Rios Lodge is a sustainable award-winning eco-lodge set deep within Costa Rica’s rainforest in the province of Limón. Only accessible by river or via an easy hike along the riverbank, it offers a unique, off-the-grid experience powered entirely by a blend of solar and hydro energy from the creek flowing among the cabins.
Guests can enjoy a plethora of adventures, from rafting and zip-lining to canyoning and more, while staying at cozy wooden cabins that overlook the Pacuare River.
Rios Lodge protects almost 2,600 acres of primary rainforest. Its main mission is conservation, and it strives for sustainability to reduce environmental impact and support the local community. The Lodge aims to bring visitors closer to nature and teach them about conservation.
Rios Lodge is more than just a place to visit. It is a peaceful escape from technology and a way to get closer to nature. The internet is limited to the dining hall, so guests can truly relax and wake up to the sounds of the jungle and the river.
Their story
The inception of Rios Lodge is closely intertwined with the vision and passion of Rafael Gallo, a pioneer in eco-tourism and conservation in Costa Rica. Gallo co-founded Rios Tropicales, an adventure tour company, with a dream of protecting the natural environment while sharing its wonders with others.
Even after his passing, his legacy continues through the efforts of friends and family who rallied to preserve and continue his dream. Rios Lodge stands as a testament to Gallo’s vision, a place where adventure and conservation go hand in hand, supporting both the environment and the people of Costa Rica. Read more about them here.
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Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- All buildings are made of mostly reclaimed lumber, metal, and stones.
- All buildings are on stilts to ensure that the vegetation below remains undisturbed as much as possible.
- Since inception, Rios Lodge planted more than 30,000 native trees to counteract the deforestation previously done on this land and the adjacent private property.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Rios Lodge is 100% off-grid and uses the combination of solar and hydro power.
- Solar panels are placed on the roof the dining hall.
- While hydro generator uses the water from the creek flowing through the property.
- Cabins are covered by the rainforest canopy and there are only screens on the windows, so no ceiling fans or air conditioning are needed.
- They also use solar-powered motion-sensor trail lights to reduce electricity needs.
Pioneer in waste management
- The Lodge committed to be 100% plastic-free.
- They collect all waste separately and recycle or compost as much as possible.
- Bath amenities are placed in each cabin in refillable bottles.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The Lodge is committed to use chemical-free cleaning products in the cabin.
- Washing has the highest electricity need, so they advise visitors to keep their towels until the end of their stay if possible.
Actively protects nature and community
- 90% of the staff is from this region of Costa Rica.
- All ingredients are purchased from local farmers to support the local economy.
- Rios Lodge reserved several awards for its rainforest conservation and reforestation actions among others the prestigious Costa Rica’s Blue Flag Ecological Program.
- The National Alliance of Rivers and Watersheds of Costa Rica even named an award after the founder called Rafael Gallo Palomo Award, for safeguarding the future.
Most Popular Activities at Rios Lodge
- Guided hiking trails
- Horseback riding
- Waterfall rappelling
- Zip-lining
- Canyoning
- Tubing
- Rafting
- Night walk
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Best time to visit Rios Lodge
- Dry season in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica starts around mid-December and lasts until mid-April. If you want to enjoy sunshine all day, visit between these dates.
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around, but it feel less during the hot dry season.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
- Rainy season means that the Pacuare River may be larger. Please check with the Lodge when it is possible to visit them.
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