15 Certified Sustainable Costa Rica Ecolodges And Retreats
Costa Rica has set the gold standard for sustainable tourism. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks or reserves, it’s long been one of the leading countries for growing their rural economy through ecotourism.
The country’s CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) program is one of the most respected in the world. It measures how hotels and tour operators manage energy, waste, water, wildlife, and community impact.
Until recently, tourism businesses could earn between 1 and 5 “leaves,” with 5-leaf lodges being true leaders in sustainability. However, in the last few years they’ve simplified the certification program to two designations:
- CST Basic: Meets all mandatory environmental, social, and operational criteria. Roughly equivalent to the old 1-3 leaf ecolodge certification.
- CST Elite: Goes beyond, fulfilling Basic plus additional “improvement” and “external impact” measures. Roughly equivalent to the old 4-5 leaf ecolodge certification.
This system rewards ecolodges that go beyond the basics. They don’t just recycle or use solar panels. Many are completely off-grid, grow their own food, support reforestation, and partner with local communities. When you stay at one, your presence supports a whole ecosystem of care and conservation.
Ecolodges are more than just eco-friendly accommodations. They offer a chance to slow down, disconnect, and really feel the place you’re in through all your senses. Wake up to howler monkeys, shower with rainwater, eat food grown steps from your room, and fall asleep to jungle sounds instead of traffic.
So if you’re craving something real, restorative, and rooted in the land, an ecolodge in Costa Rica might just be the ultimate travel experience for mindful nature lovers.
1. Lapa Rios Ecolodge – Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula
Lapa Rios is set on a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve near Corcovado National Park. Its 17 thatched-roof bungalows sit high on a ridge with incredible views of the ocean and jungle.
It holds a CST Elite certification and runs on solar and micro-hydro power. The ecolodge uses biodigesters, solar water heaters, and has composting gardens. No single-use plastics are allowed, and food is sourced locally.
Wildlife is everywhere around Lapa Rios and during your stay you’ll likely see macaws, monkeys, sloths and dolphins. Daily naturalist hikes, birding walks, night tours, and marine adventures are all included. Guests can also plant trees or join local community visits.
This ecolodge is ideal for travellers wanting deep nature, comfort, and a real conservation impact. There’s no TV or A/C, just ocean breezes, jungle sounds, and epic views.
Location: Osa Peninsula, near Puerto Jiménez
Price: USD 750–1,700+/night (all-inclusive)
Sustainability: CST Elite, Rainforest Alliance, solar + hydro, composting, no plastic, local sourcing
Activities: Wildlife hikes, birdwatching, night tours, marine trips, tree planting, community visits
2. Pacuare Lodge – Pacuare River, Limón Province
Nestled deep in the rainforest along the legendary Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge is only accessible by boat or 4×4. It’s a multi-award‑winning retreat praised for its “jungle-cat tracking” and immersive conservation programs.
The hotel property runs on solar power and uses gravity-fed water systems. The architecture blends local hardwoods with river stones to minimize environmental impact. Living roofs and rainwater harvesting further reduce its ecological footprint.
Guests can join guided rafting trips, jaguar-monitoring tours, canopy hikes, wildlife safaris, spa services, and cultural visits to Cabécar indigenous communities. With its microbrewery and rich biodiversity programming, it’s part adventure lodge, part nature lab.
Location: Pacuare River, Limón Province (accessible by raft/4×4)
Price: USD 450–700/night all-inclusive
Sustainability: CST-certified, solar power, gravity-fed systems, indigenous partnerships
Activities: White-water rafting, jaguar tracking, canopy tours, spa, cultural experiences
3. Playa Cativo Ecolodge – Golfo Dulce, Puntarenas
Playa Cativo is a high-end ecolodge located within Piedras Blancas National Park. Surrounded by both rainforest and calm ocean waters, it’s a peaceful hideaway accessible only by boat. The architecture blends old-world charm with modern eco-tech, elegant wood interiors, outdoor showers, and expansive ocean views.
The ecolodge is powered by 100% renewable energy (solar + micro-hydro), sources ingredients from its organic farm, and runs biodiversity conservation programs. It holds Costa Rica’s Blue Flag Certification and is Rainforest Alliance verified. A reforestation project on-site has already restored dozens of native species.
Whether you’re snorkeling in Golfo Dulce, kayaking into mangroves, or birdwatching with a naturalist, Playa Cativo offers a mix of luxury and low-impact nature. Evenings are capped with candlelit dinners and stargazing from your deck.
Location: Golfo Dulce, near Golfito (boat access)
Price: USD 400–700/night all-inclusive
Sustainability: 100% renewable energy, organic farm, Blue Flag, reforestation projects
Activities: Snorkelling, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, farm tours, spa
4. El Silencio Lodge & Spa – Bajos del Toro, Alajuela
El Silencio Lodge sits in a misty cloud forest valley two hours from San José. It has luxury cabins tucked between waterfalls and trees that are designed for deep rest and nature immersion. The suites feature private decks, outdoor jacuzzis, and sweeping forest views.
This lodge holds the Elite CST certification and it is a model for sustainable hospitality. It uses eco-friendly construction, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems. On-site gardens grow ingredients for the farm-to-table restaurant, and El Silencio supports local artisans and conservation efforts.
It is in one of the best areas of Costa Rica for waterfalls explorers. Your stay can include waterfall hikes, birdwatching, forest meditation, and community-led cooking classes.
Location: Bajos del Toro, 2 hours from San José
Price: USD 450–700/night
Sustainability: Elite CST, solar power, eco-build, farm-to-table, community partnerships
Activities: Forest hikes, birdwatching, spa, cooking classes, cultural tours
5. Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge – Osa Peninsula
Bosque del Cabo is a wildlife haven located on a 750-acre private reserve overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Osa Peninsula. The lodge’s bungalows and casas are spread through thick forest and sprawling gardens, offering unmatched views of the Golfo Dulce and coastal cliffs.
It’s Green Key and CST-certified, with a strong focus on conservation. Bosque del Cabo uses solar and hydro energy, recycles water, and supports reforestation and scientific research. Wildlife corridors crisscross the property, and animals like monkeys, toucans, and ocelots are frequent visitors.
Guests can enjoy guided jungle hikes, birdwatching, night safaris, and beach picnics. This is one of the best spots in Costa Rica to see nature thriving in its wild, undisturbed state.
Location: Cabo Matapalo, Osa Peninsula
Price: USD 300–600/night
Sustainability: CST & Green Key certified, solar/hydro energy, reforestation, scientific research
Activities: Wildlife tours, night hikes, surfing, waterfall treks, naturalist-led tours
6. Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge – San Gerardo de Dota
High up in the Talamanca Mountains, Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge offers a mix of modern architecture and untouched nature. Its large glass windows and private decks put you eye-level with hummingbirds, resplendent quetzals, and clouds drifting through the treetops.
The lodge holds an Elite CST rating and is built using sustainable hardwoods, efficient water systems, and solar-assisted heating. It protects part of the Los Santos Forest Reserve and supports indigenous communities through an on-site art gallery and fair-trade shop.
Guests can explore nearby trails, visit waterfalls, birdwatch with expert guides, or simply curl up by the fireplace. It’s a peaceful base for exploring one of Costa Rica’s lesser-known highland regions which are legendary for birdwatching.
Location: San Gerardo de Dota, near Los Quetzales National Park
Price: USD 140–250/night
Sustainability: Elite CST, solar heating, protected reserve, local fair-trade partnerships
Activities: Birdwatching, waterfall hikes, gallery visits, forest tours
7. Olas Verdes Hotel – Nosara, Guanacaste
Olas Verdes is a surf-friendly, beachside ecolodge tucked into Nosara’s tropical dry forest. Just a short walk from Playa Guiones, it blends relaxed surf culture with high-end eco-design.
It’s one of Costa Rica’s few LEED Platinum certified hotels and also holds CST accreditation. The hotel uses solar power, greywater recycling, and composting, and helped fund the regeneration of a once-deforested area behind the beach.
Surf lessons, yoga classes, turtle-watching at nearby Ostional Wildlife Refuge, and biking trails are all easily accessible. Staff are deeply connected to the community and can arrange everything from conservation volunteering to language exchanges.
Location: Playa Guiones, Nosara
Price: USD 180–350/night
Sustainability: CST & LEED Platinum, solar, composting, coastal restoration
Activities: Surfing, yoga, turtle tours, conservation programs, biking
8. Rancho Pacifico – Uvita, South Pacific Coast
Rancho Pacifico is a luxury adults-only ecolodge perched above Marino Ballena National Park with dramatic ocean views. With only a handful of villas and treehouses, it’s secluded, peaceful, and tailored to privacy-seekers and wellness travelers.
It’s CST-certified and designed for low environmental impact. It was built using sustainable materials, solar-assisted energy, natural ventilation, and organic waste systems. They also support reforestation and employ only local staff.
Guests can hike to waterfalls, book spa treatments, whale-watch, or simply relax in a hammock above the jungle. Gourmet meals are included and often feature regional ingredients and local fish.
Location: Uvita, Puntarenas
Price: USD 450–750/night (adults only, all-inclusive)
Sustainability: CST certified, local employment, low-impact construction, reforestation
Activities: Spa, waterfall hikes, whale watching, gourmet dining, yoga
9. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge – Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula
Perched on a 165-acre private rainforest reserve next to Piedras Blancas National Park, Playa Nicuesa is a remote, boat-only eco retreat on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Its jungle cabins are open-air and minimalist, tucked deep in nature with only 2% of the land developed.
The lodge holds an Elite CST rating, the highest level of Costa Rica’s official sustainability certification. It’s entirely off-grid, running on a combination of solar, micro-hydro, and recycled oil-based biofuel. Water is treated onsite, food waste is composted, and almost everything is repurposed or recycled.
Days at Nicuesa are slow and immersive. You can kayak through mangroves, swim in bioluminescent waters, hike to hidden waterfalls, or join a chocolate-making workshop. The ecolodge also supports environmental education and community programs.
Location: Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula (boat access from Golfito)
Price: USD 250–500/night (all-inclusive)
Sustainability: Elite CST, solar & micro-hydro, composting, reforestation, local hiring
Activities: Kayaking, hiking, wildlife tours, cacao workshops, snorkelling, fishing
10. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Arenal, Alajuela
If you’re visiting the La Fortuna area to see the Arenal Volcano then the Tabacón Hot Springs are a must-visit place. They are perhaps the most beautiful hot springs in the entire world, complete with waterfalls and a spectacular river running through the property.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Tabacón combines luxury with geothermal eco-credentials. It has 5-Leaf CST, Carbon-Neutral status, and wins Green World Awards for its environmental leadership.
Its geothermal springs (72–105 °F) feed natural stone pools woven through the rainforest. The property uses renewable energy, organic farms, recycling programs, and sustainable building materials.
Guests can soak in mineral waters, hike volcanic trails, enjoy spa therapies, and dine in top-notch eco-restaurants. All-natural landscapes and native flora ensure a vibrant rainforest getaway even in a luxe setting.
Location: La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano
Price: USD 300–600/night all-inclusive spa packages
Sustainability: Elite CST, carbon neutral, organic farming, geothermal energy
Activities: Hot springs, volcano hikes, spa treatments, wildlife tours
11. Finca Bellavista – Southern Zone Treehouse Community
Finca Bellavista is a pioneering treehouse community on 600 acres of rainforest. Since 2007, it has been a living model of sustainable development, requiring each home to include compost and renewable systems.
Visitors experience off-grid living in hand-built treehouses connected by ziplines and trails. All structures use biodigesters; electricity is solar, and no clear-cutting is allowed.
Activities include wildlife spotting, botanical walks, zip-lining, and cultural workshops with resident builders. It’s a vibrant example of eco-living in practice and an experience unlike any other in Costa Rica.
Location: Southern Zone rainforest (Punta Uva area)
Price: USD 100–200/night (treehouse rental; community available)
Sustainability: Off-grid, biodigesters, solar power, community-built
Activities: Zip-lining, wildlife walks, botanical tours, cultural workshops
12. Pura Vida Ecolodge & Nature Reserve – Osa Peninsula
Pura Vida Ecolodge sits dramatically atop rainforest cliffs in the Osa, offering panoramic Pacific views. Designed as a rewilding retreat, it blends effortlessly into the jungle canopy.
The ecolodge is entirely off-grid, using solar power, rainwater collection, composting toilets, and organically maintained forest gardens. It’s designed for minimal land disturbance.
Guests enjoy guided rainforest hikes, wellness programs, yoga, sustainable farming workshops, and sometimes surfing at nearby beaches. This is the ultimate remote, eco-luxury immersed experience in nature.
Location: Osa Peninsula rainforest coast
Price: USD 300–600/night (all-inclusive)
Sustainability: Off-grid solar, rainwater harvesting, composting, re-wilding design
Activities: Rainforest exploration, yoga, sustainable workshops, beach visits
13. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens – Tortuguero, Limón
Located right on the banks of the Tortuguero River, Tortuga Lodge is surrounded by lush jungle and slow-moving canals. It offers an ideal base for exploring Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse areas.
The ecolodge is CST-certified and runs on solar power. It uses native plants for landscaping, bans single-use plastics, and supports turtle conservation programs. The gardens are designed to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and frogs, creating a vibrant living environment right outside your door.
Activities include guided canal boat tours, kayaking, night walks, and seasonal sea turtle nesting excursions. It’s a calm, nature-forward retreat with strong environmental values and excellent hospitality.
Location: Tortuguero National Park, Limón
Price: USD 150–300+/night (all-inclusive)
Sustainability: CST-certified, solar energy, plastic-free, conservation support
Activities: Canal tours, kayaking, turtle watching, jungle walks
14. Si Como No Resort – Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Si Como No is a lush eco-resort perched on a forested hillside above Manuel Antonio. It features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and close proximity to the world famous national park.
This ecolodge blends comfort with conservation. It is CST-certified and uses solar power, biodegradable products, and an organic garden that supports a wildlife rescue center. Water is conserved through smart systems, and local biodiversity is preserved throughout the property’s grounds.
Guests can walk to the beach, visit Manuel Antonio National Park’s trails, join guided wildlife tours, or simply relax by the natural saltwater pool. It’s a great option for couples or families who want sustainability and style without sacrificing location or service.
Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Price: USD 180–350/night
Sustainability: CST-certified, solar energy, wildlife rescue, organic gardens
Activities: Wildlife tours, beach access, waterfall hikes, nature trails
15. Cloud Forest Lodge – Monteverde, Puntarenas
Nestled within a private cloud forest reserve, Cloud Forest Lodge offers direct access to some of Monteverde’s most iconic trails. Rooms are cozy, built with natural materials, and spread out across a forested property with hanging bridges and misty paths.
The lodge uses solar-assisted heating, native landscaping, and low-impact design to reduce its ecological footprint. It’s CST-rated and supports reforestation and wildlife corridors connecting nearby reserves.
Guests can go zip-lining, walk sky bridges, visit butterfly gardens, or join naturalist-led night tours. There’s also a strong educational element, with onsite programs about Monteverde’s unique cloud forest ecosystems.
Location: Monteverde, Puntarenas
Price: USD 150–220/night
Sustainability: CST-rated, solar heating, native plants, wildlife corridors
Activities: Zip-lining, sky walks, forest tours, night hikes
Mindful Travel And The Future of Ecolodges
Travel is evolving. More people are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences that leave a lighter footprint. Ecolodges offer that opportunity. They give us a way to explore beautiful places while respecting the environment and supporting local communities.
Mindful travel starts with intention. It’s about slowing down, choosing places that align with your values, and connecting more with the land and the people. Staying at an ecolodge makes that easy. You’re immersed in nature, and your visit helps protect it.
These lodges aren’t just about rustic charm or off-grid appeal. Many use renewable energy, grow their own food, and invest in local conservation. When you stay at one, you’re part of that solution. Your trip becomes a force for good.
In a world facing climate change and ecological breakdown, tourism has to shift. Mass tourism often drains resources, destroys local communities and disrupts ecosystems. Ecolodges are a better path forward. They show that travel can be regenerative instead of extractive.
Choosing an ecolodge is a simple way to make a difference. You still get adventure, beauty, and comfort but with care and conservation. The future of travel depends on choices like this, and the more people choose it, the more impact we can have.
Whether you’re hiking cloud forests, watching sea turtles, or sipping coffee grown on-site, you’re doing more than taking a vacation. You’re helping protect the places we love. And that’s what mindful travel is all about.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I love exploring new places, flying my drone and sharing my adventures on my Instagram.
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