Tortuga Lodge
This ecolodge is run by the well-known Costa Rica Expeditions and is one of the oldest and best in the country. Set in Tortuguero's lowland forest, it has an expansive multilevel deck off the main dining room where guests can enjoy the view while sipping cool, tropical drinks. Near the water, an inviting pool seems to blend right into the canal. Several miles of trails meander through the forest, perfect for taking a walk to view Howler monkeys, White-faced Cappucins and crocodiles.
The hotel's 27 guest units are some of the most luxurious in Tortuguero, featuring contemporary furniture, Caribbean-influenced décor, and varnished hardwood floors. The second-floor guest rooms have small, covered verandas. A full meal plan is included; you'll dine on fresh seafood, sirloin steak and homemade breads. Internet access and table tennis are available in the lobby.
Tortuga Lodge
Tortuguero
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2257-0766
tortugalodge.com
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Located in the Tilarán Mountains on the edge of the world's best-known mid-elevation cloud forest, this resort, also run by Costa Rica Expeditions, is one of Monteverde's original ecolodges. The lodge offers experienced guides, lush gardens and large, cozy rooms that feature angled glass walls so that bird watchers can do some birding right from their rooms. Wildlife can also be viewed from several groomed trails that snake through the surrounding forest. A large hot tub is a focal point for guests; also popular is the bar, which presents evening slide shows about the cloud forest.
The dining room serves delicious fare and offers scenic views and good service. A selection of optional tours is provided, including horseback riding.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2257-0766
monteverdelodge.com
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
This lodge, situated on its own private bay, offers four cozy manor rooms and individual cabins set amid dense forest. The cabins' private verandas and open-air showers allow guests to get up close to nature, but what makes this lodge unique is that it's accessible only by boat; as you approach, you'll be welcomed by dramatic views of the Pacific Coast gulf.
The main lodge is a large, open-air building in which tropical-Latino inspired meals are served family style. A wealth of activities are offered to guests including yoga classes, rainforest hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding.
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Golfo Dulce
A.P. 56, Golfito
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2258-8250
nicuesalodge.com
Selva Bananito Lodge
This lodge is one of the few that offers access to Costa Rica's southern Caribbean lowland forests. Its spacious stilt-raised cabins feature large private bathrooms and wraparound verandas with hammocks and several chairs. Some cabins have views of the Bananito River and a small valley while others look out on the Matama Mountains. There's no electricity here but it's still luxurious, with varnished woodwork throughout and dinner served by candlelight.
A variety of tours and activities are offered, including rainforest hikes, jungle horseback rides, self-guided trail hikes, and for the brave, rappelling down the face of a jungle waterfall. Three meals a day are included in the price.
Salva Bananito Lodge
Bananito
A.P. 2333-2050 San Pedro
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2253-8118
selvabananito.com
