Rainforest Ecolodge
Ecolodge Sanctuary on the Pacuare River
Inspired Stays
At Rios Lodge, you are surrounded by the beauty and splendor of Costa Rica’s rainforest and wildlife. Enjoy comfortable, well-appointed rooms overlooking the jewel-like Pacuare River and fresh, local foods in delicious tropical meals in our open air dining pavilion. There are plenty of active adventures to inspire you, and don’t forget “old world” activities like board games and great books to make the most of relaxing on your vacation! Sustainably built using reclaimed wood and hydroelectric powered, locally staffed, and carbon neutral, our rainforest resort is a model of ecotourism. (And we have numerous awards to prove it.)
Located on 100 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest along the Pacuare River, the Rios Lodge is a truly unique place. The lodge was first established in 1989 as a tent camp for river rafting trips by Rios Tropicales co-founder Rafael Gallo. Formerly known as Rios Tropicales Lodge, over the next three decades the lodge transformed from a tent camp to a full-on remote jungle resort with various room accommodations, open air dining pavilion, and multiple decks for lounging and scenic views. Several hiking trails were original forest paths of the indigenous Cabecar people who still live in this region. The Rios Lodge Stewards purchased the lodge in the winter of 2022. We are continuing the Rios Tropicales legacy and bringing exciting plans for lodge upgrades and additions over the next several years.
Beautiful Options
Lodge Rooms
You may sleep better than you ever have before at Rios Lodge! Relax deeply in lodge rooms with fully screened windows where the sounds of the Pacuare River will lull you to sleep, and joyful birdsong will awaken you. There are 17 total rooms (Classic, Deluxe, and Suites) at the lodge, with a variety of king, double, and triple bed configurations. All these rooms have private, attached bathrooms and walk-in tile or stone showers.
Travelers looking for economical shared lodging enjoy our all new upscale EcoHostel Bunkrooms for up to 64 guests, complete with shared bathrooms and private showers.
All rooms are nestled into the hillside overlooking either the Pacuare River or the creek running through the lodge property. Linens, towels, and shower toiletries are provided. All meals are included in the price of your lodge stay package.
unique & memorable
Vacation Packages
Create your ideal Costa Rica lodge experience. Your options include number of days, lodging type, lodging access, and with a mix of activities - catered to the interests and ages of your group.
Build your lodge stay package choosing first your room type, the number of nights you want to stay, the number of guests for meals, pick how you want to get to our remote lodge (rafting or hiking) and then pick your activities. Convenient online reservations make your planning easy. Activities include white water rafting, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, and more.
Looking for a memorable wedding location? How about a unique multi-generation family retreat? Do you want to book the entire lodge for your organization? It’s all possible!
Pacuare 2 Day Package
Spend two delightful days and one night at Rios Lodge at the Pacuare River.
Pacuare 3 day package
Our most popular stay is 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy the lodge and the rainforest!
Up Your Adventure
Add Guided Activities
Go big on adventure, and chill on the lounge deck watching toucans fly across the river. At Rios Lodge you can have it all, on your schedule. Lodge activities can be booked in advance or onsite. All activities start from our rainforest resort. Guides are bilingual experts in Costa Rican nature and adventures. From an hour long zipline canopy experience to a day hike and visit to the Pacuare Butterfly Garden, we’ve got inspired fun for every guest.
Restaurant Menu
Enjoy fresh, abundant meals in our dining pavilion overlooking the Pacuare River. We source fresh produce, including heavenly tropical fruits, meats, and fish from our local communities as much as possible. Doing so supports local economies, encourages sustainable farming practices, and guarantees our guests the freshest foods. Just like everything and everyone else at the lodge, all food and beverages are rafted or hiked into our remote Pacuare River location! The menu varies depending on the season and dishes change daily during your stay. You will not be ordering off of a menu, as all lodge meals are served buffet style.
Breakfast
Start your day with delicious tropical fruit like pineapple, papaya, mango, bananas, and melons. Our hearty breakfasts vary between banana pancakes, fresh bacon or sausage, farm-fresh eggs, juices, and breads or pastries. Savor your bottomless cup of fresh Costa Rican coffee as you watch for toucans and howler monkeys cruising in the canopy across the river!
Lunch
Lunches are either at the lodge or as picnics during your adventure activity. Lunches include plentiful, fresh tropical fruit, and vary with Costa Rican dishes, salad choices, or deli sandwiches, juices, and healthy snacks. We strive to accommodate most diets and preferences. Sodas, beer, and wine are always available at the lodge for purchase as well.
DINNER
Guests often say dinners are a highlight of their stay. Dinner is served by candlelight overlooking the river, as the sun sets. You will marvel at how the jungle transforms into a rich symphony of nocturnal sounds. Our hearty fare varies daily and includes a mix of fresh produce, fruit, salads, breads, and pasta or locally farmed chicken or fish. Vegetarian options are also always available.
KIKIRIKI BAR
Our all new, fully stocked rainforest bar is open! Enjoy a premium selection of cocktails, wine, and national & craft beer, as well as juices and sodas, amidst magical Pacuare river views and forest sounds. Open daily from 11am to about 9:30pm. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at Kikiriki are available for purchase separately from lodge meals. Wine is available by the glass and the bottle.
EcoLodge Information
Remote Lodge
Access by hiking or rafting only.
Time Zone
CST / UTC-6
Check in
12:00PM
check out
9:00AM
High Season
Nov 16 - Mar
June - Aug
Low Season
April - May
Sept - Nov 15
daylight hours
Sunrise: 5:30/6:00AM
Sunset: 6:00/6:30PM
phone
No Smoking
All Properties
No Pets
No Exceptions
RIOS LODGE CAMPUS MAP
Rios Lodge sits along the Pacuare River with lighted pathways between all the cabins, dining pavilion and common areas.