Location: Naranjo, Alajuela 
Lodging Type: Hotel 
From: $325 / night 
Countryside Serenity with Panoramic Views
Chayote Lodge sits high in the mountains of Naranjo near Poas Volcano, in a part of Costa Rica shaped by coffee farms, the cloud forest, and small agricultural communities. Despite being only around 50 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport, the setting feels a long way from the urban Central Valley below.
From the property, views stretch and stretch across the surrounding mountains and volcanic range, allowing you to experience the country like a local. When conditions cooperate, you can even see all the way to the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the benefits of having such a small country!
Where Rural Tradition Meets Comfort
With only 12 bungalows, Chayote is a small property. Its design draws heavily on the coffee culture surrounding it. The bungalows take their inspiration from the receiving stations where freshly picked coffee traditionally begins its journey after harvest. Even the details throughout the property also reflect the region's long connection with coffee growing! It creates a charming effect rooted in authenticity.
Get Close to Nature
The surrounding countryside is a major part of staying here. For starters, the rooms’ private balconies make the most of the mountain setting and expansive views for those lazy moments where you just want to breathe it all in. But Chayote Lodge goes way beyond that.
The lodge has in-house naturalist guides who lead guests outside the property in search of waterfall hikes and photography outings. El Chayote Forest Reserve protects more than 400 hectares of cloud and rainforest with trails and excellent birdwatching, so make sure to follow your naturalist guide at least once to discover the rich wildlife hiding in the branches. This is particularly good for those nature lovers out there who want to be immersed in the forest as much as possible.
Adventure and Cultural Opportunities
Adding some thrills to your nature experience is exactly what some visitors love about Costa Rica, so, if you’re an adventurous spirit, there are cloud forest zip lining and hanging bridges tours available.
For a change of pace, nearby there are coffee farm visits as well as tours to local homes for cooking experiences. There’s no better way to get to know the real Costa Rica than to see it from the people who work its land and cook its food everyday.
Details to Make You Feel at Home
Quelites Restaurant occupies the highest point of the property, making the views part of the dining experience as well. The kitchen works with locally grown ingredients and a seasonal menu based around Costa Rican cooking, enhancing that sense of connection with the country.
Aligning with the overall vibe of the property, both the restaurant and bar incorporate elements of the area's coffee heritage into their design. A fireplace and piano inside provide a cozy place to settle in when the cool mountain weather rolls in.
Booking More Than a Boutique Hotel
It’s true that Chayote can work particularly well as the first stop after arriving in Costa Rica or before continuing toward Arenal. However, treating it purely as an overnight stop misses much of what makes it interesting. Spending two or three nights gives guests time to explore the coffee farms, forests, waterfalls, and communities around Naranjo. Experience a part of Costa Rica that many visitors otherwise pass straight through without stopping to admire it.
If you're interested in staying at Chayote Lodge, contact our expert travel consultants. We can help you decide how it fits into your itinerary and incorporate it into a customized Costa Rica vacation.
