Pachira Lodge

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.

Best bits: Wildlife is all around you. So much to hear and see. Loved the spider monkeys. Excursion on the river and canals: so much wild life including basilisks, caimans, iguanas and an immense array of bird life Excursion to the volcanic look out : more wild life including howler monkeys and bats plus a great view of Tortugeuro. Guides are knowledgeable and engaging and with eagle eyes to spot wildlife. Pool area Less good: The rooms are not very private since the walls of your room don’t reach the ceiling so the other three adjoining rooms share the same roof space so you can hear your neighbours!

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.

the transfer was well organized and the guide, Elston Valentine, was very personable and informative. the breakfast on the way was delicious. the staff at the lodge were friendly and helpful throughout. the room was very clean and nice. what we were missing was the possibility to hang up towels and wet clothes (it rained a lot). unfortunately there was no place to put toothbrushes etc. in the bathroom. the excursions offered such as the hike, boat tour and the visit to the village were very nice. many thanks to our guide Fernando Quesada, who did an incredibly good job and was extremely personable. We could have listened to him for hours! There are lots of animals to see and the area around the lodge is really beautiful. our son also loved the pool. the food in the restaurant was good, but for me as a vegetarian the selection was unfortunately a bit poor. all in all a nice stay and absolutely recommendable