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Pachira Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Lovely waterside location
- Near Tortuguero National Park
- Great value for money
- Turtles, zip lining, kayaking, boat trips

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Overview

Pachira Lodge is a fairly large yet characterful waterside property surrounded by an expansive network of picturesque canals and lies just across the main canal from the town of Tortuguero in north eastern Costa Rica. The only way to arrive at this unique location, which absolutely teems with an abundance of flora and fauna, is by boat. The Tortuguero National Park, one of the area’s key attractions due to its diverse habitats and outstanding natural beauty, not to mention its large turtle populations, is just five minutes away from the lodge. Though it’s not the easiest of parks to reach, it’s the third most visited in all of Costa Rica. The hotel offers really good value for money and is set right into the heart of the forest amidst the waterways; there’s a plethora of wildlife from colourful birds to tree frogs, iguanas and monkeys right on the lodge’s door step along with a whole host of water and land-based excursions to enjoy.

There are 94 rooms ranging from singles and doubles to triples. Rooms are fairly simple, yet spacious and comfortable and there’s no lack of modern convenience. The colourful décor contrasts with the wooden furnishings and all rooms are pristine and well presented. All come with an en-suite bathroom and although there’s no air conditioning due to the lodge’s sustainability policy, ceiling fans are provided, and hot water is readily available.

The restaurant serves buffet-style food and there’s a lovely swimming pool and spa. A wide choice of cuisine is served, including plenty of international favourites along with some local dishes to try. There’s also a bar that offers both alcoholic and soft drinks.

Some guided excursions are included in the stay, but note that admission to the Tortuguero National Park is an extra cost, although well worth the visit. Optional excursions include zip lining through the tree canopy along suspension bridges, a sunrise boat tour, a kayaking expedition aimed at nature enthusiasts and visits to a sea turtle nesting site during July to October.

Children of all ages are welcome – those under four years of age stay for free if sharing with 2 adults, and there’s a maximum of 2 children per room. Children aged 5 to 11 years of age pay a reduced rate and anyone over 12 will pay adult rates. There’s plenty for all age groups to enjoy in the area, and youngsters will no doubt enjoy splashing about in the quirky, turtle-shaped swimming pool. Parents are reminded that due to the lodge’s rural location and close proximity to the water, children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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