Ecotourism Hotels in Costa Rica: Where to Stay for a Sustainable Adventure
- Esteban Acedo
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
Costa Rica is world-famous for its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, but did you know it’s also one of the top ecotourism destinations on the planet? With more travelers looking to reduce their environmental impact, ecotourism hotels in Costa Rica have become a top choice for those seeking sustainable yet unforgettable experiences.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best eco-lodges and sustainable hotels across Costa Rica, explain what makes them eco-friendly, and help you choose the perfect stay for your travel style, whether you’re a budget backpacker, a solo explorer, or a family looking for a meaningful vacation.
What are Ecotourism Hotels?
Ecotourism hotels are accommodations that prioritize environmental sustainability, support local communities, and minimize their ecological footprint. In Costa Rica, many of these hotels go even further by:
Using solar or renewable energy
Practicing water conservation and recycling
Supporting wildlife protection programs
Hiring locally and offering fair wages
Offering farm-to-table meals or organic food options
Educating guests about local ecosystems and conservation
Many are certified by the CST (Certificación para la Sostenibilidad Turística), Costa Rica’s official sustainable tourism certification.
Why stay in an Ecotourism Hotel in Costa Rica?
Choosing an eco-hotel doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or adventure; it means traveling responsibly while enjoying deeper, more authentic experiences.
Here’s why you should consider staying in one:
Protect the environment you came to enjoy
Support local communities and small businesses
Experience Costa Rica more meaningfully, from organic farms to wildlife sanctuaries
Feel good about your travel choices
Top Ecotourism Hotels in Costa Rica
Here’s a curated list of eco-friendly hotels we recommend across different regions, sorted by budget and style.
Caribbean Coast
Selva Bananito Lodge
A true jungle escape, this off-grid lodge is powered by solar energy and rainwater collection. Perfect for nature lovers, it offers guided hikes, tree climbing, and birdwatching.
Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Type: Mid-Range to Luxury
Price: Starting from $80 per night
Phone: +506 8375 4419
CST Level: 4-Leaf
Arenal & Northern Highlands
Rancho Margot
This fully sustainable ranch and eco-lodge produces its own electricity and food. You can take part in yoga, tours of their organic farm, and even workshops on self-sufficiency.
Location: Near Lake Arenal
Type: Mid-Range
Price: Starting from $150 per night
Phone: +506 4000 2108
CST Level: Elite Certification
Hotel Belmar
Located in the cloud forest, this family-run eco-hotel offers solar power, farm-to-table cuisine, and reforestation programs.
Location: Monteverde
Type: Luxury
Price: Starting from $320 per night
Phone: +506 8953 6084
CST Level: 5-Leaf (Highest level)
Pacific Coast
Lapa Rios Lodge
A pioneer of ecotourism in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios sits on a private reserve and offers all-inclusive jungle stays with sustainability at its core.
Location: Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
Type: Luxury
Price: Starting from $850 per night
Phone: +506 4070 0420
CST Level: 5-Leaf (Highest level)
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Accessible only by boat, this award-winning eco-lodge is nestled between rainforest and sea in the remote Golfo Dulce area. It’s CST-certified (5-Leaf) and powered by solar energy, with wooden cabins built from sustainable materials. Perfect for travelers seeking wildlife, kayaking, and total immersion in nature.
Location: Punta Nicuesa, Osa Peninsula,
Type: Luxury
Price: Starting from $430 per night (all-inclusive)
Phone: +506 8899 6685
CST Level: 5-Leaf (Highest level)
Tips for Booking Ecotourism Hotels
Look for certifications like CST, Rainforest Alliance, or B-Corp.
Read guest reviews that mention sustainability practices.
Check what’s included; eco-hotels often offer guided tours, yoga classes, and local meals.
Ask questions! A true eco-hotel will proudly share what it’s doing to protect the planet.
Book with Us and Travel Responsibly
At Pura Vida Traveling, we believe that sustainable tourism is the future, and we’re here to make it easy and meaningful for every traveler.
Want help booking a stay or organizing transportation to a remote eco-lodge? Let us help you plan a customized, sustainable trip that aligns with your travel style and values.
Want more info about Costa Rica's biodiversity? Check out these articles:
Final Thoughts: Ecotourism Hotels in Costa Rica
Costa Rica makes it easy to travel with your values. Whether you’re looking for a jungle bungalow, a cloud forest retreat, or a beachside ecolodge, there’s an ecotourism hotel that’s perfect for your trip.
By choosing sustainable stays, you help preserve Costa Rica’s biodiversity, support local communities, and create a more positive impact with every adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ecotourism hotel in Costa Rica?
An ecotourism hotel is an accommodation that operates with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, community involvement, and nature conservation. In Costa Rica, this often includes practices like renewable energy use, local sourcing, eco-friendly construction, and wildlife protection.
What is the CST certification?
The CST (Certificación para la Sostenibilidad Turística) is an official sustainability rating system developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). Hotels are ranked from 1 to 5 leaves based on their environmental, cultural, and social impact, 5 leaves being the highest level of sustainability.
Are CST-certified hotels better?
Not necessarily better, but CST-certified hotels have gone through a strict evaluation process. Some small, sustainable hotels may choose not to get certified due to cost or complexity, but they can still offer genuine eco-friendly experiences (like Finca Exotica, for example).
Are eco-hotels more expensive?
Not always! While some eco-lodges in remote areas offer luxury all-inclusive stays, Costa Rica also has budget-friendly ecolodges like Passion Fruit Lodge that provide authentic nature experiences without the high price tag.
What kind of experiences do ecotourism hotels offer?
Ecotourism hotels often include activities like hiking, birdwatching, organic farm tours, wildlife observation, yoga retreats, or volunteer programs. They’re perfect for travelers who want to connect with nature and support responsible travel.
Where are the best places in Costa Rica for ecotourism?
Top regions include:
Osa Peninsula – remote, wildlife-rich lodges like Lapa Rios and Nicuesa
Monteverde – cloud forests and sustainable hotels like Hotel Belmar
Cahuita & Caribbean Coast – laid-back eco-lodges surrounded by jungle and beaches
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