Talamanca Mountain Range
Nature at Full Volume
The Pacuare River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world and we give tribute to its magic at Ave Sol River Sanctuary.
View Packages
The Pacuare River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world and we give tribute to its magic at Ave Sol River Sanctuary.
View PackagesWe are Ave Sol, a sustainable tourism destination on the banks of the breathtaking Pacuare River. Ave Sol River Sanctuary is a river lodge and nature reserve that offers simple and comfortable cabin accommodation in the heart of the Pacuare River basin. It is a precious, wild place where you can really experience nature at full volume.
As Ave Sol comes into view, rapids give way to a natural pool which has formed along a horseshoe shaped bend of the river. Our cabins rest high on the riverbank, greeted every morning by the songs of the native bird life and the flowing water. The view is unique (even among properties along this stretch of the river) encompassing panoramic extensions up and down-river, with the Turrialba volcano steaming in the distance and forest as far as the eye can see.
We engage specialized rafting operators to run our private tours. By far the most popular way to access Ave Sol is by rafting down the river, however for casual guests we can also be reached by road with a short walk and river crossing in a cable car. Please note that the access from the highway down to the river is a challenging 4WD gravel road.
Accessible only by river or cable car.
Powered by micro-hydro electricity.
Ave Sol was first constructed by hand, without electricity and using sustainably harvested wood from our land. Other construction materials such as the roof tops were crossed over the river on rafts. Most recently we have constructed a hydro electricity system and built additional private cabins and private bathrooms. We now also offer hot water showers.
The patronage of our guests allows us to continue the development of Ave Sol without damaging the finely balanced ecosystem. The presence of visitors is also a powerful deterrent against poachers, illegal logging and illegal dam construction; simply by your presence, enjoying the river and forest, you help us to keep it safe.
Ave Sol is part of the locally owned company Rie Rio Pacuare, with the main objective of protecting the Pacuare River basin's natural ecosystems... To achieve our goals we promote the implementation of various programs and environmental projects in four major work areas:
We are protecting 120 acres of mature rainforest in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, with the freely flowing Pacuare River at its heart.
Generating ecological data is a huge priority for the conservation of this important ecosystem. We provide facilities and support for these projects.
The Cabecar people have lived in Talamanca for thousands of years. We are proud to work with them to share their unique heritage with the world.
We want to provide a place where people can connect with the power and beauty of the forest, and explore their own relationship with nature.
From $350
A concentrated blast of adrenaline and nature. Stay overnight in the heart of the sanctuary with all-inclusive meals and rafting equipment.
From $450
Deepen your connection. Allow more time for rainforest hikes, jaguar corridor exploration, and absolute serenity between the rapids.
Age 12+ | All experience levels | Approx. 7 hours total river time
Alvaro Farias Garita, Founder
"From my early years growing up in Costa Rica, I was always in nature and began volunteering as a young adult with the National Parks Service. When I became a river guide in 1999, I was introduced to the Pacuare River for the first time and it was love at first sight. I rafted daily through the canyon, waterfalls and dense rainforest, knowing it was largely inaccessible via road and trails. I enjoyed every moment and felt that I needed to give something back."
"In 2004, when they started attempting to build a dam once again on the Pacuare, I decided to make this river part of my life and joined the community effort. We won some tough battles in order to protect this river and this challenge continues today. In 2007, the river itself guided me to Ave Sol. For years we had rafted by an abandoned cattle farm which had recovered into secondary forest. A 'for sale' sign had become a part of the landscape."
"What I was soon to discover was that the majority of this land was mature rainforest. In time I was able to purchase the property from the elderly owner, I was eager to begin to explore it further. I opened a thin trail using my machete and prepared for my first night on the land. With the company of a candle, I found a place to sleep in a very old, tiny shack that was the sole structure amidst the forest. As night began to fall, so did the rain. A storm quickly came over in full force, I could see the trees being pulled back and forth with the wind and it felt like the lightning would hit the shack. The roof leaked and I was awake all night soaking wet."
"But in the calm of the early morning, I was with a feeling of awe at having witnessed the full power of nature in this wild place. With the mist of the river reflecting dawn colours, the buzz of the forest and the peacefulness of bird song I felt a duty to keep this place pristine and share the feeling it inspires with many people. I believe that the more people come to know and love the Pacuare River and it's forest, the more strength we gain to care for it, to see it always flowing - powerful and free."
TripAdvisor Excellence
"Disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with nature was so easy here. The rafting to get there is thrilling, but the real magic is sitting on the cabin deck listening to the jungle. Alvaro and his team are incredible hosts who clearly love this river."
Michael T.
Stayed Oct 2023
"This isn't your standard luxury resort—it's something much better. It's raw, authentic, and truly sustainable. Sleeping to the sound of the rapids and waking up to toucans flying overhead is an experience I will never forget. True immersion."
Sarah J.
Stayed Jan 2024
"We did the 3-day rafting package. The amount of wildlife we saw was staggering. The food was excellent, considering how remote we were. Alvaro's passion for conservation is contagious. Highly recommend the hike to see the poison dart frogs."
David & Emma
Stayed Nov 2023
"An absolutely magical place. The cabins are beautifully crafted and merge perfectly with the jungle. Waking up to the sounds of the Pacuare River is something I'll never forget. Alvaro's dedication to conservation is inspiring."
John D.
2 months ago
"We arrived via rafting and it was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. The food is fantastic, the guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and the property is pristine. No cell service means total relaxation. Pure bliss."
Amanda R.
5 months ago
"If you want a true off-the-grid experience, this is it. It’s rustic but very comfortable. We loved the hike to the waterfall and seeing so many toucans right from our balcony. Unbelievably peaceful."
Mark S.
a year ago
Our lodge is remote, rustic and blends into the surrounding wilderness. We are located along a horseshoe bend of the Pacuare, nestled between the river and the Turrialba Volcano. Access via Tres Equis or Siquirres. Customized trips for private groups.