Fortunately, from the moment the Böëna staff picked us up in San José, we were already breathing in “adventure mode.” To begin with, our driver was not just a driver, but an expert who knew every detail about the tours. And if there was something he didn’t know, he quickly checked with his colleagues. The journey to the riverbank turned out to be very entertaining.

Since my wife wasn’t about to miss arriving at the lodge by rafting, I left her at the riverbank to board the raft and decided to take the 4x4 road instead. I must say that I still don’t know which arrival is more exciting, because the road is so rugged and full of curves that the vehicle moves as much—or perhaps even more—than the raft navigating the river.

By the time we met again at Pacuare Lodge, she had already fallen in love with the place. And honestly, it was even more impressive than we had imagined.

Luxury That Connects You to the Rainforest

First of all, it is the complete opposite of the ostentatious, empty luxury you often find in a typical five-star hotel “without a soul.” It’s exactly the reverse. From the restaurant to the guest rooms, the concept is the same. It’s as if everything were telling you: “Hey, you’re in the rainforest! Yes, you’re going to have an incredible time, you’ll enjoy every comfort—but you didn’t come here to isolate yourself from nature. You came here to experience it like never before.”


The detail that caught our attention the most was that the restaurant was completely open. No glass walls or air-conditioned spaces separating us from the natural wonder surrounding us. The same goes for the room: the cool river breeze brushes against you while you take a bath, and afterward you let yourself dry while sipping a tropical cocktail on your deck.

Adventure for Some, Relaxation for Others

Secondly, although you are deep in the heart of the rainforest and everything is open to nature, you still feel safe, protected, and comfortable. I’m not quite sure how they achieve it, but every space feels welcoming and invites you into a state of deep relaxation—especially after spending the day on intense adventures, discovering local culture, and walking along the very trails that Indigenous communities traced thousands of years ago.


We were particularly struck by a visiting family from another country who were not especially fond of adventure. Yet they were still thoroughly enjoying the pool, the spa, the river, the night tour around the property, and the many other activities available for guests who may not want (or may not be able) to venture deep into the jungle.

A Gourmet Surprise in the Middle of the Jungle

And thirdly—this deserves a chapter of its own—you can enjoy a gourmet experience you would never expect to find in such a remote place. The diversity of aromas, the complexity of the dishes, and the uniqueness of the menu are impossible to overlook.

Suffice it to say that by the second time we sat down at the restaurant, our most difficult dilemma was deciding which flavor of artisanal ice cream to choose for dessert, because every one we had tried was worthy of at least a Michelin star.

The Cherry on Top: A Commitment to Conservation

So, in a way, one can fall in love with Pacuare Lodge for many different reasons. But for me, above all the ones I’ve mentioned, one stood out as the cherry on top: discovering this visionary hotel group’s commitment to preserving forever the natural beauty of the rainforest that surrounds them.

Their sustainability standards, their participation in research projects aimed at protecting endangered species, their close relationship with Indigenous communities, and many other initiatives convinced me that it is indeed possible to offer the highest level of hospitality, exceed the expectations of the most discerning travelers, and at the same time maintain a sincere commitment to both community and environment.


My final rating: 10 out of 10.
But my wife—who found something to do every single minute of our stay—gave it 20 out of 10.

Jaime Gamboa