We created The Art of a Warm Welcome series to bring you intimate conversations with the brilliant minds shaping Costa Rica’s luxury travel landscape. Join us to explore the philosophies, passions, and innovative thinking driving the country’s most exceptional guest experiences.
When a place makes you feel something the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for a special treat. Tucked into the Caribbean region’s rainforest and shaped by the powerful river that runs alongside it, Pacuare Lodge is a destination that immerses you completely – in nature, in Costa Rica, and in meaningful moments. We love working with the hotel’s team for this very reason: the way they care for their guests echoes how they nurture their surroundings.
Javier, Journey Costa Rica’s co-founder, sat down with Flavia to exchange thoughts on the property’s extraordinary guest experience. As the Hotel’s Director of Sales, Marketing, and Strategy, she’s one of the driving forces behind Pacuare. Flavia’s connection to the lodge runs deep – she’s been visiting since childhood – and that lifelong love comes through in every word she shares.
It was a conversation that truly inspired us. Here’s what makes a stay at Pacuare Lodge one of a kind.
A Gateway to the Natural World
The Pacuare River’s dynamic energy is a living, purifying force that influences everything around it. Its thundering waters permeate your time at the property, which sits humbly on its banks cocooned by lush green rainforest. As Flavia says, “the strength of the river gives the lodge such vitality”, a feeling that seeps into every stay here. When an environment engages all the senses; you’re not just visiting nature, you’re surrendering to it.
We love the unique (and exhilarating) arrival by raft, flanked by dense jungle rising on either side. This truly immersive introduction is undoubtedly a bonding experience – whether you’re arriving as a couple, family, or friends, paddling in with Pacuare’s expert guides has become a signature guest highlight. But if you’d prefer to stay dry, you can appreciate the magic from above instead, soaring over the mighty river’s curves by helicopter. Curated in harmony with the natural elements in all their glory, you don’t just experience Pacuare lodge, you become part of something greater.
Luxury in the Wild
It’s rare to come across somewhere that hits the spot between luxurious and truly remote. Pacuare pulls it off with seamless ease, but behind each smooth teak floorboard, every silky-soft bedsheet, and the individual stones lining spring-fed pools, there are stories of complex logistics, unyielding dedication, and excellent teamwork. Not only do guests arrive by river, but everything else does too, which means that details are deliberate, coordinated with care and precision. The warmth of tropical hardwood from sustainable restoration projects welcomes you into the lodge, where each of the spectacular 20 suites has its own undeniable charm. Whether you opt for the Jaguar Villa – their most luxurious and private hideaway, complete with a deep outdoor bathtub and sweeping jungle views – or up in the lush treetops in a Canopy Villa, this sense of effort is palpable yet unassuming.
“We want to pay attention to the touchpoints where we can make guests feel super special”, Flavia tells us. That care shows up in all kinds of ways – from elevating the everyday, like turning a simple shower into a moment of immersion in lush nature, to the truly spectacular, think enjoying breathtaking forest views over dinner from The Nest – a table situated 60 feet up in the trees. It’s an attention to detail that resonates with us at Journey Costa Rica – a belief that real quality is built through intention, and felt in the smallest things. The result is a place that offers all the comfort and elegance of a five-star stay, while living in harmony with – and in celebration of – nature.
Special Moments for Travelers
Expert coordination and extensive training amongst the staff makes for a stay that is peppered with wow factor. “If they are putting their trust in us – then we have to deliver! It has to be great, every single time,” Flavia tells us. The fact that guests have chosen to spend their time at Pacuare is a big deal. Flavia wants them to feel special at every opportunity and relishes going the extra mile – “like the time the team whipped up a surprise Caribbean feast, because it was a guest’s favorite; or when we planned a whole hike for a family around spotting frogs, because of one the kids loved them”, she explained.
The fact that they are a small, handpicked team – something that resonates with us at Journey – means they can craft a unique experience, made up of thoughtful moments rooted in genuine pride, authenticity and creativity. The staff at Pacuare have considered every part of the guest journey – not just how you arrive, but how you feel once you’re there. Whether you’re in the mood for stillness or adventure, sunshine or shelter, they offer ways to connect with the place and its culture, in true harmony with the natural surroundings. You might spend the afternoon unwinding in the sun on a lounger beside the river, try your hand at a Costa Rican cooking class, or relax into a treatment at their spa immersed in the forest. Every experience is intentional – shaped not only by deep care and creativity, but by an intuitive sense of anticipation for what travelers may want.
Costa Rica Rolled into One
What we really love about Pacuare is how it captures the core of Costa Rica, all bundled into one vibrant pocket of the south-westerly Limón province. As Flavia put it, “it’s a concentration of Costa Rica at Pacuare – the essence of the country in one place.” As she painted a picture of the diverse experiences guests can enjoy – from thrilling canyon jumping through vertical jungle rock walls, to deeply restorative massages at the riverside spa cabins – it became clear that it isn’t just the activities themselves that are special, it’s the stories they create.
You might head out on a birdwatching trip with your family, quietly spotting a toucan or an osprey in the trees. Or share a rush of adrenaline with your partner as you leap out of your comfort zone ziplining through the forest canopy. Maybe it’s watching the kids throw themselves into a scavenger hunt, bringing the jungle to life through laughter and curiosity. These are the kinds of moments that turn into lifelong memories. That same sense of connection and relentless exploration is at the heart of what we do at Journey. Our deep roots here, and years of exploring every corner of the country, mean we love crafting experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and will stay with our guests long after they leave.
Positive impact Through Extraordinary Experiences
Positive impact at Pacuare Lodge is foundational. Their approach to sustainability is rooted in a deep respect for the natural world and a reciprocal philosophy that sees the lodge not as separate from its surroundings, but as part of the ecosystem itself. We deeply connect with this perspective – an understanding that impact is not a box to tick, but a way of being, and an evolving journey. Flavia’s passion shone through as she spoke about Pacuare’s involvement in El Paso del Jaguar – a pioneering conservation initiative that helps preserve a critical biodiversity corridor for the safe migration of wildlife, including jaguars. She told us proudly about how they were early champions of the project, recognising the opportunity to protect something irreplaceable, and acting on it with integrity and intention. We found it equally inspiring to hear about their relationship with the Cabécar people – one of Costa Rica’s largest Indigenous communities and the original inhabitants of the land where Pacuare now stands. The lodge actively seeks to learn from the Cabécar, building trust over time and creating space for meaningful cultural exchange. Guests are actively invited to meet with the community, once again enabling insights that go far beyond the typical travel experience.
On a practical level, the lodge operates entirely off-grid, powered by 144 solar panels. This self-sufficient setup encourages a more mindful approach to electricity use, naturally drawing guests away from their screens and toward the rainforest around them. And it’s the people who bring it all to life: the team at Pacuare is largely made up of individuals from surrounding communities like Nairi Awari, Bajos del Tigre, Linda Vista, and Santa Marta. This not only creates regenerative opportunities in areas where employment has historically been limited, but also means guests are welcomed by people who truly know and love the land. There’s a palpable sense of pride that runs through the lodge, and it makes the entire experience feel even more rooted, personal, and unforgettable.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Flavia for taking the time to speak with us. There’s no doubt that Pacuare Lodge sits at a rare intersection where luxury and nature come together in perfect harmony, and it was an enlightening conversation that left us feeling inspired, grounded, and even more connected to the values we share.
Experience it for Yourself
At Journey Costa Rica, we’re passionate about crafting meaningful, luxury experiences that connect our travellers to the heart of this extraordinary country. Our partnership with Pacuare Lodge reflects that ethos – offering immersive stays that celebrate nature, culture, and thoughtful hospitality. Speak to our team of experts about how we can design a tailormade itinerary around your stay at Pacuare; we’d love to help you plan something unforgettable.
