Our Favorite Tree Houses in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has one of the highest percentages of land area covered by forests of any country in the world. As of 2020, over 50% of Costa Rica's total land territory was forested. This interesting stat places Costa Rica in the top 25 most forested countries in the world by percentage of total land area. What makes Costa Rica's forest statistics even more impressive is that aggressive deforestation in previous decades had reduced total forest cover to around 21% by the 1980s. Stringent conservation policies and reforestation efforts have allowed that number to rebound since then, making Costa Rica a perfect place to create a tree house hotel.
A Night or Three Among the Treetops
For travelers seeking an intimate encounter with nature, a night or three among the treetops is an unmatched opportunity to unleash their inner Tarzan. From secluded eco-lodges tucked into remote jungles to luxurious rental pods perched high above sandy beaches, Costa Rica's treehouse hotels provide an unparalleled way to experience the country's incredible biodiversity up close and personal. Whether you're hoping to spot sloths and toucans from your leafy perch or simply escape the hustle of daily life, sleeping suspended among the branches is an adventure you won't forget.
Some of the most spectacular tree house hotels can be found in Costa Rica's lush interior regions like the cloud forests of Monteverde and the rainforest areas around Arenal Volcano. Here, you’ll find pristine nature reserves and national parks to explore, plus more adventure activities than you can do on a vacation. Down south near the Golfo Dulce, treehouse communities provide a truly off-grid experience for ecotourists, while more luxurious and modern options can be found in Guanacaste and elsewhere.
Whether you prefer rustic charm or contemporary luxury, Costa Rica provides ample opportunity to experience life among the branches. From the remote rainforests to sun-drenched beaches, these treehouse hotels let you connect with nature in a way most only dream about.
Here are some of our favorites to check out:
Monteverde Tree House Hotels
Hidden Canopy Treehouse Boutique Hotel
The Hidden Canopy Treehouse Boutique Hotel provides a unique lodging experience in the cloud forests of Monteverde. Located on 13 protected acres, it sits almost two miles from the town of Santa Elena, offering seclusion and impressive views overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya, which can be seen from the mountains. The property features seven tree houses connected by platform walkways, equipped with comfortable beds, living areas, and private balconies amid the canopy.
As the first boutique treehouse hotel in Monteverde, Hidden Canopy's accommodations are built using elegant materials that blend with the natural surroundings. The octagonal chalets are supported by towers within the forest, providing oversized picture windows and balconies that showcase panoramic vistas of the lush gardens and biodiversity.
The hotel prides itself on personalized service, allowing guests not only to experience popular local attractions but also to uncover hidden gems. Staff can arrange meetings with local artists, private wildlife tours, and provide travel advice for other regions. On-site amenities include a mountain lodge, beautifully landscaped gardens with waterfalls, hearty breakfasts, and treehouses with spa-like bathrooms.
Arenal Volcano Area Tree House Hotels
Tree Houses Hotel
The Tree Houses Hotel is located within an 80-acre private forest between La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano and the city of San Carlos. The property consists of seven elevated tree houses surrounded by hiking trails, a river, and abundant wildlife like sloths, birds, and agoutis that guests can observe from their accommodations.
The rustic yet comfortable treehouses are built approximately 30 feet up in the forest canopy. Each private treehouse provides shaded decks with seating, screened windows that open, and commodities such as air conditioning and minifridges. The treehouses are spaced out to ensure guest privacy and tranquility.
Amenities include an open-air rancho restaurant where complimentary Costa Rican breakfast is served daily. The property also has lounge areas, guided excursion offerings, and massage services. There is no Wi-Fi or cell service to allow for a truly disconnected jungle experience. This hotel caters to those seeking an off-the-grid nature retreat within the forest environment. Oh—and they also rescue local street dogs!
Maquenque Eco Lodge
Maquenque Eco Lodge provides an ideal nature immersion for travelers looking to explore the biodiversity of the rainforest. Located north of Arenal, in the tropical northern lowlands approaching the border with Nicaragua, this hotel sits on the banks of the San Carlos River in the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge. The property consists of 15 bungalows and 10 tree houses, each around 45 square meters with private bathrooms, solar-heated hot water, ceiling fans, closets, and balconies overlooking lagoons or the tropical forest.
The eco-lodge encompasses 68 acres of rainforest with hiking trails that can be explored independently or with a guide. It is a prime birdwatching destination, with over 592 species identified on the property.
Southern Zone Tree House Hotels
Finca Bellavista Treehouse Community
Finca Bellavista is a pioneering tree house community set inside some 600 acres of rainforest in Costa Rica's southern Pacific coastal region overlooking the Golfo Dulce in the mountains above Golfito. This private, off-grid enclave allows eco-conscious residents and guests to enjoy a rustic yet comfortable treetop lifestyle surrounded by the natural wonders of the rainforest.
The central base camp area of the community provides access to tours, yoga classes, movie nights, food and beverage services, plus concierge and property management. A number of custom treehouse and cabin accommodations are available for nightly rentals, with more units planned as the community expands.
Sustainability and minimal environmental impact are core principles at Finca Bellavista. The entire property operates off-grid, powered by solar and planned hydroelectric energy sources, and much of the produce is locally grown on-site.
Finca Bellavista differentiates itself as an eco-focused destination rather than a traditional resort. Guests should have an adventurous spirit and reasonable physical mobility. Each tree house is independently owned, so amenities, layouts, capacities, and proximities to the central base camp area vary.
Overall, the community provides an off-the-grid opportunity to escape into the treetops while practicing sustainable living in the Costa Rican tropical rainforest.
Guanacaste Tree House Hotels
Suitree Experience Hotel
The Suitree Experience Hotel (suitree = suite + tree) offers a modern take on treehouse accommodations, providing luxurious private lodging designed to help guests disconnect and find inner peace in nature. The property is located in the northern province of Guanacaste, just six miles from Playas del Coco and within easy access to the popular beaches of Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, and Playa Panama. The popular Flamingo, Conchal, and Tamarindo beaches are accessible further south along the Pacific coast. Additionally, this part of Costa Rica is convenient for international travelers, with the Guanacaste International Airport less than 45 minutes away.
Suitree's suites are built atop sturdy platforms or within the branches of tall trees, granting bird's-eye views over the surrounding area. The accommodations prioritize privacy, seclusion, and tranquility to allow guests to fully escape from the outside world into a relaxing natural environment.
Sustainability is a core focus, utilizing renewable energy sources, water conservation practices, and eco-friendly building materials in the design and operations. Suites feature private balconies or decks with hammocks and lounge seating to take in the sights and sounds of nature.
That being said, the luxury treehouses span over 100 square meters and include unique high-end amenities like private showers immersed within the trees. 24-hour room service provides food and beverages, while golf cart transportation enables easy access to the secluded accommodations. Suitree Experience Hotel truly provides an upscale yet environmentally-conscious way to enjoy a treehouse escape in Guanacaste.
Caribbean Coast Tree House Hotels
Tree House Lodge
The Tree House Lodge is a 10-acre oceanfront eco-lodge in Punta Uva, just south of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. It consists of six open-air houses tucked into lush natural surroundings, steps away from the white sand beaches of Punta Uva and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
The signature accommodation is the elevated Tree House: a split-level unit built on stilts blending into the forest canopy. It features a steeply-sloped suspension bridge entrance, handcrafted wood furniture, open screened windows, and colorful tropical flowers. The layout provides a romantic experience for couples or enough space for families. Other design elements include an outdoor garden bathroom and shower built around a 100-year-old Sangrillo tree trunk.
The lodge is ideal for couples and families seeking privacy, tranquility, and opportunities to unwind while still having access to nearby adventure activities like canopy tours, fishing, and jungle hikes. With direct beach access and over 900 feet of oceanfront, guests can enjoy the secluded tropical surroundings.
On-site amenities include kayak rentals to paddle through mangrove estuaries, beach volleyball pick-up games each afternoon, and beautifully landscaped gardens featuring over 50 varieties of palm trees and a large heliconia collection.
Contact Us for More Information
Costa Rica has firmly established itself as a world-class destination for unique treehouse accommodations. With over half the country's landmass covered by tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, and mountain cloud forests, the natural setting couldn't be more ideal for this niche lodging experience.
Whether it's relaxing to the various sounds of the rainforest canopy, spotting wildlife from your bedroom window, or simply marveling at nature's engineering capabilities that enabled these childhood dream dwellings, a Costa Rican treehouse hotel promises memories that will endure long after returning to reality on the ground.
For eco-tourists, adventure seekers, romantics, and more, these treetop accommodations unlock a new, multi-dimensional way to experience the splendor of Costa Rica's great outdoors. Contact us if you’d like to visit Costa Rica, and we may be able to point you in the right direction.
