Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero - Grupo Pachira
Set in the wilds of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, Pachira Lodge offers a true wilderness and eco-lodge experience. The lodge rests on the main Tortuguero Canal, across from the village and only five minutes from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. Guests of the lodge can expect rustic, eco-friendly accommodations, a remote jungle setting, and excellent customer service. Hotel amenities include tropical gardens and nature trails, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, and WiFi in some public areas.
Tortuguero is one of the most remote destinations in Costa Rica. It is only accessible by boat or domestic flight, which is a great thing as forests, flora, and fauna remain protected and fairly undisturbed. The famous Tortuguero Canals cut through the jungle, making boat transfers the only viable option for getting around. The town of Tortuguero (across the main canal from the lodge) rests on a peninsula between the main canal and the Caribbean Sea. Sea turtles nest on the town's beach from the end of July until the beginning of October. Tortuguero National Park is the main attraction in the region, encompassing most of the surrounding area. Countless species of exotic and rare flora and fauna can be found here. All visitors to the region must pay the entrance fee to the national park, which is $17 per adult, $5 per child between the ages of 5 - 11, and free for children 4 years or less. The entrance fee must be paid in person upon arrival to Tortuguero and is not included in your stay at the lodge.
Getting to Tortuguero is interesting. No matter where you are coming from, you will have to take an approximately one-hour-long boat ride (25-pound weight limit) to the lodge, and before that, you will likely have to drive several hours to reach the boat dock. Once you arrive, the lodge will provide you with a refreshing welcome cocktail and a buffet style lunch. After eating, you will be brought to the village of Tortuguero for a brief tour of the town and also to the Green Turtle Museum (museum contribution is not included). A buffet dinner will be served when you return to the lodge.
If you select the two-night package, you will be provided with a riverboat tour through the Tortuguero Canals on your full day at the lodge. This is a wonderful way to spot wildlife as a bilingual naturalist guide will accompany you. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and crocodiles are among the many animals that are commonly spotted on this tour, so don't forget your camera! You will also have the opportunity to hike the lodge's trails through the rainforest, which is frequented by many animals. Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided. Note that none of what is described in this paragraph is available if you select the one-night package.
Aside from the nature tours and lodge activities, just hanging out at Pachira Lodge can be fun or relaxing. Guests can cool off in the lodge's turtle shaped swimming or enjoy a tropical cocktail in the lounge area. For an additional fee, you can indulge in a massage or treatment at the lodge's spa. Optional tour as turtle nesting observation (only available from mid-March through mid-October when turtles are nesting) can also be purchased from the lodge for an additional fee.
The 88 no-frills guestrooms at Pachira Lodge are what one would expect at a remote eco-lodge. The rooms provide the basic necessities including a bed (or beds), private bathroom with (semi) hot water, and a ceiling fan. Note that no other amenities should be expected. There is no television and no air-conditioning (and it's hot in Tortuguero!).
Departing the lodge is similar to arrival. You will have to take a boat ride out of the region and then ground transportation to your next destination. Again, the boat ride will take approximately one hour, and most other destinations will require several hours of driving.
NOTE: The order of tours and activities is subject to change at the lodge's discretion for a variety of reasons that are out of our control. For example, the lodge frequently exchanges the town tour and canal tour. We encourage you to inquire with the lodge at the time of arrival for absolute clarity.
Latitude: N 10° 32' 45.21"
Longitude: W 83° 30' 31.91"
