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Eco-Hotels Southern Pacific & Southern Highlands ⋆ Sacred Earth Travel

Eco-Hotels Southern Pacific, San Gerardo & Turrialba

We specialize in customizing bespoke itineraries, tailored to your personal preferences and interests, as self-drives, or as individualized packages composed of hotels, activities, and transfers. To this end, we work with many different hotels, but give preference to those that are certified under Costa Rica’s eco-label certification scheme, or another, similar scheme. The hotels listed below are of differing standards, some quite luxuries, others in the mid-range. Clicking on the photographs opens up a mini-gallery for each property. Please use the menu links in the top menu to navigate between the hotel listings for the different regions of Costa Rica.

Southern Pacific

The remote Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica is regarded as one of the worlds top biodiversity hotspots. Thanks to the minimal development and difficult access, large areas have been protected as nature reserves and national parks. The largest is Corcovado National Park. But unlike other Parks this is not meant for mass tourism, this is truly a sanctuary for nature. Nevertheless, many eco-lodges in this area also have their own private reserves and trail systems, so this fabulous wildlife-rich area is partly accessible. Besides the rainforest, there is also the ocean. The Southern Pacific offers superb water activities including whale and dolphin watching, mangrove tours and diving and snorkeling. But for swimming, the Golfo Dulce is much safer than the Pacific.

Cuna del Angel

This stylish and colorful little boutique hotel is located 9 km south from Dominical beach, well positioned for visiting popular places such as Manuel Antonio National Park, as well as the Marino Ballena (Whale Marine) National Park and the worldwide famous Corcovado National Park. But you don’t have to go far – there are lots of exciting things to do right here. The hotel offers 16 Deluxe Rooms arranged around a beautiful infinity pool with views that merge with the distant horizon. The hotel proudly runs its operations in a sustainable manner and is very conscious of its impact on the environment. The Angel Deluxe Guestrooms are richly decorated with Colonial and Asian details, all with ocean and jungle view from their terraces or balconies with modern commodities: A/C and two ceiling fans, Cable TV, WiFi access, Minibar, Safe, Coffee Maker, Private Bathroom with bathtub/shower and hairdryer, alarm clock, telephone. They have one queen size bed or two beds (queen + full size).  This is a great place to go diving and snorkeling, surfing on the famous Dominical beaches, kayaking, river-rafting, and ultra light flying, mountain biking and mountain climbing, horseback riding on the beaches, or to visit the famous canopy tours in the vicinity.

Lapas Rios

The gorgeous location of Lapa Rios, at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula, where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean, the lodge is set in a private nature reserve, that spreads over 1,000 acres of rainforest. Its seventeen beautiful cabañas are set like a string of pearls along connecting paths and steps. Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project that exemplifies why “a forest left standing is worth more than one cut down”. This is a fabulous place for a truly immersive nature experience, where guests will appreciate the conservation efforts that are protecting the region’s biodiversity. This is also a glorious place for adventurous honeymooners looking for a unique experience, or for families with older children.

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Activities at Lapa Rios are naturally focused on the rainforest and the ocean: rainforest hikes, bird watching, ocean kayaking, horseback riding or surfing. All guided tours help support the ongoing maintenance and land preservation of the rich Osa Peninsula biodiversity. Knowledgeable local guides will provide you with insights into the interconnected ecosystem of the rainforest interconnectedness. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage, participate in yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just doze in a hammock. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and it is featured as a sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. The Eco Lodge employs only local community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification (CST).

El Remanso Rainforest Lodge

This is a beautiful nature lodge located on the South West Pacific side of the Osa Peninsula, about 22km from Puerto Jimenez. The Osa Peninsula with the Corcovado National Park is one of the world’s top biodiverse hotspots of the world. This lodge also has its own 185-acres of private reserve and an extensive trail system where visitors can observe wildlife. This small lodge has various cabañas in different categories: Garden View, Ocean View, Superior, Classic Bungalows and Deluxe Bungalows and Villas.

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The hotel also has a bar, a restaurant, and a pool. There are plenty of activities though most are not suited to young children: some of the activities available are waterfall rappelling, zip line to a tree platform, guided hikes in the private reserve, yoga classes, bird watching, surfing, tree climbing, waterfall rappelling, or just relax on the terrace of your cabin while watching monkeys pass by on the nearby trees!

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is one of the most highly awarded eco-lodges in Costa Rica. They have been promoting and running sustainable operations at the lodge for many years, and in fact were among the first hotels to do so.  The lodge is situated in a 165-acre private nature reserve located within the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park, bordering the pristine coastline of the calm, clear waters of the Golfo Dulce. With only 10 rooms in 5 different, categories accommodating up to 26 people, this is a very small and intimate boutique Eco-Lodge. All rooms feature private open-air baths, canopied beds, ceiling fans, and full-length louver doors – with private verandas providing spectacular views of the rainforest.

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Candlelit dinners are served in the open air main lodge and promote local cuisine, fresh fish and tropical fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in the property or by local farmers. There are many interesting activities available at the lodge: kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, yoga, horseback riding and hammock swinging under the almond tree by the sea. There is also a free daily Sustainability Tour that visits the recycling and composting area, the reforestation center, the solar drying room and lets guests in on how the lodge was built, using local materials. Another aspect that makes this lodge unique is the fact that it has access by boat only. Guests will be met at the airport and transport by boat across the Golfo Dulce (the boat ride is approximately 35 minutes). Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge embraces conservation and harmony with nature and offers a perfect blend of comfort with environmental conservation.

San Gerardo de Dota

Still a bit of an insider tip, the region of Todos Santos with San Gerardo de Dota as its main, mini-hub, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The montane cloud forest has a magical ambiance and there are over 160 species of birds, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.  If you are heading for the Southern Pacific, passing through these coastal mountains on the way down to the coast is an exhilarating journey, best done during the dry season.

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Savegre Lodge & Spa

Located close to the small community of San Gerardo de Dota, in the Talamanca mountain range, about 90 kilometers from San José, in the Todos Los Santos region this little Eco-Lodge is a real gem, especially for birdwatchers. The area is well known for its abundant birdlife and it is home to the elusive, beautiful Resplendent Quetzal birds, which can be found in the hotel’s private reserve of 400 hectares, 80% of which is primary forest and the rest is rehabilitated forest. Savegre Lodge has 50 rooms in two categories, Standard Rooms, and Junior Suites.  All rooms are equipped with a telephone, a coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a hairdryer. Nights can be cool at this altitude. Thus regular rooms also have space heaters, while the Junior Suites have fireplaces. The restaurant offers a la carte, or buffet style meals with many options, including fresh trout, the house specialty. Apart from bird watching, you can also go horseback riding, trout fishing in fishing ponds or at Savegre River, or go hiking to explore the Elfin montane forest. The latest addition to the Lodge’s services is a small spa.

Trogon Lodge

This well-established Lodge that has long been a favorite with birdwatchers and nature lovers is located is located in San Gerardo de Dota, near Cerro de la Muerte, one of Costa Rica´s highest peaks, approximately 60 miles Southeast of San Jose (a two-hour drive). At an altitude of 7000 ft (2200 m) above sea level, the property is surrounded by a private cloud forest reserve. The lodge has 22 wooden standard rooms spread along the property,  All rooms have heating units, which are a necessity in this region, due to the chilly nights, and a porch overlooking the forest.

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The family-style restaurant offers a combination of local and international cuisine. A favorite dish is a fresh trout, raised and caught from the trout pond at the lodge. Special menus for guests with dietary restriction or for groups can also be arranged.  Guests can also have lunch in Kahawa Restaurant, an affiliated coffee house and restaurant located in the small town of San Gerardo de Dota, just 300 meters away from the primary school. Activities available at the lodge include taking a morning walk with the resident guide in search of the Resplendent Quetzals, horseback riding on the trails to reach a beautiful waterfall, or zipping through the canopy via the private reserve’s canopy tour.  Other facilities at the lodge include a conference room for approximately 20 people with wireless internet access, souvenir shop and a cozy bar with television, comfortable couches, and a pool table.

Dantica Lodge and Gallery

Located in the heart of Los Santos Forest Reserve, about 80 km from San José, and very close to the newly created Los Quetzales National Park, this small Boutique Lodge, with only 12 rooms offers visitors a sense of total immersion. The units are built in such a way that the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a full view of the forest and surroundings. The 12 rooms come in 6 categories, from simple to luxurious. Three of the bungalows are located near the reception and the remaining six are situated in the forest. All rooms offer a spectacular view of the valley and the cloud-covered mountains. Every bungalow features one or two bedrooms with private terrace, large glass windows, goose-feather duvets, heating, mini bar, coffee maker, satellite TV, Jacuzzi, hairdryer and safe deposit box.

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In addition, the four-person bungalows have a living room with a fully equipped kitchen. The Suite is larger and has a fireplace, a sunken Jacuzzi and a private forest garden with its own trail. The restaurant is opened from 7 a.m. A delicious pick-nick basket is also available for guests to take on a walk or a tour. A trail system provides access to the nearby 20-hectare private cloud forest reserve, which is superb for bird watching. Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge has a reputation for their excellent cuisine as well, the restaurant Le Tapir offers a great choice of delicious dishes, decorated with fragrant, fresh herbs from their own garden.

Turrialba

The region to the east of San José, beyond Irazú Volcano, is known as Turrialba. This is a quiet and rural region of Costa Rica, with an of nostalgia clinging to the little adobe villages and stately haciendas. This area is one of the best places for white water rafting in Costa Rica, but is also excellent for horseback riding and hiking.

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Villa Florencia

Surrounded by sugarcane plantations and beautiful vegetation, Villa Florencia is located only65 Km Southeast of the city of San José (approximately 1H30), in the city of Turrialba. It offers 21 guestrooms of different types equipped with mini refrigerator, coffee maker, cable TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and wireless Internet access. Villa Florencia provides its guests with a healthy breakfast and free coffee in the afternoons, a refreshing swimming pool, board games, and relaxing gardens. The restaurant is open from 1 pm; however, guests can have lunch earlier if it is requested in advance.  The home cooked menu of the day is prepared from locally produced ingredients. There are plenty of activities that can be done from Villa Florencia such as rafting in Pejibaye river, visiting the Golden Bean Coffee Plantation, horse riding, mountain biking or canyoning. This is a good hotel option in this part of Costa Rica.

Casa Turire

Casa Turire gives a grand impression evocative of the stately charm of a colonial plantation home. Located less than 2 hours East of San José, in the heart of the Turrialba region. Turrialba is part of the Central Valley, which is characterized by agricultural activities. This beautiful estate situated on the shores of the Angostura Lake with the imposing backdrop of the Turrialba Mountains. This classy hotel offers 12 regular Standard rooms, three Suites, and one Master Suite. All guestrooms have direct line phone service, safety box, hairdryer, satellite TV, ceiling fans and a private balcony with a stunning view. There are also rooms for guests with special needs available. Suites have a king-size bed, a sofa bed, a comfortable area for sharing, mini-bar, a flat screen TV, a DVD player, air conditioning, Jacuzzi and a hydromassage bathroom.

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The beautiful Master Suite, perfect for honeymooners or families, is a two-story room: the first floor has a living room, a bathroom with shower, a sofa bed, a TV room with a panoramic view of the hotel’s entrance; in the second floor, the main room has a king-size bed, a Jacuzzi, a bathroom, private balcony, mini-bar, air conditioning, flat screen TV and DVD player. The hotel offers its guests a gourmet restaurant with typical Costa Rican and international food, an English style bar, an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, a game and reading room with TV, laundry service, room service, trails, free wireless internet connection, and meeting rooms. In addition, the hotel has 12 hectares of reforestation area and a farm producing some of the fruits and vegetables used in its restaurant kitchen. This is a good location for bird watchers as more than 180 species have been recorded in the beautiful gardens and surroundings of the hotel: the Lovely Cotinga, the Rufous Browed Tyrannulet, the Red Breasted Blackbird, theTropical Mockingbird and even the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal among them. There is now also a spa on-site for relaxing massage and wellness treatments.