Pachira Lodge

The heavy rain is never ending and would not recommend coming to CR in December. Early start but limited what you can actually see on the boat tour due to the consistent heavy rains. The resort lacks any activities and initiatives to keep their clients happy in the current weather conditions. Food is mediocre and accommodation very basic. Would not recommend this tour.

Perfectly located in the rainforest. The hotel has high standards all round, rooms clean, good food on offer, a nice meeting area/bar, a spacious restaurant area and great service from friendly staff. Our guide Ray was first class. Very well informed and articulate. Couldn't do enough for anyone in his group. A great communicator and organiser. A very authentic gent with a fantastic character. Back to the location... as the lodges fit in seemlessly to the rainforest you're surrounded by wildlife, even as you walk from your lodge to anywhere in the resort you are likely to see a multitude of beautiful wildlife, from hummingbirds to armadillos. Look forward to being serenaded to sleep by an orchestra of nocturnal frogs, beetles, etc doing their best to attract their mates... what a lullaby!

Accommodations was comfortable, clean and well equipped. Beautiful setting, the food was hearty and the staff were pleasant. Our tour guide was Marco and he was passionate and informative. He had a great knowledge of the local wildlife and environment. Also despite the inclement weather he showed enthusiasm and dedication. All together throughly enjoyable stay.

My journey started from San Jose, so it was quite long. We stopped at El Ceibo restaurant for a break and breakfast. Along the way, we passed Chiquita banana plantation and many more. Then to La Pavona dock to join the Pachira lodge boat. Off to Pachira Lodge. As soon as we docked and off the boat, we were briefed and given a delicious welcome drink. Once the rooms were allocated, our luggages were taken off by the dock. You are responsible for your luggage to the room. So we were advised to pack light. There are many lodges, some of them can be more than 5mins walk from the dock. There are 3 steps or there is ramp, depends which side you take to your lodge. The room fairly spacious. There is a ceiling fan, vents above the beds and three windows for air. Four lodges in each group. So two side by side and two backing each other. The bathroom had the necessary toiletries. They provided filter drinking water at the main eating area. They are huge trees and plants around the lodges so it is cooler in the night. You have to walk few mins to the main dining area, pool and bar. They are lights along the path way. Note, it get dark by 530pm. The wifi reception was okay closer to the main dinning area. At times, you cannot get it in your room. I had good wifi reception by the docks and the hammock area. The main reception area is closer to the dock. You have to walk around to get familiar and follow the signs. The food was delicious and tasty. I enjoyed the way they prepared the food and they added few local dishes too. Staff were around to take your alcohol order. The area was very quiet in the night. Unless other guests passing and shouting. In the morning, the place came alive with the howler monkeys, birds and insects sounds. Lucky to see howler and spider monkeys, mud crabs, armadillo and birds. They have a trail where you can see the resident sloth. They are bugs and mosquitos, especially in the night. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. The boat drivers were amazing. The Tortuguero town is few mins boat ride across the lodge. I visited once. Around the lodges, they are many areas for a peaceful relaxation. They have a smoking area and few hammocks. Overall it is peaceful with the sound of the water, birds and monkeys. I can say, I did not see any snake nor anyone in my group. I felt safe.

5 stars for location and wildlife but for me, accommodation would be 3 stars. We had fabulous walks with Daniel, he showed us Toucans, Cayman, monkeys, many birds and even poison dart frogs. The extra walk up the local hill was well worth the cost ($38), the view was amazing. A trip to Tortugueiro was interesting. The resort is a bit regimented but this is necessary to allow for so many people to check in and depart on the various trips. Dining was canteenish but food was ok, serving staff appear quite unhappy. The pool and bar are pleasant. The cabins are a bit primitive but everything works and the WiFi is OK unless you're in a distant room. We thought that overall this was a fabulous place to visit and tremendous value.

Hotel situated in the middle of the jungle giving you the opportunity to see wildlife right outside your room. Beautiful surroundings and setting. Everything is very well organised and the staff are very helpful and friendly. Tours operate like clockwork and all the guides are extremely knowledgeable. Rooms although basic are clean and spacious. Water temperature in showers is a bit unpredictable. Food is buffet style with plenty of choice. This place is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in nature and make the most of the surrounding area.