The treasure of the Pacuare River
Milena Schroeder
May 05, 2023
The treasure of the Pacuare River
In Costa Rica, there has been a long and controversial debate surrounding the construction of a hydroelectric plant on the Pacuare River, one of the country's most important rivers in terms of biodiversity and tourism.

In the 1990s, there was controversy in Costa Rica over the construction of a hydroelectric plant on the Pacuare River. At the time, the project was known as the “Proyecto Hidroeléctrico Pacuare” and was being developed by the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). 

The project was criticized and opposed by environmental groups, indigenous communities and other sectors of civil society who argued that the construction of the dam would have a negative impact on the environment and the communities living in the area. 

Opposition to the project intensified in 1993, when the country’s indigenous movement called a national strike against the construction of the dam on the Pacuare River. The strike was followed by a series of demonstrations and protests throughout the country, and finally the Costa Rican government decided to suspend the project in 1995. 

Since then, the Pacuare River has been under special protection, and has become a major tourist and recreational destination in Costa Rica, known for its breathtaking natural scenery and activities such as rafting and kayaking. 

In Tropical Rivers we know that the treasure of this River is immeasurable and we want thousands of people to come and live adventures and relax in it, that’s why we are proud to be part of the companies that always take care of it.