Where comfort meets conservation in the heart of the tropics

Looking for a place where sustainability and indulgence go hand in hand? Costa Rica, long celebrated for its rich biodiversity and green ethos, is home to some of the most exceptional eco-luxury lodges in the world. From secluded riverfront retreats to forest canopy suites, these handpicked stays offer more than just accommodation—they promise a deep connection with nature, personalized service, and a lighter footprint on the planet.

At Green Circle Experience, we believe that luxury travel should preserve the beauty it showcases. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the top 7 eco-lodges for 2025—places where every detail is designed to inspire and protect.

Ready to wake up to the sound of toucans and the scent of rain-drenched forest? 

1. Maquenque Eco-Lodge – Wildlife, Waterways & Treehouse Tranquility

Hidden deep in the wetlands of San Carlos, in Costa Rica’s lush Northern Lowlands, Maquenque Eco-Lodge offers a truly immersive experience in one of the country’s most vibrant natural sanctuaries. Ideal for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and couples seeking a remote escape, this eco-lodge brings you closer than ever to the wild rhythms of the rainforest.

Set within a 68-hectare private reserve bordering the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, the lodge offers a unique stay among towering trees and winding waterways. Guests can choose between elegant bungalows or magical treehouses perched above the canopy, where mornings begin with the calls of toucans and howler monkeys.

Explore by canoe along serene lagoons, hike through primary forest alive with colorful frogs and hidden sloths, or simply sway in your hammock as scarlet macaws glide across the sky. Sustainability is woven into every detail here, from the use of renewable energy to locally sourced cuisine served in the open-air restaurant.

At Maquenque, nature isn’t just around you—it’s an inseparable part of your stay.

2. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens – Caribbean Calm with Riverfront Charm

Set on the peaceful banks of the Tortuguero River in Costa Rica’s Northern Caribbean Coast, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers a gateway to one of the country’s richest wildlife regions. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, couples, and soft adventurers, this refined eco-retreat blends Caribbean spirit with a touch of quiet luxury.

With no roads leading to Tortuguero village, arriving by boat or small plane becomes the first chapter of your adventure. The lodge’s open-air design immerses you in the rhythms of the jungle—wake up to the call of howler monkeys, spend afternoons spotting caimans from a riverside hammock, and dine on locally inspired cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients.

Beyond the lodge, the wild wonders of Tortuguero National Park await. Glide through winding canals on naturalist-led boat safaris, visit nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles, or unwind by the saltwater infinity pool surrounded by lush rainforest gardens. Here, time slows, nature speaks, and every moment feels beautifully remote.

3. Lapa Rios Lodge – Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea

On the wild southern tip of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, where dense rainforest tumbles toward the Pacific, Lapa Rios Lodge offers an extraordinary fusion of eco-luxury and conservation. Perfect for eco-travelers, honeymooners, and adventurers who want to leave a positive footprint, this pioneering lodge is a model of sustainable tourism.

Perched above the shimmering waters of the Golfo Dulce, each open-air bungalow invites you to live in harmony with the land. Outdoor showers, ocean-facing decks, and hand-crafted furnishings made from local materials set the stage for an immersive rainforest experience where comfort and nature flow seamlessly together.

Guests can join expert naturalists on rainforest hikes, chase waterfalls, participate in birdwatching tours, or visit community-run conservation projects that the lodge proudly supports. Lapa Rios operates fully on renewable energy and channels its success into protecting the surrounding ecosystems and uplifting local communities.

At Lapa Rios, you don’t just visit the rainforest—you become part of its story.

4. El Silencio Lodge & Spa – Cloud Forest Serenity & Wellness Retreat

In the enchanting highlands of Bajos del Toro, El Silencio Lodge & Spa offers a sanctuary where cloud forest magic meets refined wellness. Perfect for wellness seekers, couples, and nature lovers, this Relais & Châteaux property invites guests to reconnect with themselves and the vibrant ecosystems surrounding them.

Set within a 500-acre private reserve, the lodge is a serene hideaway of misty trails, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant hummingbird gardens. Suites and villas are crafted with eco-conscious materials, featuring gas fireplaces, forest-view decks, and private outdoor whirlpool tubs that make soaking in nature literal.

The organic restaurant offers farm-to-table dining experiences, while the award-winning spa draws from local ingredients for its rejuvenating treatments. Guests can hike through ancient forests, participate in birdwatching excursions, or engage with the local culture through community-led activities. Every stay at El Silencio contributes to meaningful conservation and reforestation efforts—ensuring that the beauty you come to admire remains protected for generations to come.

5. Pacuare Lodge – Adventure and Elegance in the Heart of the Jungle

Deep within the Caribbean Lowlands and along the rushing Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge offers a thrilling combination of untamed adventure and secluded eco-luxury. Perfect for adventurous spirits, honeymooners, and eco-conscious travelers, it’s a destination where the journey is as unforgettable as the stay.

Accessible only by whitewater rafting or rugged 4×4 adventure, arriving at Pacuare Lodge feels like stepping into another world. Nestled in dense rainforest and surrounded by waterfalls, the lodge’s bungalows and suites blend effortlessly into the landscape, crafted with sustainable materials and powered by renewable energy.

Days here are packed with excitement—zip-lining through the canopy, canyoning into hidden gorges, or hiking trails alive with exotic wildlife. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, guests can dine high above the forest floor at The Nest, a private dining platform perched in the arms of a giant Ceiba tree, reached by an exhilarating canopy zipline.

Beyond the adventure, Pacuare Lodge is deeply committed to conservation, supporting local communities and preserving the pristine rainforest that envelops it.

6. Senda Monteverde – Modern Comfort in the Misty Mountains

High in the cool, emerald hills of Monteverde, Senda Monteverde is a contemporary eco-lodge where mountain serenity meets mindful luxury. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, couples, and families seeking a quiet retreat, it offers easy access to the cloud forest’s most iconic attractions—without sacrificing comfort.

The lodge is nestled near the Aguti Wildlife Reserve and just steps from trails leading to Monteverde’s hanging bridges and hummingbird gardens. Its stylish suites feature natural materials, warm textiles, and private porches with views of the forest canopy. Every detail reflects a commitment to sustainability, from its carbon-neutral footprint to partnerships with local artisans and producers.

Guests can explore the surrounding reserves, enjoy gourmet farm-to-table meals, or simply sip a fresh Costa Rican coffee beside the fireplace. In a region known for misty mornings and incredible biodiversity, Senda offers a grounding, gentle way to experience it all.

7. Playa Cativo Lodge – Tropical Seclusion on the Golfo Dulce

Set on a private beach fringed by primary rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is a hidden gem on the Golfo Dulce—one of Costa Rica’s most pristine marine sanctuaries. This off-grid eco-retreat is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or wildlife lovers who crave true seclusion in nature’s embrace.

Accessible only by boat, the lodge immerses guests in the untouched splendor of the Osa Peninsula. Wake up to scarlet macaws overhead, snorkel among coral reefs, or kayak through nearby mangroves. Each suite features elegant design, ocean views, and open-air showers, blending barefoot luxury with a deep respect for the environment.

Beyond its breathtaking setting, Playa Cativo is committed to conservation: it runs on clean energy, sources ingredients from its organic farm, and supports reforestation and local community initiatives. Here, luxury doesn’t come at the planet’s expense—it enhances your connection to it.

Travel Gently, Stay Exceptionally

Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s an invitation to experience nature with intention. Each of these eco-luxury lodges has been handpicked by Green Circle Experience for their commitment to sustainability, comfort, and authentic connection with the land. Whether you’re dreaming of misty cloud forests, sun-drenched beaches, or untamed jungle rivers, your perfect stay awaits—one that leaves a lasting memory without leaving a heavy footprint.

At Green Circle Experience, we don’t just plan trips—we design journeys that align with your values and the natural beauty of this extraordinary country.