Costa Rica Eco-Lodges & resorts
Costa Rica Eco Lodges in Costa Rica range from budget-friendly to luxury. Many of the Costa Rica Eco Lodges are certified by the CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism, which is for Costa Rican businesses) and focus on conservation, community support, and responsible tourism. All of our Costa Rica Eco Lodges and Resorts offer something unique. Find your favorite lodge in Costa Rica here below:
Flora & 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 & 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 & 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).
* Birds: Resplendent quetzals, scarlet macaws, toucans, hummingbirds and over 900 species.
* Reptiles & 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 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The reserve is a unique ecosystem with misty cloud forests, orchids and hummingbirds.
Activities:
*Reserva Santa Elena & Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Managed by local communities.
*Suspension bridges, night hikes & canopy tours.
*Birdwatching
*Coffee tours.
Wildlife: Resplendent quetzals, sloths, glass frogs, and hummingbirds.
Best time to visit: July – October (turtles lay eggs).
Costa Rica Eco Lodges: Eco-lodges are accessible only by boat or plane.
Tortuguero National Park – Breeding area of Sea Turtles.
A vast network of canals and rainforest in the nort-east of the country, one of the most important & famous nesting areas for sea turtles.
Activities:
*Kayaking through jungle waterways
*turtle nesting tours (July-October)
*birdwatching. Canoe trips through the jungle, wildlife spotting.
Wildlife: Green sea turtles, manatees, caimans, and poison dart frogs.
Costa Rica Eco Lodges:
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
A majestic active volcano surrounded by rainforest.
Activities: Hot springs, waterfall hikes, wildlife tours, and zip-lining.
Wildlife: Howler monkeys, toucans, red-eyed tree frogs, and Coati Mundo.
Costa Rica Eco Lodges:
Corcovado National Park & Osa Peninsula
In the southern part of the country and the only place in Central America with primary rainforest. A quiet, remote place where you will find pure nature – Undiscovered & Unspoiled. According to the National Geographic “One of the most biologically intense places on Earth”. Best base: Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
Activities:
*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 Eco Lodges: Many small-scale eco-lodges & nature-friendly activities.
Cahuita & Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
A Caribbean paradise with coral reefs, mangroves, sloths and jungle trails. For Afro-Caribbean Vibes & Snorkeling
Activities:
*Snorkeling
*Visiting indigenous Bribri communities
*Jungle hikes
*Puerto Viejo: Authentic Caribbean culture and sustainable lodges
*Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: Manatees and colorful birds.
Wildlife: Leatherback turtles, toucans, sloths, and dart frogs.
Costa Rica Eco Lodges:
Manuel Antonio National Park – Small, but rich in wildlife
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 Eco Lodges:
Suggested 2-Week Eco-Tourism Itinerary in Costa Rica
Week 1: Rainforests & 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 & Marine Life
- Day 8-9: Tortuguero (canals, sea turtles, kayaking).
- Day 10-11: Osa Peninsula (Corcovado jungle adventures).
- Day 12-13: Manuel Antonio (beaches, snorkeling, monkeys).
- Day 14: Departure from San José.
Ecological Threats in Costa Rica
Despite Costa Rica’s status as a global leader in sustainability, the country faces several environmental challenges:
Deforestation & Habitat Loss
– Illegal logging and agricultural expansion (especially palm oil and pineapple plantations) threaten rainforests.
– Ecosystem fragmentation due to infrastructure development.
Climate Change & 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 & fishing
– Endangered species such as sea turtles and jaguars are still being hunted illegally.
– Overfishing and destructive fishing methods are affecting marine biodiversity.
Costa Rican Government Policy on Ecotourism & 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 & 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.
Sustainable travel in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for ecotourism! Want to keep your ecological footprint as small as possible? Here are my best sustainable travel tips.
Transportation: Choose the greenest option
Use public transportation & shuttles – Buses are cheap and more environmentally friendly than private cars.
Rent a hybrid or electric car – There are more and more charging stations around the country.
Carpool with other travelers – Platforms such as Carpoolear Costa Rica connect travelers.
Explore natural parks on foot or by bike – Perfect for destinations such as Monteverde and Arenal.
Lodging: Stay in Costa Rica Eco Lodges & sustainable hotels
Choose accommodations that work with renewable energy, water conservation and waste management. Check our listings at the top of this page!
Eating & Drinking: Choose local and organic
Eat in sodas (local restaurants) – Fresh, organic ingredients and less food waste.
Avoid imported produce – Choose locally grown vegetables, fruits and coffee.
Take a reusable water bottle – Costa Rica has clean tap water in most regions.
Ask for sustainable fish – Choose species such as lionfish and avoid endangered fish such as tuna.
Activities: Respect nature
Visit national parks and nature reserves – Entrance fees help conservation efforts.
Engage in responsible snorkeling & diving – Use reef-safe sunscreen and don’t touch the coral.
Support local communities – Choose community-based tours such as at Bribri Indigenous Reserve.
Volunteer – Help with projects such as sea turtle conservation in Tortuguero.
Waste & plastic: Leave no trace
Use reusable bags, bottles & bamboo cutlery.
Pick up trash from natural parks and beaches.
Choose hotels and tours that operate plastic-free.
Costa Rica has the slogan “Pura Vida,” which is not only a lifestyle, but also a respectful way to travel.