Apart from its rich cultural diversity and beautiful landscape, Costa Rica is famous for its great selection of luxury eco-lodges. The best ecolodges in Costa Rica keep to strict ecological standards and place great importance on sustainability in their operations. The best part is, guests can support Costa Rica’s eco tourism efforts without compromising on luxury, comfort, or safety.
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If your aim is to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, breathe in fresh air, and be part of sustainable, eco-friendly practices, skip the luxury hotel and stay at a Costa Rican eco-lodge instead.
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Here are some of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica to get that one-of-a-kind experience!
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Best Eco Lodges In Costa Rica
1. Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula
Location: Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Rates: Nightly rates start at $575 with all-inclusive packages starting at $1,148 per night for dual occupancy.
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
An eco lodge built within a private nature reserve along the Pacific Ocean, Lapa Rios in Cabo Matapalo has an undeniable natural allure. Its excellent location and world-class service make it one of the most beautiful eco lodges in Costa Rica. The eco lodge has bungalows that overlook the ocean and are built with an open-air effect that makes you feel at one with nature. Lapa Rios offers close access to Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay, making it an excellent choice if you want to explore the remote Osa Peninsula region.
Their natural pool is salt-based and offers excellent views of the surrounding scenery. Lapa Rios takes environmental conservation seriously. They demonstrate this by educating guests about the rainforest and the local culture in Osa Peninsula. They also engage guests in a reforestation program by planting a seedling.
Lapa Rios Lodge employs over 60 proudly Costa Rican staff members and is CST-certified. They have a level 4 sustainability rating and are considered a model ecotourism project by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). They offer bungalows and villas by the night or as part of an all-inclusive package to explore Puerto Jimenez.
This eco lodge is part of the Böëna Wilderness Lodges, a collection of four impressive eco hotels in some of the wildest parts of Costa Rica. Its counterparts include Monteverde Lodge in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuga Lodge on the Caribbean Coast, and Pacuare Lodge along the banks of Pacuare River.
For similar stays within Osa Peninsula, we also recommend this luxury eco lodge. La Leona Eco Lodge sits right by Corcovado National Park. It’s one of the best luxury eco lodges in Costa Rica and also operates with sustainable practices to keep the forest untouched and thriving.
READ NEXT: Things to do in Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
2. Pacuare Lodge
Location: Turrialba, Bajo Tigre, Costa Rica
Rates: Starts at $1,189 per night for two
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Adventure is at the heart of any stay at Pacuare Lodge. This stunning luxury eco lodge is the birthplace of the Böëna Wilderness Lodges collection.
What makes Pacuare Lodge unique is, hands down, its unforgettable remote location. The eco lodge takes the “tropical rainforest hideaway” to the next level, where the preferred mode of transportation is via raft! Before arriving at the fabulous eco lodge, guests first float through the Pacuare River, considered by experts to be one of the world’s top whitewater rivers. If river rafting isn’t your thing, don’t worry; alternative travel options include a 4×4 or helicopter.
The eco lodge has different suite categories to choose from. There’s the honeymoon suite that’s ideal for couples and the larger villas for families and groups. The interiors are simple yet elegant, providing luxury without getting in the way of the natural ambiance. All rooms come with private bathrooms and outdoor showers, expansive open areas, hardwood furniture, and perfectly soft linen, pillows, towels, and bathrobes.
Once you’re all checked in, there are 8 different onsite experiences you can try: the Canopy Tour, Tropical Canyoning Tour, Bird-Watching, Cabecar Indigenous Hike, Ancient Trail and Hidden Waterfall Hike, Rural Experience, and The Loop Sustainability Tours. After a long day of outdoor adventure, relax at the eco lodge’s serene spa or book a table at their highly-regarded restaurant. Their chefs serve a wide range of dishes prepared with fresh farm ingredients harvested from their own organic farm.
On top of it all, their commitment to sustainable hospitality is amazing. The stunning structures at Pacuare Lodge were built with no trees cut down, and they continue to fulfill the promise of a luxurious rainforest stay with minimum impact on the river and the rainforest.
3. Harmony Hotel Nosara
Location: Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Rates: Start at USD $580/night for two
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
Located near the surf breaks of Playa Guiones, the Harmony is not only an impressive boutique hotel but also a renowned classic surfer destination. You might not expect it from a boutique hotel, but a stay here goes beyond your average vacation spot thanks to the hotel’s high regard for green, sustainable standards and eco-friendly practices. They received a five-leaf rating from Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism, and 85% of the hotel’s waste is recycled.
Harmony’s onsite greenhouse provides much of the food served in their restaurant and juice bar. Wastewater is recycled and used to irrigate the hotel’s own gardens, and raw waste food is made into fertilizer. Their bath and cleansing products are all biodegradable, and solar panels are used as a renewable way to heat water.
The Harmony Hotel has 24 “cocos” rooms and 3 private villas perfectly suited for low-key, rustic luxury. There’s an on-site restaurant that’s vegan-friendly, as well as a juice bar and a swimming pool.
READ NEXT: Things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica
4. El Sabanero, Tamarindo
Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Rates: start at $130/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Situated close to the beach town of Tamarindo in the northwest, El Sabanero offers an eco-lodge overlooking the beautiful Cañafistula valley. Some of the facilities include an open-air lodge, outdoor and indoor yoga studios, and an infinity pool. There are also hammocks scattered throughout for ultimate relaxation.
Private cabins at El Sabanero are built from local teak wood, and all meals in the restaurant are made from locally grown ingredients. They also send their raw compost to local farmers to be used as organic manure on their farms. In devotion to green standards, El Sabanero actively promotes recycling, composting and makes use of biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Yoga techniques and principles are also central to the offers at this Costa Rica ecolodge. They offer frequent yoga retreats and even yoga teacher training. Outside of the resort, travellers can explore Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast with adventurous tours such as zip lining, snorkelling, surfing, and horseback riding.
The luxury lodges offer one-bedroom chalets with a private porch overlooking the lush tropical gardens.
An added perk when staying in Tamarindo is your proximity to 7 national parks! These include Las Baulas, Diría, Barra Honda, Palo Verde, Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste, and Santa Rosa National Park.
READ NEXT: Best Things to do in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
5. Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio
Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Rates: Garden rooms start at $525/night, while suites with ocean views reach $975/night.
Sustainability Rating: 5
This luxury Manuel Antonio eco lodge is a beachfront rainforest resort like no other. It sits on 11 acres of private reserve in Costa Rica’s iconic lush rainforest and on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The plant-filled grounds are home to local wildlife like sloths, iguanas, and howler monkeys.
Beyond its picturesque setting in the Central Pacific Region, Arenas del Mar is one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica for sustainability. It proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand with the highest 5-leaf rating from the ICT. The resort has worked diligently to achieve elite status by committing to eco-friendly practices, continuously improving the local community, and promoting a sustainable future for Manuel Antonio.
With conservation as an integral part of the resort’s eco-friendly philosophy, they aim to be in harmony with their surroundings. While constructing the lodge, they cut down as few trees as possible and planted over 7,000 new ones. They use recycled plastic bags from the banana industry in their roofing and have banned single-use plastics on-site.
Guests at Arenas del Mar can enjoy a swimming pool, on-site bar & restaurant, and 37 luxurious suites. The lodge is conveniently located 10 minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s top travel destinations.
READ NEXT: Best Things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
6. Senda Monteverde, Monteverde
Location: Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Rates: starting from $325/night
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Nestled in a majestic cloud forest, Senda Monteverde is a luxurious mountain lodge escape. It’s easily one of Costa Rica’s best eco-lodges. This ecolodge is a launch point for all the nature and adventure the lowland rainforests are famous for.
The hotel aims to minimize its impact on the surroundings by using solar panels, biodegradable cleaning products, and serving only local cuisine. Their staff are all native Costa Ricans who work closely with the local communities. Even down to the interior design, Senda proudly displays artwork made by a local women’s cooperative.
Set in a private reserve, the eco lodge has its own view of serene cloud forests with easy access to ziplining, hiking trails, and a neighbouring wildlife refuge. There are also artisanal dining options at the on-site El Sapo Restaurant, serving up hyper-local cuisine.
READ NEXT: Guide To Visiting Monteverde Costa Rica
7. Hotel Belmar, Monteverde
Location: Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Rates: Standard rooms are $210 per night. Suites start at $450/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
Hotel Belmar is one of the eco lodges renowned for its luxurious yet environmentally-conscious chalet-style stay within Costa Rica’s cloud forest. Nestled in the mountaintops, this family-owned Monteverde ecolodge has been welcoming guests for over 30 years. Since the beginning, Belmar has committed to preserving the nature-rich environment that surrounds it.
The hotel has reached the highest level of Tourism Sustainability Certification, receiving a 5-leaf rating from the ICT. Belmar practices water conservation with rainwater collection and efficient showerheads, along with solar-powered water heaters. They are carbon neutral and only use local, biodegradable products throughout the hotel.
Hotel Belmar is one of the luxury eco-lodges in Costa Rica with a cozy atmosphere and Austrian-style architecture. The natural wood complements the forest, which can be enjoyed at the hotel’s organic garden. There is a unique restaurant with a brewery and juice bar on-site, offering a delicious farm-to-table menu. Belmar has standard and chalet rooms, along with lavish newly renovated suites.
8. Hotel Punta Islita, Samara
Location: Punta Islita, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Rates: Ocean View rooms average $200/night, or you can snag a villa package with breakfast for $400/night
Sustainability Rating: Level 4
Hotel Punta Islita is tucked away in a secluded cove on the Northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste. It promises an authentically Costa Rican experience with nature and ocean views that rival more popular Costa Rica travel destinations.
The hotel is located 30 km (18.5 miles) from Samara and offers travellers a host of complementary activity options. Ziplining, horseback riding, and even cooking classes are all included in your nightly rate! It’s a great choice for families and those looking for a complete experience without an all-inclusive price tag.
Punta Islita practices a “planet-friendly, people-positive” style that is apparent throughout the lodge. The property was developed in full synergy with its surroundings and holds a 4-leaf rating from the Costa Rica Tourism Board and their Certification in Sustainable Tourism program. They aim to protect the environment while celebrating local culture and boosting economic opportunities.
They have become experts in sustainability and promote education through strong partnerships with local communities. The hotel strives to provide its guests with a uniquely Costa Rican experience that’s different from any other country in Central America.
The property has two swimming pools (including an infinity pool!), a gym, lush gardens, and two restaurants with international flavours. There are standard rooms, suites with a private plunge pool, and spacious 2 or 3-bedroom villas.
9. El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Sarapiqui
Location: Central Valley, Costa Rica
Rates: Deluxe suites start at $315/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
As the name implies, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a peaceful retreat sitting on 500 acres in Alajuela’s volcano valleys. This includes the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the La Fortuna waterfalls. This is one of the most captivating luxury eco lodges in Costa Rica. Their ethos is about connecting travellers with nature while embracing the pura vida lifestyle the country is known for.
Located near Juan Castro Blanco National Park, El Silencio feels like another world despite being just one hour from San Jose. The lodge has a 5-leaf rating for sustainability, awarded for its efforts in reducing the environmental footprint and protecting the vital cloud forest that surrounds it. They continuously give back to the community of Bajos del Toro and always promote local foods and products.
The lodge has a restaurant and spa on-site, along with a hummingbird garden and a haven for stingless honey bees. Guests can enjoy planting a tree outside to encourage the beautiful quetzal birds to return to the area. El Silencio also offers bird watching, cooking classes, and coffee tours.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Sustainable Tourism
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations. With its rich biodiversity, it’s also home to a number of breathtaking eco resorts. The tropical rainforest, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife make Costa Rica an outdoor playground. Thrilling, inspiring, and even calming activities are in store, fit for any traveller’s itinerary.
From Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge in the forests of San Jose, to Lapa Rios in Osa Peninsula overlooking Drake Bay, Costa Rica’s natural attractions continue to thrive thanks to the many eco-lodges that are committed to preserving their natural state. The locals’ deep respect for the environment reflects in the service they provide at some of the best luxury eco lodges and best eco hotels in Costa Rica.
At the end of the day, choosing to stay at any of the Costa Rican eco lodges helps support their eco tourism efforts. From an eco lodge on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to one that puts you between the trees of Corcovado National Park, there are lots of eco hotels in Costa Rica that provide unique and enriching experiences for their guests. These Costa Rica eco lodges prove that sustainable luxury is possible, and can be enjoyed across the country.
Booking any of these Costa Rica eco hotels makes a big difference in their local communities and in the environment. You can rest easy (and luxuriously) knowing you’re not just travelling responsibly but also helping preserve the natural environment for generations to come.
Have You Ever Stayed At An Eco-Lodge In Costa Rica? What Was Your Experience?
READ NEXT: Best Eco-Hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
