Costa Rica Ecolodges and resorts

Costa Rica Ecolodges range from budget-friendly to luxury. Many of the Costa Rica Ecolodges are certified by the CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism, which is for Costa Rican businesses) and focuses on conservation, community support, and responsible tourism. All of our Costa Rica Ecolodges and Resorts offer something unique. Find your favorite lodge in Costa Rica below:

Flora and Fauna in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has more than 500,000 species of animals and plants and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

Flora – What Grows in Costa Rica

• Giant ceiba and kapok trees: towering trees found in rainforests, often considered sacred.
• Orchids: over 1,400 species, making Costa Rica one of the top orchid hotspots.
• Mangroves: crucial for coastal ecosystems, supporting fish and bird life.
• Chocolate and Coffee Plants: grown sustainably in many regions, especially in Monteverde and the Central Valley.

Fauna – What Animals Will You Encounter?

• Mammals: sloths, jaguars, tapirs, anteaters, monkeys (howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, Cebidae, Titi monkeys).
• Birds: resplendent quetzals, scarlet macaws, toucans, hummingbirds and over 900 species.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: poison dart frogs, green iguanas, caimans, and basilisk lizards (Jesus Christ lizards).
• Marine Life: sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales (seasonal), and reef fish.

The Best Costa Rica Ecotourism Destinations

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The reserve is a unique ecosystem with misty cloud forests, orchids and hummingbirds.
Activities:
*Visit the Santa Elena & Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – managed by local communities.
*Walk on suspension bridges, go on night hikes & canopy tours.
*Go on a birdwatching tour or on a coffee tour.
Wildlife: you might see resplendent quetzals, sloths, glass frogs (some of these frogs have abdominal skin that is transparent, hence their name), and hummingbirds.
Best time to visit: December – April.

Tortuguero National Park – Breeding Area of Sea Turtles.

This park is a vast network of canals and rainforest in the northeast of the country, one of the most important and famous nesting areas for sea turtles.
Activities:
*Go kayaking through jungle waterways.
*Book a turtle nesting tours (July-October).
*Go on a birdwatching tour.
*Check out Canoe trips through the jungle.
Wildlife: you might see green sea turtles, manatees, caimans, and poison dart frogs.

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna – A Majestic Active Volcano Surrounded by Rainforest.

Activities: you can visit hot springs, do a waterfall hike, book a wildlife or zip-lining tour.
Wildlife: you might see howler monkeys, toucans, red-eyed tree frogs, and Coati Mundo.
Costa Rica Ecolodges:

Corcovado National Park and Osa Peninsula

This park is located in the southern part of the country. This primary rainforest in Central America’s Pacific coastline is a quiet, remote place. Here you will find pure nature – undiscovered and unspoiled.
According to the National Geographic “One of the most biologically intense places on Earth”. Best base: Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
Activities you can do:
*Jungle trekking, wildlife watching, snorkeling, and sustainable community tours.
*Whale & dolphin spotting in the Gulf of Dulce.
Wildlife: Jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, four species of monkeys, and bull sharks.
Costa Rica Ecolodges: many small-scale ecolodges and nature-friendly activities.  

Cahuita and Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)

Cahuita is a Caribbean paradise with coral reefs, mangroves, sloths and jungle trails. Visit the Caribbean Coast to get some Afro-Caribbean vibes and for snorkeling.
Activities:
*You can visit indigenous Bribri communities.
*You can go on a jungle hike.
*Visit Puerto Viejo to get a glimpse of authentic Caribbean culture.
*See manatees and colorful birds at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Wildlife: you might see leatherback turtles, toucans, sloths, and dart frogs.
Costa Rica Ecolodges: 

Manuel Antonio National Park – Small, but rich in wildlife

This is one of the most popular parks, with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, jungle and rainforest.
Activities: hiking, snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal), mangrove tours. Spot fauna.
Wildlife: Sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and dolphins.
Costa Rica Ecolodges: 

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has the slogan “Pura Vida,” (translated  means “pure life”) which is not only a lifestyle, but also a respectful way to travel. Let’s go!

Week 1: Rainforests and Volcanoes

• Day 1-2: arrive in San José, explore local markets.
• Day 3-4: Arenal Volcano (hiking, hot springs, wildlife).
• Day 5-6: Monteverde Cloud Forest (hanging bridges, night tours).
• Day 7: Pacuare River (white-water rafting to an eco-lodge).

Week 2: Coastlines and Marine Life

• Day 8-9: Tortuguero (canals, sea turtles, kayaking).
• Day 10: fly from Tortuguero to San José, then take another flight to Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
• Day 11: Osa Peninsula (Corcovado jungle adventures).
• Day 12-13: Manuel Antonio (beaches, snorkeling, monkeys).
• Day 14: departure from San José.

Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Check out more than 40 Sustainable travel tips.

Do you want to rent a car in Costa Rica? Rent a hybrid or electric car – there are more and more charging stations around the country. Or carpool with other travelers – connect with other travelers via platforms such as Carpoolear Costa Rica.

Ecological Threats in Costa Rica

Despite Costa Rica’s status as a global leader in sustainability, the country faces several environmental challenges:

Deforestation and Habitat Loss
– Illegal logging and agricultural expansion (especially palm oil and pineapple plantations) threaten rainforests.
– Ecosystem fragmentation due to infrastructure development.

Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
– Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are affecting fragile ecosystems.
– Threats to coral reefs due to warming and acidification of the oceans.

Tourism-related impacts
– Overtourism in popular areas such as Monteverde and Manuel Antonio is causing pollution and pressure on ecosystems.
– Increased waste production and water consumption in tourist hotspots.

Illegal hunting and fishing
– Endangered species such as sea turtles and jaguars are still being hunted illegally.
– Overfishing and destructive fishing methods (such as bottom trawling and blasting) are affecting marine biodiversity.

Costa Rican Government Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability

Costa Rica has one of the most progressive sustainability programs in the world:
Almost 100% renewable energy – the country runs largely on hydroelectric, wind and solar energy.
Protection of natural areas – more than 25% of the country is protected, with strict legislation for national parks and reserves.
Ecotourism as a core strategy – strict guidelines for sustainable lodges and eco-certified accommodations.
National Carbon Neutrality Program – Costa Rica is committed to becoming completely carbon neutral.
Strong Environmental Laws and Enforcement – illegal deforestation and poaching are actively combated.

Small-Scale Nature Conservation Projects in Costa Rica

• Proyecto Asis (La Fortuna)– rescue center for wildlife such as sloths and toucans.
• Sea Turtle Conservation Projects (Tortuguero & Ostional) – protection of endangered sea turtles by volunteers and scientists.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Conservation– programs to preserve the cloud forest and its biodiversity.
• Corcovado Foundation – local initiatives for forest protection and sustainable tourism in the Osa Peninsula.
• Reef Conservation Costa Rica (Dominical) – research and restoration of coral reefs along the Pacific coast.

Costa Rica Ecolodges and Travel Safety

Check in advance about the safety in Costa Rica and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on Costa Rica.