Our Family Adventure Deep in the Jungle
When we first told our kids we’d be rafting into a jungle lodge in Costa Rica—with no Wi-Fi, no TV, and no phones—you can probably guess the reaction. Eye rolls. Mild panic. Confusion. But we knew something they didn’t: once they got there, they’d never want to leave.
We had five kids in our group, ages 9 to 14. We were headed to Ríos Lodge, a remote, off-the-grid ecolodge on the banks of the Pacuare River, only accessible by raft or foot. The journey in set the tone for the entire trip—class II and III rapids, just enough to get the adrenaline flowing without overwhelming anyone. The youngest kids had a blast as we splashed through the waves, while the older ones quickly took to paddling like seasoned river guides. (proud dad moment) The lush jungle closed in around us, waterfalls tumbled into the river, and toucans flew through the trees. By the time we pulled our rafts up to the stone steps of the lodge, everyone was grinning. We hadn’t even unpacked and already it was the highlight of the trip.
The Jungle Playground We Didn’t Know We Needed
Ríos Lodge doesn’t have internet in the rooms. It doesn’t have screens or video games or endless distractions. What it does have is a waterfall-fed swimming hole, jungle trampolines, cliff jumping, ziplines, and jungle trails that seem pulled from a storybook.
Our kids barely noticed the lack of screens. After a morning of ziplining back and forth over the Pacuare (yes, over the river on 900-foot lines), they raced to the lodge trampolines, challenged each other to rock-hop across the river shallows, then joined a naturalist-led hike to spot monkeys and blue morpho butterflies. In the evenings, we played Uno and listened to the rainforest come alive. The kids were exhausted from adventure —and completely happy.
That first night, our fourteen-year-old daughter looked up from her game of cards and said, “This is living life.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Somewhere between bouncing down a jungle trail and leaping off a rock into the river, our kids had unplugged from their usual world and plugged into something real. The gourmet meals and delicious deserts didn’t hurt either.
Choosing Our Own Adventure: Rafting Out or Hiking Out
The trip out of Ríos Lodge offered two options: raft the lower section of the Pacuare—famous for its intense class IV rapids—or hike out and take a cable cart across the river. Our older kids (12 and up) were ready for the big water, and they rafted out with wide eyes and wild cheers. For the younger three, hiking was the right choice.
But “hiking out” doesn’t mean missing out. The trail was lush and lively, winding through the rainforest with a local guide pointing out insects and plants along the way. The grand finale was a hand-pulled cable car that dangled above the river and swung gently as we crossed—a thrilling way to say goodbye to the jungle.
What We Brought Home (Besides Damp Clothes)
We came to Costa Rica for adventure, and we got it in spades. But what surprised us was how much we also got connection—not just with nature, but with each other. There’s something about sharing a wild place with your kids that brings you all closer together. You cheer each other on, you share moments of wonder, you unplug from the world and reconnect in a way that’s hard to find at home.
By the end of the trip, “pura vida” wasn’t just a phrase the kids picked up—it was something they understood. Slowing down, jumping in, soaking it all up. That’s the magic of Ríos Lodge.
Tips for Taking Kids to Ríos Lodge
Ages:
- The rafting trip into the lodge (class II–III) is great for kids 6+, and ours loved every second.
- The rafting out trip (class IV) is only suitable for kids 12+, but there’s always the option to hike out instead.
Packing List:
- Quick-dry clothes, water shoes or sandals with straps, lightweight rain jackets, and plenty of snacks for the little ones.
- Leave the screens behind—really. You won’t need them, and the kids won’t miss them.
- The lodge has cards and games. Uno was our go-to. But if you have a favorite bring it along.
Bonus Tips:
- Let the kids help plan the day. Give them the map. Ask what they want to explore. Zipline, nature hike, tubing, waterfall? Which one? Let them be part of the adventure—they’ll rise to the occasion.
- While in Turialba, before or after your Rios Lodge trip visit NORTICO for a memorable hands on chocolate tour.
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