Rivers, Reefs and Rainforest in Costa Rica

The highlands on the outskirts of San Jose are draped in coffee plantations and forests. This is a wonderful destination to start or end any journey in Costa Rica. 

Finca Rosa Blanca is a working coffee farm in the hills above San Jose. The 14 villas and suites are uniquely designed with colourful artwork, and the spring-fed infinity swimming pool offers views over the Central Valley. Depending on your arrival and departure time, it is worth joining a tour of the plantation and learning about coffee production – one of Costa Rica’s most important exports. 

The Pacuare region covers approximately 25,000 acres between the town of Squirries and the Talamanca Mountains. The Pacuare River flows through a wilderness of gorges and rainforest, and the undergrowth provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of mammals and birds.

Pacuare Lodge is a stylish eco-hotel perched on the banks of the Pacuare River. Inspired by the indigenous Cabécar community, the lodge is simple and in keeping with its pristine location. Enjoy delicious farm-to-table dishes and complete immersion in nature. We can almost guarantee you will leave Pacuare Lodge feeling calmer, healthier and spiritually rejuvenated. 

There is no end to the various ways you can explore the forest. If you are searching for adventure, you will enjoy ziplines over the treetops, white water rafting and rock climbing. Nature trails with expert guides will open a world of natural wonders and a new understanding of fascinating ecosystems. Swim in crystal clear rock pools surrounded by waterfalls or the naturally heated infinity pool on the banks of the river. 

Aguas Claras is moments away from Playa Chiquita beach, with calm Caribbean water lapping onto the sand. The laid-back town of Puerto Viejo is a short bike ride away, where a handful of die-hard surfers come to battle the waves and listen to music influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture. 

Depart from Pacuare Lodge with a combination of river rafting and road transfers that take you to the Caribbean Coast. Here you will discover white sandy beaches synonymous with this coastline and the black beaches Costa Rica is famous for. Inland you will find pristine national parks within easy reach of the hotel, and Aguas Claras has its own beach club with food served daily and often live music in the evenings.

We will arrange a visit to Punta Uva Reserve, where kayaks are at the ready for a journey through mangrove forests or swim in the calm waters beside Punta Uva Beach. If you love snorkelling, the nearby Cahuita National Park is home to the most extensive system of coral reefs in Costa Rica. It includes 35 unique species of coral and 120 types of colourful tropical fish. Other days can be spent relaxing by the pool, swimming in the Caribbean ocean and simply enjoying the tranquillity of this peaceful corner of Costa Rica.