An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Costa Rica are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Costa Rica islands and beyond
Costa Rica was considered the most sustainable country in Latin America, according to a ranking evaluating a series of indicators in selected countries in the region, with an index score of 85.01. Uruguay ranked second, with a score of 71.73, followed by Brazil, with 66.88 points.
Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds
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1. Chachagua Rainforest Ecolodge 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica
Surrounded by 300 acres of lush rainforest, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel offers charming accommodation and an outdoor swimming pool. This resort has a beautiful setting outside Chachagua and 9.3 miles from La Fortuna city center and 19.9 miles from Arenal Volcano.
Each spacious room and bungalow at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel has bright, attractive décor. There is free Wi-Fi and views of the surrounding trees and plants.
Guests can enjoy Costa Rican cuisine prepared with organic produce, grown in the Chachagua grounds.
Monkeys, sloths, parrots and other wildlife can be observed in the surrounding rainforest. There are several walking trails leading to waterfalls, streams and ponds.
Amid 41 hectares of secluded rainforest, this chic hotel occupies quaint bungalows and lies 15 km from Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park and 20 km from the Arenal Volcano.
Warm rooms with wood furnishings provide Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as balconies with rainforest views. Bungalows add living areas, and terraces with hammocks, while upgraded bungalows include minibars and whirlpool tubs.
There’s an open-air organic restaurant, a lounge and a spring-fed outdoor pool, plus a poolside bar and a library. Tours, breakfast and bikes are available.
Although it is a bit remote (30 minutes from downtown La Fortuna) it is a beautiful property and area surrounding the lodge. We stayed in a Lodge Room (only part of the hotel without being in a stand-alone bungalow) and these were just fine! Very bare but we didn’t expect 5-star decor at an eco lodge. The real star of this place is the gorgeous property and hiking trails surrounding it. Absolutely beautiful, with waterfalls and animal sightings abound! Tons of tour offerings and the restaurant on property is great.
Free breakfast is included and pretty good! The drinks are the bar are TOP NOTCH! So great! High-end service and the bar staff & table staff were amazing!
I think the location off the beaten path is an attribute. During our stay, we had guests take on property night hike, ride horses, and take a variety of hikes on the property’s trails. There are a few nice places to swim in the river on site. We heard the sound of water everywhere on the property and the lodge is far enough from roads that the sounds of the forest are all around you.
They let us bring in a yoga instructor and there was space for us all behind the reception. There are tons of activities that you can do within 30 minutes from the lodge and organizing transportation is not difficult. We went to the hot springs, canyoneering, to hanging bridges, a chocolate tour on a farm a few miles down the road, etc. There were also many of things I wanted to do on site or locally that we wish we had more time for.
I absolutely loved our time at Chachagua Rainforest Eco Lodge! The grounds & bungalows are beautiful, the staff is truly wonderful, courteous & very helpful. They upgraded our room, which I highly recommend staying in the rooms with the jacuzzi. Definitely take the free guided hike on the property with Diego. He’s very knowledgeable & creates a very fun, experience. I would definitely stay here again. In the mornings we were treated to Toucans right outside our window & the food is excellent at the restaurant.
How much does a room costs at Chachagua Rainforest Ecolodge ?
Prices start 121$/night for Rainforest Bungalow Queen Bed.
Featuring a large deck with a hammock and rocking chairs, this bungalow offers views of the surrounding rainforest. It has a seating area, a fan and a private bathroom.
Where to book online – Chachagua Rainforest Ecolodge – Eco Friendly Resorts Costa Rica – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Costa Rica during Envision Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Costa Rica on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Pacuare Lodge 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica
With river views, Pacuare Lodge is located in Bajo Tigre and has a restaurant, a concierge service, bar, garden and terrace. Free WiFi is provided.
A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the lodge.
The nearest airport is Tobías Bolaños International Airport, 41 miles from Pacuare Lodge.
Accessible only via raft, 4×4 or helicopter, this relaxed all-inclusive ecolodge set in rainforest along the Pacuare River is 6 km from Highway 10.
Featuring furnishings made with sustainable materials, the airy suites (no TVs) have en suite bathrooms, fans and outdoor showers, plus safes, and terraces with hammocks and rainforest views. Some upgraded suites are in treetops, while others add river views. Villas provide living rooms, daybeds and private outdoor pools; 1 is waterfront.
Guided hikes, activities and tours are free. There’s an outdoor infinity pool and a spa. Alcoholic drinks are available for a fee. Kids age 7 and over are welcome.
The Pacuare Lodge is nestled in a rainforest overlooking the Pacuare River, which National Geographic has listed as one of the worlds top ten scenic rivers. • Getting to this exquisite eco-lodge is half the adventure, since you arrive and depart as part of a multi-day rafting tour on the Pacuare River. • The luxuriant rainforest that surrounds the Pacuare Lodge is a private reserve that forms part of the largest network of protected areas in Central America, covering more than 1.2 million acres of tropical wilderness. • All of the staff at the Pacuare Lodge are from local communities, and the friendly, casual atmosphere has been cited by guests as one of the most pleasant aspects of their stay. • 8 onsite experiences included during your stay.
This luxurious eco-lodge will be the highlight of your trip. With beautiful and spacious rooms, adventurous activities, and delicious food, Pacuare Lodge is the perfect blend of adventure, luxury and relaxation.
Plan to stay 3-4 nights to enjoy all of the activities without feeling rushed. Canyoning and zip-lining are great. To rate their level using a white-water rafting scale I’d say they are class 3 on the 1-5 scale. They are not too challenging for anyone slightly adventurous yet they are big enough to get your adrenaline pumping. It’s worth getting up at 6am to do the birdwatching tour.
The food is phenomenal. The service matches (thank you Esteban, Olger, Wilberth and others). Probably the only improvement that could be made to the service would be if the staff remembered your coffee/tea/juice preference at breakfast. At dinner you can go into the wine cellar and pick-out a bottle (prices are very reasonable starting at $30). If you want white, pick it at lunch so they can chill it.
We stayed in the Jaguar suite, one of the larger villas. It was incredibly spacious (bedroom, large living room, 2 bathrooms and outdoor area with poor and multiple sitting areas). The only downside is that the pool didn’t get a lot of sun and thus was a bit chilly. We spent more time at the lodge’s main infinity pool. Usually we were the only ones there. If choosing again, I’d probably do a medium sized villa as we didn’t really need the Jaguar suite.
The staff are super friendly and responsive. The amenities are first class. The activities are superb. The meals were sumptuous. Note: this is an eco-lodge, so don’t go there expecting air-conditioning, electricity is limited so don’t expect modern-day luxuries like hair-dryers or bright lights at night. If you go there for the nature, the peacefulness and beauty of the river, combined with great service, exciting, fun and safe adventures, and comfortable accommodations, you will have a great time.
This unique rainforest resort is recognized by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC as one of the world’s ‘Top 50’ eco–friendly resorts. Access to and from the Pacuare Lodge requires a 2-hour white-water rafting adventure. This was an unforgettable experience to raft with my family down Rio Pacuare and through this pristine natural preserve.
Guests of the Pacuare Lodge discover quickly that this lovely resort has an attentive, caring staff — from the white-water crews to the waitresses and waiters to housekeeping, as well as the adventure guides.
We selected the “Jaguar Villa” that offers direct views of the “roaring” Pacuare River (50 feet from the room ) plus a private pool, veranda, hammock, suspended bridge ( with two seats suspended over the river), outdoor bathtub, as well as a master bedroom complex with a king size bed, oversized bathroom plus an indoor and an outdoor shower!
How much does a room costs at Pacuare Lodge ?
Prices start 950$/night for Suite with Garden View.
This suite has a patio, bathrobe and seating area.
Where to book online – Pacuare Lodge – Eco Friendly Hotels Costa Rica – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Costa Rica during Envision Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Costa Rica on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Eco Sanctuary 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Costa Rica
Set on a private part of Nicuesa Beach, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge has a tropical setting in the Golfo Dulce region. It offers rooms with balconies and rainforest views, as well as a range of outdoor activities.
This eco-friendly resort features accommodation set in attractive wooden cabins. All rooms have a seating area and a private entrance.
Guests can enjoy a range of South American cuisine in the Playa Nicuesa restaurant. There is also a bar and lounge area with hammocks.
On a rainforest preserve accessible by boat, this all-inclusive ecolodge occupies colonial-inspired cabins built from recycled materials, and lies 3 km from Golfito Airport and 5 km from the Piedras Blancas National Park.
Eco-chic rooms and 1- and 2-bedroom cabins feature wood floors, mosquito nets and ceiling fans; there’s no air-conditioning. Cabins add open-air bathrooms, while a 3-bedroom house adds a terrace. Children age 6 and over are welcome.
There’s an open-air bar/restaurant, and freebies include airport pick-ups, boat transfers, and loaner kayaks, snorkeling and fishing gear. Guided hikes, yoga and massages are also available (fee).
Costa Rica. Our jungle & sea location provides a unique adventure and nature vacation: the front yard is a gulf right off the Pacific Ocean, and the backyard consists of thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest. Overall, the experience embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment.
There are several self-guided walks in and around the jungle and the kayaks are freely available to use. There is a yoga studio but I never got round to trying it out. The food was great, many choices and everything was fresh and delicious. Guests choose their meals in advance – ie choose lunch at breakfast time, dinner at lunchtime etc.
Everything is cooked on site – including very tasty cookies with interesting flavours and hot and cold drinks are available at all times. Meals are served in the open air main lodge family style, so we had the opportunity to meet and chat with other guests .
There are several areas within the main building to rest, relax and watch the birdlife flitting in and out and around. We stayed in a ground floor Mango Lodge, a short stroll to the main lodge, set amidst the trees it was spacious with a large canopied double bed complete with a mosquito net (we saw very few mozzies), large furnished veranda and ceiling fan. Ensuite shower room partially open to the elements with wonderful environmentally friendly bathing, body and hair care products.
It was hot and humid but never unbearable – there is chilled drinking water available in many areas on the site. We had some immense downpours but there’s a clue in the title rainforest but they never lasted very long and did not adversely affect our enjoyment. The night noise from the frogs and insects is wonderful. This is a very special place beautiful beyond words.
Playa Nicuesa was a highlight during our month trip in Central America. The people are great – Derian and Josue in particular were brilliant; we had a grand room, the activities were exciting and well organised (waterfall hike, birding, river kayaking/wildlife), the bar was great and the food was plentiful. They live the eco–friendly approach in many practical ways and go out of their way to ensure their guests’ enjoyment.
The staff is tremendous, very friendly and knowledgeable about the diverse wildlife that abounds and they go out of their way to help. I got into birding in the late afternoons on the upper porch, and every day a staffer came over to join me and tell me what I, a complete newbie, was seeing They do their best for eco sustainability which is great. You have to be willing to go without WiFi in your room, no air conditioning and small creatures visiting but totally worth it.
The lodge was first class accommodation – after arriving by boat and greeted with a welcoming beverage and tour of the grounds we settled right in with the very pleasant staff. We went on several boat tours, up the river for a kayak adventure and dolphin sightseeing with snorkeling. the guides went out of their way to try to get us to view all of the wildlife possible.
There were plenty of things we would not have spotted without the guides and they were very entertaining and informative. We also relaxed in the water out front of the lodge and got to hike around the forest. The food was delicious. It was simply fantastic. And on top of all this – they are very Eco–friendly – 5 leaves, fantastic. Many of us could learn from them.
How much does a room costs at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Eco Sanctuary ?
Prices start 350$/night for Double Room.
Set in an attractive wooden building, this room has a seating area and a private entrance with rainforest views.
Where to book online– Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Eco Sanctuary – Eco Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Costa Rica during Envision Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Costa Rica on Booking.com or Skyscanner.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
4. Punta Islita, Autograph Collection 5* – Eco Friendly Resorts in Costa Rica
Hotel Punta Islita Autograph Collection is located 19 mi from Samara Bay Beach and 3.7 mi from Camaronal Beach. It features free WiFi, gym, an extensive garden, and 2 swimming pools, the one which is only for adults is located next to the Pacifico Restaurant.
The rooms and suites feature wooden décor, tiled floors and satellite/cable TV. All of them come with mini-bar, fridge and coffee maker, and the bathrooms have hairdryer, shower and bathrobes.
The Pacifico Restaurant offers international food for breakfast and dinner, and the Cocos Club serves American-style food, Italian dishes and seafood only for lunch. There is also a pool bar just next to the family pool.
Set on Islita Beach along the Pacific Ocean, this upscale resort is surrounded by tropical forest.
Featuring local artwork, the airy, colorful rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minibars, plus tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add ocean views, and/or terraces with hammocks. Suites provide sitting areas, plus sundecks with hot tubs; upgraded suites have plunge pools. There are also villas with kitchens.
Parking is complimentary. There’s a restaurant with ocean views, as well as an infinity pool, a spa and a gym. A beach club has an eatery, an outdoor pool and cabanas. Activities include ziplining, horseback riding and water sports.
Location: The resort was remote, idyllic, and absolutely gorgeous. I lost track of how much time I spent staring at the ocean or looking at wildlife. My mother-in-law could not believe how many species of birds she saw. I saw the remoteness of the resort as a plus – we didn’t have to plan a lot of activities or worry about transportation. There were so many included activities to do at the hotel (zip lining, horseback riding, cooking/bartending, art, yoga, hiking, etc.) and just a sense of relaxation that permeated the place, that we were never bored or felt “trapped” at the resort. The pools and swim-up bars were also a plus!
Culture: The hotel prides itself on being eco–friendly/socially aware. It has left a lot of its property wild and hosts a bird sanctuary. Its staff is about 90% Costa Rican and many of its activities get guests interacting with the locals in the nearby village. I speak Spanish, so it was nice to talk to the local artists about their community and purchase some nice art pieces to take home as souvenirs. There was also a local photographer who took great pictures of activities that didn’t lend themselves easily to photographing such as zip lining and horseback riding!
Accommodations: We stayed in a comfortable, well-appointed 3 Bedroom Villa with ocean view. It had a gorgeous outdoor sitting area, plunge pool, and spacious (highly air-conditioned) bedrooms. It was a bit of an (uphill) trek from the main part of the hotel, so we were given a golf cart to use, which worked out beautifully.
How much does a room costs at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection ?
Prices start 150$/night for Double Room with Mountain View.
This double room features a balcony, minibar and tea/coffee maker.
Where to book online – Punta Islita, Autograph Collection – Eco Friendly Resorts in Costa Rica – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Costa Rica during Envision Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Costa Rica on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
5. Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel 4* – Eco Friendly Hotels Costa Rica
This property is a beachfront hotel that has an outdoor pool, spa facilities and massage services. It also features meeting rooms, gardens and on-site shops. The hotel offers Wi-Fi in the business centre and private parking.
The rustic-style rooms at Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel are air conditioned and have a seating area, safety deposit box and balconies. They are decorated with wooden furniture and light-coloured beddings.
The on-site restaurant serves local dishes and international-style cuisine. It also has a bar.
Set along Tamarindo Beach on Tamarindo Bay, this upscale boutique hotel is a 16-minute walk from the Casino Diria and 4 km from the Tamarindo Church.
Airy rooms feature free Wi-Fi, mini fridges and safes, plus tea and coffee making equipment. All have balconies or terraces with garden and/or ocean views; most have sitting areas with sofa beds. Some upgraded rooms and suites add whirlpool tubs.
A complimentary breakfast buffet is served in an oceanfront restaurant. An outdoor pool and an open-air spa are set in tropical gardens. There’s also a gym and a gift shop.
beach hotel. It is an ideal place for relaxation that carries a tropical ambiance and lies amongst a lush garden. With a discreet elegance and a touch of Swiss quality that blends with an informal and joyful atmosphere, Capitan Suizo is an oasis where it is implicit that nature and animals are integrated with love and respect. Capitan Suizo is located directly on the beach in a privileged area 1 km outside of town and at the end of the bay.
Tamarindo beach is a beautiful expansive and busy beach. If you stay at Capitan Suizo you get to enjoy the excitement of the crowds but then wander back to the hotel and enjoy the calm and serenity of this eco-friendly resort. We were so comfortable from the minute we checked in until departure. All of the staff were warm,friendly, and had a can do attitude.
Everything was perfect, fantastic location, beautiful gardens where wild monkeys and racoons regularly visit to eat the fruit of the trees. Fantastic inclusive breakfast, including any kind of coffee you want included in the price. Lunch and dinner where always outstanding. Regularly had the chef special which was never boring and always something different and made you taste buds melt. Upkeep of the gardens, pools and overall complex is exceptional.
Beach front is like a dream and one can take long walks or go horse riding. If there was anything I could complain about then it is that the showers only let out a little water (low pressure) show one has to shower longer than normal. I assume this is done to be eco friendly. One thing of particular note is their Wifi, they have by far the best and fastest Wifi that I have yet to see in a hotel complex. So if this is important you will appreciate this.
We loved our bungalow. It was spacious, beautiful, and comfortable. The whole area within the hotel is beautiful. The howler monkeys were so funny every morning. We saw a wonderful amount of wildlife from the porch of our bungalow. The pool/bar area was a great place to relax and recharge. We loved the location of the Hotel as well.
Downtown Tamarindo is quite loud and the hotel is far enough away that the noise didn’t bother us. However it was also close enough that we could easily walk there whenever we pleased. I could not think of a better place in the world to come and unwind. 10/10 would come back again.
Lovely oasis at the end of a fun beach/surf town. Best of both worlds – very tropical pool and walk 50 feet to the beach. Very eco conscious and the owners have maintained and created a haven for wildlife that remain wild. Because the owners and visitors allow the wildlife to remain untouched, the monkeys act like monkeys and stay in the trees and are not camp robbers.
Beautiful woodwork through the resort, which only has 35 or so units. So, while there are other guests, never overcrowded, and plenty of cushy lounges around the pool. Food was delicious and dinners high end without the price. Will definitely stay again if we ever visit CR again.
How much does a room costs at Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel ?
Prices start 265$/night for Bungalow.
This double room features a balcony, minibar and tea/coffee maker.
Where to book online – Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Eco Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Costa Rica during Envision Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Costa Rica on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
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