Pacuare Lodge
New source-backed details (1)
Added 16 October 2026. Brand statements are attributed; these details do not establish a new score.
- Brand Name
- Pacuare Lodge
Source · 2026-10-13T16:23:10.829532+00:00Welcome to Pacuare Lodge One river. One rainforest. One purpose.
A 20 bungalow river lodge inside a 340 hectare private reserve, powered by its own hydro turbines and solar panels and home to a jaguar camera trap study.
Google reviews
Google rating · 4.8/5 · 224 reviews
Stored Google rating; this is separate from the Accommodation Eco Score or Throne Score. The current Google rating may have changed.
Read reviews on Google MapsAbout Pacuare Lodge
Environmental evidence and weighted assessment
4.2/5 Accommodation Eco Score · Evidence coverage 100% · Evidenced performance 80%
Green flags
- Nature, biodiversity and regeneration, level 4/4.
The lodge protects a 340 hectare reserve and since 2009 has supported a National University jaguar study whose camera traps have recorded 18 large mammal species and five individual jaguars.
Source · 2026-10-29 · Corroborating source - Energy and climate, level 4/4.
All the lodge's electricity comes from its own 3 hydroelectric turbines and 204 solar panels with battery storage, and electric golf carts run on it (sustainability page, 2026).
Source · 2026-10-29 - Water, level 3/4.
Suites use solar heated water, wastewater goes through septic treatment to protect the river, soaps are biodegradable and staff run creek clean-ups.
Source · 2026-10-29 - Waste and plastic, level 3/4.
Organic and inorganic waste are separated, organics are composted and solid waste goes to the local recycling centre; guests are asked to use reusable bottles.
Source · 2026-10-29 - Buildings, heritage reuse and land use, level 3/4.
No trees were cut for construction, timber comes from a smallholder reforestation project and the architecture follows Cabécar Indigenous design.
Source · 2026-10-29 · Corroborating source
| Pillar | Weight | Level and what it means | Contribution | Evidence, quote and source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature, biodiversity and regeneration | 30% | 4/4 · Legal protection such as a reserve or conservation easement, or measured outcomes published with dates and figures (hectares restored, species monitored, nests or hatchlings counted) | 30 / 30 points | The lodge protects a 340 hectare reserve and since 2009 has supported a National University jaguar study whose camera traps have recorded 18 large mammal species and five individual jaguars. Source · 2026-10-29 · Corroborating source |
| Energy and climate | 15% | 4/4 · Measured and published, with at least 50% of electricity from on site or directly supplied renewables, or under 88 kWh per occupied room (better than three quarters of Caribbean resorts, Cornell CHSB 2023), or a verified off grid renewable supply. Offsets and certificates earn nothing | 15 / 15 points | All the lodge's electricity comes from its own 3 hydroelectric turbines and 204 solar panels with battery storage, and electric golf carts run on it (sustainability page, 2026). Source · 2026-10-29 |
| Water | 10% | 3/4 · Several systems, such as rain harvesting plus wastewater treatment and reuse plus low flow fittings | 7.5 / 10 points | Suites use solar heated water, wastewater goes through septic treatment to protect the river, soaps are biodegradable and staff run creek clean-ups. Source · 2026-10-29 |
| Waste and plastic | 10% | 3/4 · Composting plus recycling plus no single use plastic in rooms and food service | 7.5 / 10 points | Organic and inorganic waste are separated, organics are composted and solid waste goes to the local recycling centre; guests are asked to use reusable bottles. Source · 2026-10-29 |
| Food, farming and sourcing | 15% | 2/4 · A named own garden or named local farms supply part of the menu | 7.5 / 15 points | Eggs, chicken, cheese, proteins and fresh produce are sourced from nearby communities, and the menu features traditional Costa Rican dishes. Source · 2026-10-29 |
| Buildings, heritage reuse and land use | 15% | 3/4 · Several practices, such as reuse of existing structures, local natural materials, passive design and a small footprint on the land | 11.25 / 15 points | No trees were cut for construction, timber comes from a smallholder reforestation project and the architecture follows Cabécar Indigenous design. Source · 2026-10-29 · Corroborating source |
| Measurement, transparency and certification | 5% | 1/4 · General commitments without specifics or results | 1.25 / 5 points | The lodge states it received CST Elite from the ICT in 2024 and is a Fellow Member of The Long Run, but it is not listed in the official ICT CST directory (checked 30 October 2026), so this counts as a claim only. Source · 2026-10-29 |
Throne Standard for stays 2.2. Accommodation Eco Score weights: Nature, biodiversity and regeneration 30%, Energy and climate 15%, Water 10%, Waste and plastic 10%, Food, farming and sourcing 15%, Buildings, heritage reuse and land use 15%, Measurement, transparency and certification 5%. Each pillar earns its weight times its level divided by four. The score is 1 plus 4 times the evidenced performance, shown to one decimal, so 0% is 1.0 and 100% is 5.0. A pillar the stay does not disclose, after we read its own pages, counts as 0 and is shown as Not disclosed, with every page we read linked, because silence is an answer too. Every finding quotes its source word for word. Below 85% coverage, below 70% performance, or with less than half the weight at level 2 or above, the score is held under the next whole number (3.4 or 2.4). A 5.0 band needs 90% coverage and performance, level 4 evidence on half the weight and the key pillar at level 3 or above. Green flags are pillars at level 3 or 4. Every level can be earned from public, dated evidence; no score requires a visit. Evidence must be rechecked within two years. Guest travel is not scored; everyone gets there how they can.
Purity, what touches your body
2.9/5 Purity Score · Evidence coverage 100% · Evidenced performance 46.3%
Green flags
- Water you drink and bathe in, level 3/4.
The about page says the lodge tap water comes from an uncontaminated mountain spring and is periodically tested. Treatment and published test results are not described.
“Yes, our tap water comes from an uncontaminated mountain spring and is periodically tested.”
Source · 2026-11-03 - Food on your plate, level 3/4.
The culinary page says most produce comes from the lodge's own organic farm and that a plant based menu is offered for lunch, dinner and dessert.
“Most produce comes from our own farm on the Turrialba Volcano slopes, complemented by free-range meats and dairy.”
Source · 2026-11-03
| Pillar | Weight | Level and what it means | Contribution | Evidence, quote and source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water you drink and bathe in | 25% | 3/4 · The stay's own natural source (spring, river, well or rain) for drinking and bathing, treated without chlorine | 18.75 / 25 points | The about page says the lodge tap water comes from an uncontaminated mountain spring and is periodically tested. Treatment and published test results are not described. “Yes, our tap water comes from an uncontaminated mountain spring and is periodically tested.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Food on your plate | 20% | 3/4 · Most meals from the stay's own unsprayed land or named organic farms, with a full plant based menu | 15 / 20 points | The culinary page says most produce comes from the lodge's own organic farm and that a plant based menu is offered for lunch, dinner and dessert. “Most produce comes from our own farm on the Turrialba Volcano slopes, complemented by free-range meats and dairy.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Grounds and pest control | 15% | 0/4 · Not disclosed on the stay's own pages | 0 / 15 points | Not disclosed on the stay's own pages, checked 2026-11-03. Page read · 2026-11-03 · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read |
| Cleaning, laundry and fragrance | 15% | 1/4 · Claim only, such as eco friendly products | 3.75 / 15 points | The sustainability page says the lodge uses biodegradable soaps and efficient laundry systems without naming products. “We use biodegradable soaps and efficient laundry systems.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Linen, towels and mattresses | 10% | 2/4 · Cotton or linen sheets named | 5 / 10 points | The garden suites page names Egyptian cotton linens on the beds. “king bed with Italian Supina Egyptian cotton linens and a superior Beautyrest mattress” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Air and quiet | 10% | 1/4 · Claim only | 2.5 / 10 points | The FAQ says all facilities are non smoking. Natural ventilation and surroundings are not described. “all facilities at Pacuare Lodge, including bungalows, the main lodge, and the deck, are non-smoking.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Pool and bathing water | 5% | 1/4 · Claim only | 1.25 / 5 points | The Linda Vista Villas page says the villas have a spring fed stone plunge pool, with no treatment method described. “Spring-fed stone plunge pool with sundeck.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
Throne Standard for stays 2.2. Purity Score weights: Water you drink and bathe in 25%, Food on your plate 20%, Grounds and pest control 15%, Cleaning, laundry and fragrance 15%, Linen, towels and mattresses 10%, Air and quiet 10%, Pool and bathing water 5%. Each pillar earns its weight times its level divided by four. The score is 1 plus 4 times the evidenced performance, shown to one decimal, so 0% is 1.0 and 100% is 5.0. A pillar the stay does not disclose, after we read its own pages, counts as 0 and is shown as Not disclosed, with every page we read linked, because silence is an answer too. Every finding quotes its source word for word. Below 85% coverage, below 70% performance, or with less than half the weight at level 2 or above, the score is held under the next whole number (3.4 or 2.4). A 5.0 band needs 90% coverage and performance, level 4 evidence on half the weight and the key pillar at level 3 or above. Green flags are pillars at level 3 or 4. Every level can be earned from public, dated evidence; no score requires a visit. Evidence must be rechecked within two years.
People, ownership, work and community
2.7/5 People Score · Evidence coverage 100% · Evidenced performance 42.5%
Green flags
- Community benefit, level 3/4.
The page lists several programmes including a school emergency system, a cable car for locals and a soccer school, and names local makers such as women leaders from Tirrases who make laundry bags.
“artisan items like hand-made laundry bags crafted by women leaders from the Tirrases community.”
Source · 2026-11-03 - Culture and heritage, level 3/4.
The page describes a Cabécar culture programme with the Nairi Awari group, including resources for their art and techniques, lodge jobs and a ranch built by local clan members.
“We support the Nairi Awari Indigenous group by providing resources for preserving their art and techniques.”
Source · 2026-11-03
| Pillar | Weight | Level and what it means | Contribution | Evidence, quote and source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership and control | 30% | 1/4 · Ownership stated without detail | 7.5 / 30 points | The lodge describes itself as part of Böëna Lodges, a Costa Rican tour operator founded in 1986, without detail on who holds ownership. “Founded in 1986, we are one of Costa Rica’s most respected tour operators.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Local work and fair pay | 25% | 2/4 · A stated share of staff from the island or nearby communities | 12.5 / 25 points | The sustainability page says most staff come from nearby communities including the Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve. “Most Pacuare Lodge staff come from nearby communities such as Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve, Bajos del Tigre, Linda Vista, and Santa Marta.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Community benefit | 20% | 3/4 · Several programmes plus named local suppliers and makers | 15 / 20 points | The page lists several programmes including a school emergency system, a cable car for locals and a soccer school, and names local makers such as women leaders from Tirrases who make laundry bags. “artisan items like hand-made laundry bags crafted by women leaders from the Tirrases community.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
| Access to beach and land | 15% | 0/4 · Not disclosed on the stay's own pages | 0 / 15 points | Not disclosed on the stay's own pages, checked 2026-11-03. Page read · 2026-11-03 · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read · Page read |
| Culture and heritage | 10% | 3/4 · Heritage conserved and interpreted with the community, makers paid | 7.5 / 10 points | The page describes a Cabécar culture programme with the Nairi Awari group, including resources for their art and techniques, lodge jobs and a ranch built by local clan members. “We support the Nairi Awari Indigenous group by providing resources for preserving their art and techniques.” Source · 2026-11-03 |
Throne Standard for stays 2.2. People Score weights: Ownership and control 30%, Local work and fair pay 25%, Community benefit 20%, Access to beach and land 15%, Culture and heritage 10%. Each pillar earns its weight times its level divided by four. The score is 1 plus 4 times the evidenced performance, shown to one decimal, so 0% is 1.0 and 100% is 5.0. A pillar the stay does not disclose, after we read its own pages, counts as 0 and is shown as Not disclosed, with every page we read linked, because silence is an answer too. Every finding quotes its source word for word. Below 85% coverage, below 70% performance, or with less than half the weight at level 2 or above, the score is held under the next whole number (3.4 or 2.4). A 5.0 band needs 90% coverage and performance, level 4 evidence on half the weight and the key pillar at level 3 or above. Green flags are pillars at level 3 or 4. Every level can be earned from public, dated evidence; no score requires a visit. Evidence must be rechecked within two years.
More accommodations
All accommodations
The summary and the instant check are free on every record, always. Members also get the results table item by item, the certificates as checked on each register, and information that has not yet been independently verified.
Collected research sources
These source pages were captured on 2026-10-02. Capturing a page does not establish a rating or verify its claims. Only the reviewed pillar evidence above earns assessment points. Missing findings remain unavailable.
Keep exploring
Provide the corrected finding and its source. Changes and ownership require independent review.
Report a correction