Best Jungle Safari Lodges in Costa Rica

The word “lodge” is a bit misleading. These boutique options blend comfort with authentic Costa Rica experiences. They may not have the same amenities as big all-inclusive hotels, but they are not rough outdoor living either.

Nature Immersion

A jungle lodge allows you to sit on your well-appointed terrace and look out onto a world full of color. Heliconias bloom, parrots call out their morning songs, you might even spot monkey troops in the tree tops.

Sustainability

Most jungle safari lodges go to great lengths to maximize their positive impact on both the local ecosystems and nearby communities. Everything from the on-site amenities to property management aims at protecting the environment.

Cultural Activities

A jungle safari lodge is a good getaway to getting closer with Costa Rican culture and people. Crafting workshops, volunteering opportunities, sustainable farming, Indigenous-led tours and more are available.

Local and Organic Food

Many of these lodges are also meal-inclusive. The food is healthy and sourced locally, sometimes even grown on the property. It gives you a chance to try true Costa Rican flavors.

Wellness-Focused Ambiance

Wellness enthusiasts also have plenty to enjoy, with spas, massages, and treatments focused on healing and reconnecting you with what is most important.

Outdoor Activities

If you prefer outdoor adventure, it’s easy to step out for hiking, horseback riding, canopy zip lining, white water rafting, and more. A jungle safari lodge can adapt easily to various travel styles and levels of energy, so long as you enjoy being immersed in nature.

These are the top reasons to stay in a rainforest lodge:

• Proximity to nature is the biggest one. Here you have greater chances for wildlife encounters and to see things you may not see anywhere else. If you want an intense nature experience, this is your best shot.
• Unique accommodations. The word “unique” is often overused but these are truly places with a lot of character that offer something others cannot.
• Less crowds. Because they are usually away from the most tourist areas, there are usually fewer people here.
• Seclusion. This is a great way to disconnect completely from the bustle of everyday life.
• Connection. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, or friends, these hotels offer chances to create lifelong memories. Kids won’t even want to be on their screens, and in the down time everyone can share stories over dinner or while playing a table game.

Everything has a downside, so take these into account in case they’re dealbreakers:

• Not a resort. If you’re looking for the typical tropical resort vibe, it’s very unlikely you’ll get it at one of these boutique options. Focus is on personalized attention and intimacy.
• Remote. Most of these hotels are quite a ways from major towns, and you’re usually expected to stay at the hotel, have all your meals here, and enjoy the on-site amenities and nearby natural attractions for the duration.
• No AC or TVs. Some of these hotels don’t have air conditioning or TVs in their rooms. If these amenities matter to you make sure to ask beforehand. Electricity and internet access are always available.

The luxurious Tocú Tent Camp really puts the glam in glamping. This exclusive property offers an immersive experience in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. Nothing but nature where the eyes reach.

Located to the south of the country and near the famous Corcovado National Park, Lapa Rios offers the opportunity to get lost in pristine rainforests. A night in this high-end property feels like sleeping among the treetops.

Tucked away next to the Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge is an adventure from the start. Raft along canyons and trees to get to the hotel and prepare for a truly intimate experience of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica’s mountains.

Rafiki is particularly great if you want a really remote experience with a dash of adventure. Its high-end safari tents put you in the heart of the Central Pacific, where very few go. 

This glamping complex is located on a small island in the middle of the Gulf of Nicoya. If you want an upclose experience with the sea, love marine tours, and want to learn about the local fishermen culture, Isla Chiquita is your place.

Is there a way to have a jungle safari experience closer to civilization?The luxurious Nayara Tented Camp is your answer. It provides a stay immersed in nature while having easy access to town amenities such as restaurants and supermarkets.

1. Consider what you want most out of your stay, how many people will travel with you, what everyone’s priorities are, and accessibility needs. This will narrow down the places to go, and the hotels you can choose.
2. Decide what activities you want. Some tours can only be done in specific locations, such as whale watching or diving, so that’ll also affect which lodges you will go for.
3. Clarify amenities! Some hotels don’t have AC and some offer exclusively on-site meals, some have free on-site tours while others don’t. Having the right expectations will only improve your vacation.
4. Ask for help. An experienced travel agent will be able to give you more ideas and better information than anyone else.

The best time to visit Costa Rica for a jungle safari experience depends a lot on what you want. The cheapest prices are generally in the low season (May to November). Some of the most coveted experiences are seasonal or better at specific times of the year, so you may want to plan around that. Some lodges are truly off-the-beaten path and have less crowds, but at certain points of the year they fill up more. Figure out what matters most to you, and that’ll shape your timeline.

Due to the remote locations, we always recommend getting private transportation. A private driver is a great way of enhancing long rides, as they know the best spots for food, souvenirs, and are usually a fountain of local knowledge.

Roads are also tricky at times, and an experienced driver will make the best of any terrain. If your heart is set out to rent a car, make sure you’re ready for the adventure. Flights can also be a way to save time in your trip, and they can be cost-effective for the right group.