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PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE COSTA RICA HONEYMOON WITH YOUR NEW SPOUSE.

You’re tying the knot and ready to enter life as a newly married couple!

After a beautiful (yet stressful) wedding, we promise you’ll be itching to escape everyday life and retreat to a paradise for an unforgettable time with your partner. When a need for adventure and relaxation calls, Costa Rica will answer.

Planning a Costa Rica honeymoon is the best way to have diverse scenery and experiences in one stunning country. From lounging on tropical beaches to ziplining over rainforest canopies, you will find endless ways to bond with your new spouse.

But with so many options available, prioritizing your Pura Vida activities can be overwhelming. When any honeymoon indecision hits, we are here to help.

Here is everything you need to know about planning a Costa Rica honeymoon!

Why a Costa Rica Honeymoon?

Your Costa Rica Honeymoon Can Be Whatever You Want it To Be

You can find upscale resorts with fine dining and total relaxation, or unique adventures and accommodations on a budget. You can find a vacation full of dancing, late nights, and new friends. Or, enjoy a mix of everything. Costa Rica isn’t just for one type of traveler – no matter what kind of honeymoon you’re planning, our country can deliver and then some.

There are Diverse Areas to Explore

If you’re discussing whether you want a mountain, city, tropical beach, or rainforest honeymoon, Costa Rica is the ultimate compromise. Plan for a few days of everything!

Costa Rica is Reasonably Affordable Compared to Other Upscale Beach Destinations

While you shouldn’t expect to pay much less than in the States, you won’t need to spend as much on a tropical beach vacation as you would in other upscale areas. On top of that, flights to Costa Rica tend to be cheaper than rival destinations like Hawaii, the Maldives, or Bali.

You Will Meet So Many Lovely People

Pura Vida is a lifestyle, and spending time in this beautiful country will grant you access to some of the nicest people you could meet. From staff members to tour guides to fellow travelers, you will revel in positive energy and happiness.

There are Endless Unique Activities and Experiences to Try

Just try to fit it all in one trip – we dare you! You could plan a Costa Rica honeymoon every year of your marriage and still not experience everything this country offers.

Costa Rica Honeymoon FAQs

How Much Does a Costa Rica Honeymoon Cost?

The cost of planning a honeymoon in Costa Rica can vary depending on the duration of your stay, accommodation type, activities and attractions, and travel preferences. Between accommodations, activities, food, transportation, experiences, and souvenirs, couples can expect to pay between $3,000-$6,000 for a two-week honeymoon, not including flights.

How Long Should My Costa Rica Honeymoon Last?

Your honeymoon should be as long as you can make it! While any amount of time in Costa Rica will be a fantastic experience, we recommend budgeting about two weeks to explore the entirety of our country. But no matter how much time you spend here, you will need more!

Is Costa Rica Safe?

Costa Rica’s leading economy is tourism, and it cares greatly about the visitors that spend time here. If you stay in touristy areas and follow general travel best practices, you will feel safe exploring and relaxing in our country.

What Month is Best for a Costa Rica Honeymoon?

The best month for a Costa Rica honeymoon depends on the weather you prefer. Visit in December to April for drier weather and outdoor activities, or May to November if you enjoy lush landscapes, lower prices, and don’t mind occasional showers.

What is Costa Rica Known For?

Costa Rica has a world-renowned reputation for natural beauty, thanks to our country’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Costa Rica is also known for its adventure activities, such as ziplining, surfing, and exploring volcanoes and cloud forests.

Tips For Planning a Costa Rica Honeymoon

Don’t stay in one place too long. You are in one of the most stunning countries in the world, with a diverse array of ecosystems, views, experiences, and activities at your fingertips. Don’t spend the entire trip in one spot! From giant volcanoes to pristine beaches to buzzing rainforests and more, planning a few days in each area will create a unique and action-packed honeymoon.
Plan to pay similar prices to what you would pay in the USA. Don’t expect prices to vary too far from what you’d pay for accommodations, food, and experiences in the States. Costa Rica is no longer considered a cheap option, but you’ll still get a lot for your money.
Bring bug spray. One of the beautiful parts of this country is how close you can get to nature – but that does go both ways. Wildlife can get to you too! Especially in the rainforest, wear bug spray and expect to see some six and eight-legged friends.
Take advantage of honeymoon packages. Many accommodations are ready to bend backward to create a completely unforgettable Costa Rica honeymoon experience. They can do all the planning for you, so you only need to enjoy the moment as newlyweds.
Consider a car rental. Since you’re casting a wide net for your Costa Rica activities, having a car can be the best dependable mode of transportation. It’s one of many ways to get around, but it can be the most straightforward way to travel once in Costa Rica.
When in doubt, book an organized tour. From hiking tours to kayak excursions to bike tours and more, many organized tours offer a much richer and more memorable experience than you could create on your own. Support local tour guides and companies while having the time of your life!

What To Do On Your Honeymoon in Costa Rica

The beauty of Costa Rica is all of the exciting, beautiful, and unforgettable activities and experiences you can find. Curious about what you can try on your Costa Rica honeymoon? These are just a few ways you can fill your Pura Vida days.

Explore Beaches – There are hundreds of beaches to explore on the Caribbean and Central Pacific Coast.
Rainforest Tours – The most classic activities to include in your Costa Rica honeymoon are adventures in the rainforest and cloud forest. See cute animals, walk among the trees, and explore the bridges, lush foliage, waterfalls, and vines.
Volcanos – If you’ve never had a chance to see a giant volcano, Costa Rica is your shot. You can explore and kayak at the base of Arenal Volcano, one of five active volcanoes in the country.
River Adventures – The sights you take in from the river are unparalleled. You can enter the most remote parts of the country for front-row views of wildlife and the energy of the rainforest. Costa Rican river trips range from slow and calm floats to exciting adventures across big rapids. The style of the raft trip is up to you!
Ziplining – One of the most classic Costa Rica honeymoon activities is ziplining over the rainforest treetops. This is a safe way to get an adrenaline rush and amazing views with your spouse.
Visit Towns – Some of the best memories you’ll make are sipping a cold drink on a cute patio with the love of your life. The formal activities will be great, but moments like these, simply exploring the restaurants and places to kick back with a snack, are precious.

Where To Stay For Your Costa Rica Honeymoon

We recommend a mix of relaxation in a luxury resort and a unique eco lodge experience to set your honeymoon apart from other beach vacations.

Costa Rica Eco Lodges

A Costa Rica eco lodge is an exceptional way to enjoy Costa Rica. Eco lodges can get you closer to the natural beauty of the forest and the coast with the smallest environmental impact possible. Enjoy gourmet food, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences knowing you are choosing an ethical way to travel. Many also offer fabulous honeymoon packages!

Popular Costa Rica Eco Lodges:

Vacation Rentals

If you truly want to escape the tourist lifestyle and play house in Costa Rica, a vacation rental may be your best choice. You may have fewer amenities and less regulation around cleanliness, but many options will offer an attractive way to immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Luxury Resorts and Lodges

A luxury, all-inclusive resort is popular for couples who want to splurge on convenience. These resorts are usually found in beautiful areas prepped to handle large amounts of tourists. These resorts have excellent restaurants, luxurious pools, and an attentive staff to help you plan your trip.

Example Costa Rica Honeymoon Itineraries

Every Costa Rica honeymoon should have a little bit of everything – here are two example Costa Rica honeymoon itineraries that can help you get started on planning your adventure with your partner.

Best Eco Lodge Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary Flying into Liberia

Morning in Liberia
See: The city
Do: Head to your first adventure!

Day 1-3 at Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Stay: Buena Vista Del Rincón
See: El Saino Nature Reserve, Los Higuerones Hanging Bridges, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Do: Waterfall hikes, nature walks, bird watching, horseback riding, mud baths

Day 4-6 at a Guanacaste Beach Resort
Stay: Ride On! Beach House
See: Pristine beaches, great waves for beginners, cute shops, and restaurants
Do: Explore beaches, yoga classes, surf lessons

Day 7-9 at a Pacuare River Eco Lodge
Stay: Rios Lodge
See: Rainforest, riverfront views
Do: Rainforest tours, whitewater rafting, zipline, enjoy eco lodge lifestyle

Day 10-13 at a Tortuguero Eco Lodge
Stay: Mawamba Lodge
See: Sea Turtle Conservancy, Casa Cecropia for chocolate tours, Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Do: Explore beaches, kayak, view wildlife, boat tours, turtle tours

Luxury Resort Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary Flying into San Jose

Day 1 in San Jose
Stay: Hotel Valencia
See: The city
Do: Explore neighborhoods, admire the architecture, visit award-winning restaurants, enjoy a luxury cocktail to kick off your honeymoon

Day 2-4 at Arenal Volcano
Stay: Arenal Manoa
See: Volcán Arenal, Arenal hanging bridges, Lake Arenal
Do: Hike in the cloud forest, kayak, soak in natural hot springs, sunset cocktail hour

Day 5-7 at a Pacuare River Eco Lodge
Stay: The Pacuare Lodge
See: Rainforest, riverfront views
Do: Rainforest tours, birdwatching, whitewater rafting, spa treatments

Day 8-13 at a Manzanillo Beach Resort
Stay: Almonds and Corals Hotel
See: Playa Grande, Jaguar Rescue Center, Playa Punta Uva, Manzanillo shipwreck
Do: Explore beaches, visit shipwrecks, animal refuge tours, see nature observatory, surf lessons

These are just two ways to make the most of your Costa Rica honeymoon, but the opportunities are endless.

If you want to find an adventure with your newlywed as you kick off a new life together, we can save you a seat on a raft powered by the swift energy of the Pacuare River. Check out our Costa Rica Honeymoon Packages to book your riverfront suite for a memorable experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Choosing a Costa Rica Eco Lodge For Your Pura Vida Adventure

If you dream of relaxing on your private, covered porch deep in the heart of a tropical rainforest, surrounded by lush beauty, plunging waterfalls, and wildlife sounds, you are probably picturing yourself at a Costa Rica eco lodge.

Some things can only be experienced when you are willing to delve just a bit deeper into nature. Eco lodges will provide a comfortable stay as you take in the unrivaled, untouched beauty of Costa Rican wildlife.

But what is an eco lodge, and how do you know if it’s a good option for you?

The term “eco lodge” has become a bit of a buzzword in the tourism world, and some travelers don’t understand precisely what they will find when they reach this type of tucked-away paradise.

Here is everything you need to know about Costa Rica eco lodges before you book your trip!

What is an Eco Lodge?

Costa Rica Eco Lodges are built on three main concepts: sustainability, supporting local economy and culture, and creating well-rounded, authentic experiences.

An eco lodge is a style of accommodation designed to have the smallest possible impact on the surrounding environment. Eco lodges leverage strategies to minimize their carbon footprint and seamlessly integrate into their natural surroundings, and authentic eco lodges can tangibly demonstrate how they implement sustainability practices. From choosing building materials native to the area to opting for solar or hydro-powered energy, eco lodges’ #1 priority is sustainable tourism.

Eco lodges emphasize sharing and celebrating local customs, history, and culture. Many Costa Rica eco lodges are managed and run by local thought leaders and support their communities with employment, educational opportunities, and fair wages. This level of local expertise creates an authentic Costa Rican experience, from enjoying local cuisine to learning the history of the area.

Eco lodges are much more than just a place to sleep! From creating options for day activities to offering package deals, you can choose to have your Costa Rica eco lodge fill your trip with interesting classes like yoga or photography, relaxing spa treatments, exciting outdoor adventures, unforgettable rainforest tours, and more.

Why Are COSTA RICA Eco Lodges Popular?

Many world travelers swear by eco lodges as the purest form of tourism. Here’s why:

Eco Lodges Are a Sustainable Way to Travel
More and more travelers are interested in ecotourism as a sustainable way to visit countries that rely on international tourism for economic growth, and visitors feel better directly supporting local lodges over global resort chains.

Eco Lodges are a Fantastic Way to Avoid Tourist Trap Areas
Resorts and large hotels attract mass amounts of tourists, which can alter the cultural authenticity of the area. Costa Rica eco lodges are often found in more rural or isolated areas, taking you out of the tourist scene and into untouched nature.

Eco Lodges Offer a Close Connection to Nature
Costa Rica eco lodges are usually situated on beautiful grounds that offer stunning views and a closer look at the surrounding nature. From uncrowded beaches to remote forest locations, you will find yourself experiencing a true escape.

Eco Lodges Can Fill Your Trip With Unique Activities
Eco lodges often offer all-inclusive package options with days full of fun activities! So whether you just want a lovely place to lay your head or a fully-planned experience, Costa Rica eco lodges can tailor your experience to your interests.

How Are Eco Lodges Sustainable?

The small-scale setups don’t take nearly as much energy, electricity, water, or infrastructure as big resorts, creating a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
Eco Lodges focus on renewable energy sources. For example, the Rios Lodge on the Pacuare River has an off-the-grid hydro energy system to power their lodge for a clean energy solution.
Sustainability is weaved into large-scale choices, like efficient energy sources or reclaimed building materials, to small details, like non-toxic cleaners, biodegradable shampoo, and organic cotton sheets.
Guests are expected to uphold the values of the eco lodge by thoughtfully conserving water and electricity during their stay.
Many eco lodges are owned by and/or hire majority local people, so money flows directly into the community.

Staying in an Eco Lodge in Costa Rica

Not sold on choosing a Costa Rica eco lodge for your trip? Here are some pros and cons that may help you decide!

Pros of Choosing a Costa Rica Eco Lodge

They offer a more intimate education on the culture and customs of the area.
You have easy access to fun activities, workshops, and experiences.
Eco lodges can be more affordable than luxury resorts.
You will have more chances to connect closely with other interesting guests than with other forms of accommodation.
Locations are more isolated and situated away from crowded areas.
You can rest well knowing that your choices positively impact the local economy and environment.

Cons of Choosing a Costa Rica Eco Lodge

Some eco lodges don’t have all the amenities a large-scale resort can offer.
Traveling to remote Costa Rica eco lodges can be more involved than other accommodations. You may need to drive dirt roads, hike, or even raft to your destination, like at Rios Lodge.
Eco lodges are not always the cheapest accommodation option – some basic vacation rentals or economy hotels have lower prices.
Some Costa Rica eco lodges can’t take guests year-round due to weather or terrain limitations.
Eco lodges accept limited numbers of guests, so rooms and villas can sell out quickly.

While every Costa Rica eco lodge is different, they generally hold similar values, strengths and limitations. It’s worth looking into a few options in the areas you hope to travel to before committing to a lodge or disregarding the possibility altogether.

Best Costa Rica Eco Lodges

Whether you’re looking along the coast or deep in the rainforest, a Costa Rica eco lodge is waiting for you! Here are some top-rated eco lodges that span different locations, price points, and styles.

RIOS LODGE (FORMERLY RIOS TROPICALES) ECO LODGE

Price: $$
Location: Pacuare River
Terrain: Rainforest, Riverfront, Mountainous

Rios Lodge is a comfortable and attentive rainforest eco lodge that overlooks the Pacuare River and nearby creeks. This remote location requires guests to raft or hike to and from the lodge, making it an authentic escape from crowded and fast-paced civilization. The main star of this area is exploring the pristine river. With lush rainforest hillsides and steep gorge walls around you, it’s a sight few will experience.

All private rooms have a covered deck perfect for capturing the sights and sounds of the rainforest, regardless of the commonly-occurring rain. For budget travelers, we also have Eco Rooms where you can share a room with other guests at a fraction of the price.

You can enjoy a covered outdoor dining area where you will mingle with other guests and relax in the sounds of the rainforest. When you’re ready for adventure, several optional activities and stunning experiences are around every turn. Rios Lodge’s Pacuare River Zipline was rated one of the best ziplines in the world in 2023!

Rios Lodge balances total comfort and affordability with thoughtful amenities, simple and welcoming decor and a small, and helpful team of chefs, coordinators, and attendants.

PACUARE LODGE

Price: $$$$
Location: Pacuare River
Terrain: Rainforest, Riverfront

Pacuare Lodge is a luxury Costa Rica eco lodge that offers sumptuous amenities in the heart of the rainforest. They also provide luxury packages connecting you to their partner lodge, Lapa Rios Lodge on the Osa Peninsula, for a trip that includes riverfront and beachfront experiences. From a large riverfront infinity pool to private lounging areas to gourmet dining experiences, Pacuare Lodge prioritizes the highest level of comfort and style.

You can rent private villas along the river that house private pools, indoor/outdoor designs, expansive deck space, hammocks, and more. They even have a canopy villa that allows you to sleep in the treetops.

You can enjoy several classes, cultural demonstrations, local tours, guided hikes, spa treatments, and more in between enjoying your accommodations. The main lodge offers top-rated cuisine cooked by locals passionate about flavor and culinary creativity.

This lodge is a luxury option with a high price point, and the amenities, accommodations, and overall experience are well worth it.

MAWAMBA LODGE

Price: $$
Location: Tortuguero
Terrain: Beach, Canals

Mawamba Lodge is nestled in the midst of a rich wetlands area teeming with wildlife, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Tortuguero Canals on the other. Surrounded by water, this Costa Rica eco lodge has a unique beachfront and riverfront location.

Mawamba Lodge leverages this location with several activities on either side of the lodge, from a floating gourmet restaurant and tour experience to boat tours to the coveted self-guided tour of the sea turtle nesting and hatching process.

Mawamba Lodge has a beachy, casual atmosphere with ample options for outdoor relaxation, a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, and comfortable private rooms.

RAFIKI LODGE

Price: $$
Location: Savegre River
Terrain: River, Rainforest

The palm-covered roofs and wall-less nature of Rafiki Lodge create a truly stunning glamping experience. This lodge was shaped with South African customs and flare, where some claim the concept of luxury glamping was conceived. The main lodge has views of dense treetops and lush mountains, with several lounge chairs and poolside spots to enjoy the scenery.

The accommodations include fully-equipped glamping tents with beds, covered porches, and tons of space.

You can find cuisine that spans traditional Costa Rican flavors to delicious South African-style BBQ in between activities like horseback riding, massages, and rafting.

EL REMANSO RAINFOREST WILDLIFE LODGE

Price: $$$
Location: Osa Peninsula
Terrain: Rainforest, Beach

El Remanso offers an elevated Costa Rica eco lodge experience with stunning interior design, luxury amenities and an incredibly stylish experience. Each building is a gorgeous example of blending modern architecture and design with the personality of the surrounding environment.

They have 16 private villas for comfortable, upscale accommodations and offer a generally more sheltered experience than other Costa Rica eco lodge options. Their villas and main lodge have rainforest and coast views as the ocean is just a short walk away.

El Remanso offers opportunities for surf lessons, nature and wildlife tours, waterfall rappelling, ziplining, and more that you can book through the lodge. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to an open-air dining room that features fresh seafood and local delicacies.

TROGON LODGE

Price: $$
Location: Savegre River
Terrain: River, Rainforest

This Costa Rica eco lodge that looks over the Savegre River’s cloud forest prioritizes serenity and rejuvenation. With plush beds, quiet gazebos, and serene design, Trogon Lodge creates a true escape from the bustle of civilization without sacrificing comfort.

You can fill your days with hikes and bird-watching excursions, but the activity everyone raves about is enjoying delicious meals at Restaurant El Quetzal. This restaurant emphasizes health and nutrition, with many ingredients in your meal picked from the lands around this eco lodge. Their chefs have a hydroponic farm with tons of fresh produce varieties, catch trout from their ponds, and purchase fresh fruit from neighboring farms.

Is a Costa Rica Eco Lodge Right For You?

Ask yourself a couple of questions to find your answer:

Do you want to prioritize adventure and new experiences over air conditioning and resort life?
Do you want to support sustainability and the local community?
Do you prefer a unique vacation experience?
Do you want to learn more about the land you’re exploring?

If you answered yes to these questions, then an eco lodge is right for you!

There are so many ways to enjoy the Pura Vida experience, and the eco lodges in Costa Rica have made it their mission to offer visitors the most authentic version of our stunning culture, history, and natural beauty.

Ready to plan your Costa Rica adventure with an eco lodge? Reach out to our team! We will help you recharge in the sights, sounds, and experiences you can only experience in the heart of the rainforest.

FLYING HIGH OVER THE PACUARE RIVER WITH ALL NEW 8 ZIPLINE COURSE

RIOS LODGE, THE ONLY OPERATOR WORLDWIDE TO RUN ZIPLINE COURSE OVER COSTA RICA’S FAMOUS PACUARE RIVER

Pacuare, Costa Rica, June 14, 2023 – Rios Lodge, an award-winning eco lodge and pioneer in sustainable travel and ecotourism, is renowned for its exciting adventure activities deep in the remote Costa Rica rainforest. The Lodge recently amped up its adrenaline thrills with a fully redesigned and expanded cutting edge zipline canopy tour flying 50-60 meters above the mighty Pacuare River. The course has quickly become a favorite of adventure seekers in Costa Rica.

Hiking in or rafting on the Pacuare River is the only way to access Rios Lodge. Its remote location adds to the excitement as it borders the largest indigenous preserve in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is considered a quintessential tropical river with its warm waters surrounded by lush rainforest and a roster of exotic wildlife.

The new full-length zipline course is unique in its kind, as it flies high over the Pacuare no less than 8 times. Rios Lodge’s zipline course is the only one that crosses over the river. The adrenaline-fueled experience offers a unique and memorable perspective of the Pacuare River and surrounding rainforest. The last zipline travels up the river, and 90% of that almost 300-meter long zipline is over water. In fact, this might be a record in Costa Rica for the longest cable flying over a river!
Safety is at the core of Rios Lodge’s zipline canopy tour. The course was constructed and redesigned in 2023 by Linea Vertical, to Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. The course construction was completed in March and is pending certification. The course undergoes regular monitoring and maintenance. Guests can enjoy the thrills of ziplining knowing that the course and guides follow the highest international standards of operations and safety.

Rios Lodge operates zipline canopy tours daily only for guests staying at the lodge. The zipline course is not available for day visitors at this time. The morning tour is the Dawn Patrol Zipline Canopy tour and is a great way to experience the jungle waking up with birds singing, howler monkeys talking as they roam through the trees across the river, and mist flowing through the river corridor. The afternoon tour is equally exhilarating as zippers fly high above brightly colored rafts and kayaks paddling the river below.

Everyone joining a zipline tour must participate in a safety briefing before each tour. There are tours operating daily. Zippers get geared up with safety harnesses, helmets, and gloves at the Rios Lodge dining pavilion, and then hike about 10 minutes past the lodge up into the hillside for the first zipline. From there, all 8 zips are either tree platform to tree platform, or involve a short hike (under 5 minutes) to the next platform. Guests are in good hands with Rios Lodge’s expert, bilingual tour guides.
Having the opportunity to experience Rios Lodge from the rainforest canopy is simply memorable.

Learn more about the new Pacuare zipline canopy tour and access ziplining images.

Rios Lodge works with travel agencies and trade partners and media.

Follow on social media: @rioslodge / Tiktok / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

*Note to editors: Technical facts: There are 8 ziplines in this all-new redesigned and expanded Rios Lodge’s Pacuare River zipline course. All 8 ziplines go across the Pacuare River. The longest zipline is about 280 meters (915+ feet). The shortest zipline is around 80 meters (260+ feet). Price: US$50. Min Age: 8 & 60 lbs. Max Weight: 250 lbs.

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Media Inquiries: Find more information on our Media page.

More about Rios Lodge – Rios Lodge is a remote private eco lodge located on the riverbank of the Pacuare River in Limon Province, Costa Rica. It was founded in 1989 as Rios Tropicales Lodge, as part of Rios Tropicales, an award-winning adventure company co-founded by Rafael (Rafa) Gallo, who was a pioneer in conservation and adventure tourism in Costa Rica and abroad. Rios Tropicales Lodge was sold to new eco-stewards after the founder’s passing in 2021 and operates as Rios Lodge.

Rios Lodge is located 3-4 hours drive from San Jose, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in Limon Province. The remote lodge is accessible only by rafting on the Pacuare River or by hiking trails. It is fully off-the-grid, powered by hydropower, and with satellite WIFI services. The lodge offers 17 deluxe and suite rooms in addition to our new Eco Rooms bunkhouse and dining center that can host groups of up to 64. Guests enjoy a diverse adventure activities program led by local guides that is founded on principles of sustainability and conservation.

Almost two decades ago, Rios Tropicales won the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth award by National Geographic Adventures (2006), and Rios Tropicales Lodge won the first ever National Geographic Geotourism Challenge: Celebrating People and Place, in 2008. The Lodge with its extensive private, protected Rainforest Reserve has received the Blue Ecological Flag for Protected Natural Spaces since 2007. Rios Lodge, formerly Rios Tropicales Lodge, has been a leader in sustainability and conservation since its inception in 1989.

Helpful links:
Pacuare River History
Ecolodge History

Guest on a canopy tour with Rios Lodge zipping over the Pacuare River

Award-Winning Rios Tropicales Lodge Reopens as Rios Lodge with New Stewards – Pacuare, Costa Rica

January 20, 2023
Pacuare, Costa Rica

The award-winning Rios Tropicales Lodge, located on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica, has reopened under new owners and with Roberto Gallo, the son of Rios Tropicales Co-Founder and conservation pioneer, Rafael Gallo, as one of four partners. The lodge was established in 1989 and the Rios Tropicales adventure company closed in 2021 amidst the global pandemic and the death of founder Rafa Gallo.

Roberto Gallo was determined to both continue, and expand, on his father’s legacy. He has joined up with three highly experienced partners, Arturo Oropeza, Justin Rae, and Sam Drevo, who together attracted a storied and passionate group of paddlers, conservationists, and adventure tourism leaders who believe that the best could be yet to come. The new stewards purchased the Rios Tropicales Lodge along with 100 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest and Pacuare River frontage and all Rios Tropicales digital assets in early 2022, under the name Rios Lodge, LLC. They gave the ecolodge a slightly different name, Rios Lodge, in tribute to Roberto’s father’s legacy while creating space for a fresh, new brand to be born. Initial investment plans expanding the lodge’s facilities, hydropower system, activities, and conservation projects in the famous Pacuare River ecosystem are well underway with half a million dollars committed so far. Lodge upgrades are anticipated to be completed later in 2023. The original zipline course just reopened with now 8 ziplines, and incredible new zips flying up and across the Pacuare River.

Guests choose between rafting or hiking into and out of this remote ecolodge, as there is no direct automobile access. Hiking in is a new focus and opens up the lodge to an expanded market of customer ages and interests. Typical stays are 2-4 days, and available activities at the lodge include ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, conservation tours and tree-planting, waterfalls and swimming holes, birdwatching, and visits to a community butterfly garden. All meals are included, and longer stays are available. This intimate lodge currently has 17 rooms, and the all new eco bunkrooms housing area currently under construction will open in spring of 2023.

Rios Lodge is ideal for active travelers who are looking for authentic adventure experiences that make a positive impact in responsible tourism and conservation. Guests are supporting reforestation and biodiversity programs as a result of their stay. They can participate directly in tree-planting carbon sequestration projects in the large, extended Gallo-Jiménez Family Private Rainforest Reserve, started 3 decades ago by Rafael Gallo.

Rios Lodge welcomes adventurers from around the world, including groups and independent travelers. We welcome travel agencies and trade partners to work with us, and media to talk with us. Contact us today.

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About Rios Lodge

Rios Lodge is an intimate, private ecolodge located on the Pacuare River in Limon Province, Costa Rica. It is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and approximately 3-4 hours drive from San Jose to get to hiking or rafting access points. The lodge is accessible only by raft or hiking trails and is fully off-the-grid, powered by hydropower, and with satellite WIFI services. It was established in 1989 as Rios Tropicales Lodge, by Rafael (Rafa) Gallo and Rios Tropicales adventure company. The lodge was sold when Rios Tropicales closed in early 2022, and reopened in late 2022 as Rios Lodge, led by the new partners, including Rafa’s son, Roberto Gallo. The lodge offers 17 deluxe, classic and suite rooms, group lodging, and adventure activities including ziplining, hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding, and conservation tours with tree-planting.
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