Costa Rica has been at the forefront of green tourism and eco-friendly travel, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and sustainability enthusiasts. Costa Rica’s eco-lodges range from working agricultural farms to modern solar-paneled buildings, volcano observatories, and quaint family homes. Whatever your travel style, staying in an eco-lodge is an essential part of visiting this beautiful region of Central America. These are some of the most amazing eco-lodges to stay at in Costa Rica.
Hotel Belmar, Monteverde
Hotel Belmar is set along the cloud forest mountain ranges, just three hours from San Jose. It’s an oasis for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies, offering a range of eco-friendly activities. Nestled in the Monteverde region, the award-winning upscale eco-focused hotel sits 4,600 feet above sea level, offers access to several scenic hiking trails, and is home to many endangered species for wildlife watching. Its guest rooms and suites feature charming alpine architecture with a Costa Rican twist, using hardwoods, boasting private terraces or balconies with stunning views of the cloud forest and the Nicoya Peninsula. Less than 10 minutes from the hotel, SAVIA is a 17-acre private reserve where small groups can enjoy thrilling eco-adventures such as zip lines, rappels, suspension bridges, hiking, and bird watching, visit sensorial gardens, and take a night tour.
Key Amenities:
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Access to several scenic hiking trails
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Home to a variety of endangered species
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Rooms and suites feature private terraces or balconies with cloud forest views
300 meters east of the gas station, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica— +506 2645 5201
Pacuare Lodge, Limón
Without a doubt, the Pacuare River is one of the best places to go whitewater rafting or kayaking in Central America. To see the wet and wild side of Costa Rica, travel the river to arrive at the Pacuare Lodge in the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range and considered to be one of the best jungle lodges in the world. There are cozy thatched-roof cabins at this lodge inspired by indigenous Cabécar architecture. Some of the best wildlife experiences in this area include hiking to view howler monkeys and riding horseback through the rainforest.
Key Amenities:
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Cozy thatched roof cabins inspired by indigenous Cabécar architecture
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Unique arrival experience via white water rafting
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Farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant
Lapa Rios Lodge, Puerto Jiménez
One of the top hotels in Central America, Lapa Rios Lodge is a luxurious Costa Rican retreat with top-notch service, a local atmosphere, and delicious international cuisine. This resort has won numerous awards for being the most spectacular eco-resort in the country, thanks to its spacious cabins, sophisticated décor, and locally-sourced meals. Although this resort has a higher price tag than some others in the area, it’s a great pick for luxury travelers who want to take yoga classes, get a massage, and go horseback riding. This is also a great area to view monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws.
Key Amenities:
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Included activities like interpretive hikes, birdwatching walks, and sustainability tours
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Three a-la-carte multi-course meals included daily
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Located within a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve teeming with monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws
Puntarenas Province, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica— +1 800-963-1195
Bosque Del Cabo Rainforest Lodge, Puerto Jiménez
Wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with Bosque Del Cabo Rainforest Lodge because this is the place where the Costa Rican rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. It is not uncommon for visitors to see macaws, parrots, monkeys, jungle cats, and sloths while staying in this area. The thatched bungalows are solar-powered, and there are also a couple of houses along the Cabo Matapalo bluff to stay in. This owner-operated hotel opened for business in 1990 and is dedicated to forest preservation and species diversity.
Key Amenities:
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Solar-powered bungalows and houses perched atop cliffs
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Hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, natural pools, and abundant wildlife
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Eco-friendly pool with lounge chairs and a bar
9PQ2+JP7, Puntarenas Province, Puerto Jiménez, 60702, Costa Rica— +506 2735 5206
Selva Bananito, Cahuita
The Selva Bananito Lodge is one of the few eco-lodges that has direct access to the lowland rainforests in the southern Caribbean. It’s located south of Limón in the Talamanca Mountains and is refreshingly rustic. Although there’s no electricity here, there are plenty of activities to do and ways to reconnect with nature. Guests have the opportunity to go horseback riding through the rainforest, climb up ceiba trees, rappel down waterfalls, hike along rivers, and go bird watching along the beaches.
Key Amenities:
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Access to activities like horseback riding, waterfall rappelling, and river hikes
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Accommodation in luxurious, yet rustic, cabins with balconies and solar-heated showers
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Located on a private reserve in an important buffer zone to the International Park La Amistad
Cahuita, Limón Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, 70403, Costa Rica— +506 2253 8118
Almonds & Corals Hotel, Puerto Viejo
Almonds & Corals Hotel is an excellent accommodation choice for glamping enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice luxury for pristine natural beauty. You can stay in a comfortable bungalow on this forest property that also has a restaurant and beach access. It has lots of local flavor and safari-style décor. Each unit has beds enclosed in mosquito netting, hammocks, electric lights, and hot water. It’s a perfect blend of Caribbean coast luxury and back-to-nature seclusion.
Key Amenities:
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Accommodation in bungalows with mosquito nets, hammocks, and hot water
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Beachfront with easy beach access
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On-site restaurant with locally-inspired fusion cuisine
2KM Antes de Manzanillo, Limón, Manzanillo, Costa Rica— +506 2271 3000
Anamaya, Montezuma
Yoga is more than just a passing trend in Costa Rica’s eco-lodge communities; it’s a way of life! Located in Montezuma, the Anamaya features surfing, organic food, an infinity pool, a spa, ocean views, and of course, plenty of yoga classes. It is located on the edge of a cliff and naturally hidden by waterfalls and rainforests. There is a wide range of entertainment offered at this retreat, including occasional fire dancers and circus entertainers.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant with organic gourmet meals
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Access to a luxurious spa, yoga classes, and specialized workshops
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Infinity pool with ocean views
Anamaya Rd, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica— +1 415-830-6291
Tree House Lodge, Puerto Viejo
Many people have fond memories of spending time in treehouses as kids, so why not revisit that nostalgia and stay in an amazing tree house hotel as an adult? The Tree House Lodge is designed for up to six people. It’s located just behind Punta Uva Beach, south of Puerto Viejo in the Limón province. One of the best things to do in this area is to explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge by canoe with an indigenous guide. Another favorite pastime is simply lounging in the treehouse hammock and admiring the serene views of nature.
Key Amenities:
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Accommodation in beachfront bungalows
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Steps from Punta Uva Beach
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Yoga and fitness classes regularly
Margaritaville Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo
Located on the Playa Flamingo, Margaritaville Beach Resort is an eco-friendly beach resort on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. You’ll be surrounded by tall palm trees and lush mountain foliage as you enjoy a tranquil environment and attentive staff service. The romantic rooms here are equipped with all the modern and luxurious amenities, and there are even specialty family suites making this a good option for those seeking a family-friendly Costa Rica resort. There’s a swim-up bar at the outdoor pool and a lavish on-site spa as well. Dine at one of the multiple on-site restaurants serving local specialties, then sign up for whitewater rafting, zip lining, or scuba diving adventures.
Key Amenities:
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Modern rooms and suites equipped with luxury amenities
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Lavish spa on-site
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Outdoor pool with a swim-up bar
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Multiple dining options serving local cuisine
Playa Flamingo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 50308, Costa Rica— +506 2654 4444
Hotel San Bada, Manuel Antonio National Park
Hotel San Bada is located in the Manuel Antonio area in Costa Rica’s Pacific region. This is a wonderful place to stay if you’d like to explore the forest areas and dramatic waterfalls on foot and horseback. Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, is practically in your backyard when you stay at this hotel which features private furnished balconies with garden and ocean views. Sample traditional cuisine at the Congo Restaurant or grab a cocktail at the Perezoso Snack Bar located in the adults-only pool area of the hotel.
Key Amenities:
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Rooms feature private furnished balconies with garden and ocean views
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On-site restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine
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Adults-only pool with a cocktail bar
Finca Luna Nueva, Fortuna
Finca Luna Nueva takes eco-tourism one step further by offering guests the opportunity to stay on its working organic herbal farm. Situated on 77 square miles of conservation area and rainforest near Arenal Volcano, this is a great pick for budget travelers also. There’s an observation tower to climb and snap a few pictures of the volcano, as well as guided walking and horseback riding tours available. This is a lovely place to relax and unwind, especially in the spring-fed swimming pool and over a traditional Costa Rican dinner.
Key Amenities:
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Home to an observation tower with volcano views
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Guided walking and horseback riding tours available
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Spring-fed swimming pool
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On-site restaurant with a menu of traditional Costa Rican cuisine
Hotel Villas Vista Arenal, La Fortuna
Located on the edge of the touristy La Fortuna area, Hotel Villas Vista Arenal is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers who want to be close to the area’s top attractions. You can start each morning with a complimentary traditional Costa Rica breakfast outside on the patio and then walk into town to book tours, explore local markets, and see the local sights. Enjoy beautiful views of the Arenal Volcano through lush flora and fauna from quaint private cabins. The staff is very friendly and offers great advice about which tour experiences are worth your while.
Key Amenities:
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Complimentary Costa Rican breakfast daily on the outdoor patio
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Accommodation in private cabins with views of the Arenal Volcano
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Outdoor pool overlooking the volcano
