Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge is a rainforest lodge on the banks of Costa Rica's Pacuare River, with no road access. Instead, arrive by raft, on foot, or by helicopter. Twenty bungalows and suites sit within 340 hectares of protected forest, built with local timber and palm thatch, and designed with a philosophy of minimal impact: zero trees were cut for construction, hydroelectric turbines and solar panels supply power, and the lodge has bought 840 acres of surrounding rainforest to protect the watershed. The Canopy Villa's suspension bridge leads to a bungalow with a plunge pool and treehouse deck over the river.

Raft the white water on your way in, then explore the reserve by zipline, hiking trail, or night walk in search of frogs and nocturnal wildlife. Visit a nearby Cabécar community to learn about their culture directly from its members, and eat produce grown on the lodge's own organic farm, which also trains local growers in organic methods.