime scenery and exquisite wildlife. The tour will then continue with stops including the local school, church, soccer field and at Doña Olga’s Pulpería. Here you can palm fresh tortillas and buy some delicious local pastries.

You will be met by your private guide and vehicle in arrivals and be privately transferred to your hotel in the Corcovado National Park.

Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby ocean. Enjoy two tours daily and a range of activities such as birding tours, trips to see waterfalls, day and night jungle walks, surf lessons, sea and mangrove kayaking, horse riding and use of the spa.