Pacuare Outdoor Center

I just completed an 7-day full service trip with Pacuare Outdoor Center in the beautiful Costa Rica. I found the trip locally in the US through Endless Summer Paddle Company based in Louisville, KY and recommend looking into their international retreats. Pacuare Outdoor Center is the full package and you can place your trust in them. They have been around for 20 years, know the outdoors, know the community, take care of nature and they take care of you. Not only are they mindful of every tiny logistical detail, they also take you in as if a friend from the moment you meet your guide. Our guide throughout the trip was Luigi; his love for his country and knowledge of Costa Rica made the trip. Our driver, Eddie, was amazing and cautiously navigated us throughout the country. Arturo and Kenneth and Luigi were our River and adventure guides and the safety, care and fun they created made the trip magical. They also cooked delicious meals for us and it would not have been the same without them. Kenneth also captured all the magical moments rafting and zip lining so I’ve been able to already start reliving the moments.

We spent 2 days in the mountains of Turrialba vista lodge; the views were incredible, as was the food. We learned about Cacao at Nortico Farm and even made our own chocolate; We also did SUP and Yoga.

Days 3,4 were spent at Pacuare Outdoor Lodge Rio Vista. We had this remote location fully to ourselves. Our river guides made delicious meals and also created unforgettable experiences zip lining through canopies, Tarzan swinging, and White water rafting. Though it was my first time rafting, they coached me through everything and made it super fun, while also always prioritizing safety. I cannot say enough good things, and when I return to Costa Rica, I will definitely stay here again and raft with POC down the Pacuare River.

Days 5,6 were in Villas del Carribe, where we got to experience the culture and see all the animals on the Caribbean coast. We saw sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and many cool birds and butterflies. We did SUP here on a beautiful river, went to a black sand beach and also got to eat at some local restaurants which offered meals typical of the culture on the Caribbean side. We even had the chance to buy some local Costa Rican made souvenirs in town.

The trip was absolutely incredible, from the lodgings and adventures, to the food, to the love and knowledge of Costa Rica shared with our group. It was truly magical and I cannot possibly convey it all with words!

Endless Summer Paddle Company had such a great time with Pacuare Outdoor Center for our 8 day trip! Luigi was our guide throughout the trip and he was very knowledgeable, personable, and loved showing us his country! We also loved meeting everyone that was involved including our driver Eddie, rafting guide Arturo, and photographer Kenneth.

Will definitely do a group tour again with them and request Luigi as our guide.

I have been to Costa Rica many times and Pacuare Outdoor Center was the best experience I’ve had there. The guides were INCREDIBLE. So professional and constantly there to help us. Eric, Arturo, Manuel, David & Fernando are the A team. The river lodge is absolutely glorious and I wish I could stay forever. I will certainly be back!! Thank you to the team at POC for organizing such an amazing experience

First off let me start off by showing 1000 percent love & appreciation to our tour guide the entire time Rafael (Rafa) he was the best tour guide ever !!!!! From start to finish of our 7 days spent here he made our transition from picking us from the airport to departure at the end of our trip extremely seamless . You can tell he loves what he does that counts when in this type of business , he was the perfect example of going above and beyond , under promising and over delivering . He made sure we were extremely comfortable and was great at transitioning moving anything around if need be . His willingness to educate you on certain subjects in and around Costa Rica from the birds , flowers , & culture is impressive . I think I know a little more than what I needed to know but it was well appreciated . Tom the owner was the best as well he actually engaged with us a lot while at the first property , he actually stays on the property which brings a sense of extra security for me . We met his wife, & daughter which made it even more personable, everyone was so welcoming .

The first property we stayed at was absolutely breathe taking , the rooms are built to hear and feel nature with screening located all around the top of the rooms . So let me have a moment of transparency , I am not the one for bugs etc but keep in mind you will experience one or two maybe making its way into your room , nothing life threatening but to know me is to know I’m a drama queen when it comes to those kind of things. I would recommend bringing a mosquito bed net that you can lay over your bed at night if needed . We had a home cooked meal by our cook everyday Maritza and every meal was on point . All the food is super fresh and organic and you can bet your bottom dollar you will get plenty of greens and fruits while there along with fresh juices . You’ll also indulge in plenty of rice & beans that’s Costa Ricans staple dish so get used to it .

We also stayed one night at another property of Pacuare which was just as great but a different vibe outside , these were built more out into the jungle and had its own outside kitchen where all the men/guides of Pacuare cooked our meals for dinner & brunch , it was something about all men being in the kitchen cooking for everybody that felt so right !

Whew saving the best for last ! Boy did we have a time, what adventures we had from zip lining, white water rafting, water repelling off waterfalls, to the Tarzan swing . Jesus take the wheel lol because all of these things were new for me I’m not usually the super dare devil adventurous type , but what this proved to me even more is I really can do anything and assisted me in being even more fearless ! We rode horses to the waterfalls & that Tarzan swing oh boy are you in for a treat with that one I’ll just leave that for you guys to experience yourself but it’s definitely a must. At all times the staff made safety a priority which is a A plus in my book . I also loved that we got a chance to visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica which gives off a total different side , we rented bikes and rode around the town like locals it was a breathe of fresh air & exhilarating . Rafael also made sure we indulged in extra activities like fruit tasting we taste tested different fruits & we even stopped by a local Costa Ricans home where he welcomed us in and spoke on a few subjects regarding the culture and we all took shots together that he made and it was super smooth to taste and I’m not even a take shot kind of girl .

I highly recommend booking with Pacuare it’s a 10 out of 10 for me !

Pura Vida my friends

We didn’t want to leave! Ivan and Luis took impeccable care of us from start to finish. They are funny and smart and so talented at being not only gracious hosts, but their rafting expertise left us feeling safe and exhilarated. We had so much fun!! Also much thanks to Diego, Fernando, Enrique and Arianna and crew for making our experience perfect. Zip line through the jungle was breathtaking. We highly recommend this adventure and can’t to return with our family. Truly Pura Vida!!

We put together a custom itinerary and were treated to an exceptional week of kayaking and hospitality! Luigi and Cookie made sure our days on the river were fun and taught us so much about the environment and history of Costa Rica. Marissa put together beautiful meals every night at Toms house and the crew at the lodge made an evening we are not soon to forget! Shaq and Rocky made sure we did not go unsnuggled. Thanks to Tom for putting together such an outstanding group of people to ensure our first Costa Rican experience was PERFECT!! We can’t wait to come back!

Every other review is right - this is a truly unmissable experience. Our guides Max and Enrique were amazing, the lodges and food were perfect, and every activity surpassed the last for wonder and excitement. 5 stars, will recommend to anyone who asks!

This was an amazing experience. The guides were awesome. The food was great. Fantastic way to experience how beautiful Costa Rica is. I would definitely recommend.

Amazing place great people so much fun

Absolutely stunning in every way! This is my paradise! Best people, best experience, even saw a sloth!

Espectacular hotel y personal. Una experiencia única en mitad de la naturaleza y desconectando de verdad de todo. Arturo y Andrés unos cracks! Gracias por hacernos disfrutar tanto Guille&Thais

La experiencia en el raftingo fue increible, los guias son super experimentados y hacen el dia muy ameno, lo recomiendo muchisimo, lo haria de nuevo!