Maquenque Eco-Lodge

Top choice in Arenal & Northern Lowlands


Set on 80 glorious bird-filled hectares, 20 unique bungalows (including five gobsmacking tree houses) overlook a lagoon and tropical garden; additional tree houses are perched in nearby rainforest. To get here, you'll have to cross the San Carlos River in one of the lodge's boats; arrange your boat crossing ahead of time.

Prices include a guided rainforest hike, a student-led tour of a local school and use of canoes on the lagoon, as well as the opportunity to support sustainable tourism by planting a tree in the rainforest (by request). There's also a tour of the finca where many of the vegetables you'll eat for supper are grown. A new pergola and changing rooms for the pool are other improvements.

The place is a birders’ (and photographers') paradise, with countless species flocking to feeders and fruit trees in the grounds. In addition to birds, encountering a roving band of coatis might make your day, too.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Arenal & Northern Lowlands attractions

1. Snake Garden

19.25 MILES

Come face to face with 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, including poison-dart frogs, rattlesnakes, crocs and turtles. The star attraction is a…

2. Dave & Dave's Nature Park

19.28 MILES

Father and son Dave and Dave greet all comers to this 4.5-hectare reserve on the Río Sarapiquí, 200m north of the cemetery. You don't have to be a birder…

3. Centro Turistico Las Iguanas

22.85 MILES

This bridge is a popular spot for tourists en route from La Fortuna to Caño Negro. Countless iguanas hang out in the bamboo and trees above the river,…

4. Heliconia Island

25.55 MILES

Down a rugged road and across the hanging bridge is home to more than 80 varieties of heliconias, tropical flowers, plants and trees. The two-hectare…

5. La Fortaleza

26.56 MILES

Properly known as La Fortaleza de la Limpia Pura e Inmaculada Concepción, this photogenic fortress was constructed between 1673 and 1675, commissioned…

6. Frog’s Heaven

29.52 MILES

The frogs hop free in this lovely tropical garden, a perfect habitat for more than 28 species. On bilingual guided tours you’re likely to see old…

7. Catarata del Toro & the Blue Falls

29.81 MILES

Find a beautiful 90m-tall waterfall that cascades into a volcanic crater (free for overnight guests) and two trail options through virgin forest (one 4…