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Can one of the highest quality hotels in the world also be one of the most sustainable? The answer is yes. Pacuare Lodge, in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, is proof that hotels can offer world-class accommodations in the heart of the rainforest while being an excellent ally of local communities and the environment. For this reason, Pacuare Lodge was awarded our Making a Difference recognition this month.

Roberto Fernández, founder and general manager of Pacuare Lodge, tells us about the lodge's history and their ambitious efforts to become a global benchmark of sustainability.

Question: Where did you get the idea to create Pacuare Lodge?

Fernández: More than 25 years ago, tour companies were offering expeditions on the turbulent waters of the Pacuare River, but the trips were limited to one night of camping and two days on the river. The first time I rafted the river, I was so impressed by its scenic beauty and natural wealth that I decided to create the first rafting company that was purely Costa Rican, without any international corporate ownership.

Later came the idea of opening a high-quality lodge in this exceptional destination. We acquired a small property and embarked on the adventure of building in a place with challenging geographical conditions and no road access.

Q: What makes this area so special and unique?

Fernández: The Pacuare River and its surroundings represent one of the most valuable and beautiful ecosystems in the country! The river forms the northern boundary of Central America's largest cluster of protected areas, national parks, and indigenous and private reserves, and it is considered one of the top 10 rivers for rafting in the world.

Q: Pacuare Lodge has been featured in dozens of international publications and was named by National Geographic as one of the 25 best lodges in the world. What can tourists expect when they stay in one of the world's best lodges?

Fernández: They can expect a truly unique travel experience! To reach Pacuare Lodge, visitors must raft down a wild river of incomparable natural beauty winding through a stunning tropical rainforest. When they arrive, they will find a lodge built with care and attention to detail that is simple yet sophisticated and run by a team renowned for its authenticity, warmth, and passion. Our mission is to provide the best in everything we do.

Q: Can you name three of the top experiences for tourists at Pacuare Lodge?

Fernández:: First is the journey there: venturing down one of the world's most scenic rivers by raft to reach Pacuare Lodge. Then, the stay at the lodge is an experience in itself. Our facilities are magnificently designed and decorated in the middle of a jungle that is beyond description.

Finally, do not miss having dinner in "the nest," a platform set 65 feet high in a kapok (ceiba) tree that offers wonderful views of the rainforest canopy. Your evening is completed with a meal that has been recognized for its quality and innovation.

Q: The UNWTO also named Pacuare Lodge as an example of sustainability in the world. What has your hotel done to earn this recognition?

Fernández: We strive to have a positive impact on the environment and on social and cultural issues. We began with a property of only 35 acres, and now we have 840 acres of forest that we are protecting. We support conservation projects like a jaguar monitoring program on our property.

Since our beginning, we've actively involved local communities so that our work would benefit them directly. Today, 100% of the lodge's workforce comes from the Nairi Awari indigenous reserve and the nearby communities of Santa Marta, Linda Vista, Turrialba, and Bajo del Tigre.

We are also very proud of our environmental education program in the schools of eight communities near the Pacuare River basin. Some 800 children have seen environmental education presentations given by our staff on topics such as ecosystem stewardship, proper use of water, and waste management. We've also established collection centers for waste management and disposal, a program for reforestation of native species, and projects for painting murals and maintaining infrastructure.

Q: How have these efforts influenced community development?

Fernández: The first person we hired was a resident of the nearby community of Bajo del Tigre, and he was the most well-known hunter in the area. We hoped that providing local employment opportunities in nature tourism and giving environmental presentations would promote a different attitude towards conservation in the community.

Well, our first employee went from being a poacher to a protector of the environment! He set an example that was crucial in getting other residents of the area to change some of their deeply rooted bad practices. Hunting in the area has dropped considerably because students take the message about caring for wildlife home to their parents.

Providing local employment has had other benefits: according to a socioeconomic survey of the community, 67% of the local population employed in the tourism industry works for Pacuare Lodge, where they earn fair wages, full social security benefits, and constant training. We also support small businesses in the community by purchasing food, candles, tours, , photography, and other tourist services.

Q: Many initiatives for conservation and sustainability – such as acquiring 840 acres of forest for protection – represent major investments. How do these investments benefit the hotel?

Fernández:: We don't think about how acquiring more land for conservation or developing programs for jaguars, howler monkeys, or environmental education will benefit us. Our aim with these investments is to return a little of what we receive to the community. We embrace this commitment with joy and enthusiasm. We are motivated because we can see how our contributions promote positive cultural changes.

Q: What is your number one recommendation to other hotels that are starting down the path to sustainability?

Fernández: Everything starts at home! Sustainability is a lifestyle; it is not a fad or a strategy for self-promotion, is something that you believe in and live, through specific actions. Those who decide to take this path must be convinced that sustainability is an essential part of life.

Q: How can guests get involved in your efforts for sustainability?

Fernández: They can donate digital cameras to the jaguar program, provide educational materials or sporting goods for local children, or make specific donations to nearby schools and community projects.

Q: What plans does the Pacuare Lodge have to remain one of the best and most sustainable hotels in the world?

Fernández: We will engage in continuous innovation, facilitate training for employees, and work closely with neighboring communities. We know that staying current and being better each day is a constant challenge that requires investing time and resources, but that's what excites us!

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