Rios Tropicales Lodge
Immersed in the virgin rainforest and hidden along the Pacuare River, the Rios Tropicales Lodge has two ways in and out: hiking and whitewater rafting. Depending on the water level, rafting tours last 3 to 5 hours and follow the river through 18 miles of class II to IV rapids. There are 1, 2 and 3 day tours offered with lodging available for the 2 day and 3 day tours.
read more closeThe Lodge
Built on the hillsides surrounded by laurel, mahogany and cedar trees, light filters through the canopy onto the wood-cabin-style lodging. Approximately 30 rooms overlook the riverbanks (some more than others, the deluxe suite is the best), from where guests can listen to the gentle sounds of the flowing river; a pleasant way to fall asleep. The rooms are simply designed with comfortable beds, hot showers and screen windows. Besides the accommodations, there's a gazebo with hammocks with a view of the river and a large, open air communal kitchen/dining room/hangout where food and drinks are served. For 2 and 3-day tours, breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided—veggie tacos, marinated chicken and rice, sandwiches and banana pancakes are some of what's served.
Promoting itself as eco-friendly, the lodge goes a long way to minimize its environmental impact recycling all its garbage, composting the food waste, picking up trash in the river, teaching local children about conservation and purchasing nearly 2000 acres of protected land around the lodge.
Tours
From the lodge, there are a few different tours available. Included in the 2-day package is a zip-line tour with 4 lines; the longest is nearly 400 feet with views of the river. Additionally, Rios Tropicales offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding and a canyoning/zip lining tour with a zip line that extends across the river.
Best Times to Visit
For travelers looking for the best rafting experience, the paramount time to go is early in November before the heavy rains start and while when the water level is high. January to March are the best months in the dry season to visit (before the Rainforest really dries out), while the latter summer months of June through August bring high numbers of students to raft on the Pacuare.
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