Costa Rica Ranches | Places to Stay in Costa Rica

May 2, 2023 Brain Ambrose

Embraced by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has been attracting eco-tourists for decades, thanks to rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Here you’ll find splendid beaches that spill into sparkling blue waters, peaceful conservation areas, and outstanding adventure sports. Get in touch with ancient civilizations at the National Museum or tiptoe to the edge of a crater at Poás Volcano National Park. Surfers will dig the unparalleled conditions of the Guanacaste province.
Things to do in Costa Rica

1. La Anita Rainforest Ranch

450 Metros Este De La Iglesia Catolica Católica de Colonia Libertad, Aguas Claras 21302 Costa Rica
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 340 reviews

La Anita Rainforest Ranch

Nestled in a small valley between the Miravalles, Rincon de la Vieja, and Santa Maria Volcanoes, La Anita Rainforest Ranch is surrounded by an incredible explosion of biodiversity. Our guests have the opportunity to tour our ranch and indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared with ingredients picked fresh from our gardens. We combined tourism with our organic cacao plantation. We transform our cacao into the most delicious and pure dark chocolate. While staying at La Anita you can take the Chocolate Tour and learn all about from plantation to bar and how we make our organic, single origin UPALA Chocolate.

Tranquil, Remote, Amazing

Reviewed By Erin P

We loved this area of Costa Rica. Immediately, we were greeted by a spider monkey. We say many exotic birds on the property as well. Pablo and Ana were gracious hosts. The food was lovely, the chocolate tour was fantastic, the views were spectacular. Would definitely go again.

2. Finca Canas Castilla

Apartado Postal 009, Sonzapote 2km north of the soccerfield Sonzapote, La Cruz 51001 Costa Rica
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 164 reviews

Finca Canas Castilla

The cottages Cañas Castilla have a nice architecture y a big furnished outside área with hamack and to the River Sapoa and the lovely garden. All have hot water shower, a fridge, 2 ceilingfans and security box. Aircondition is availabe at additional price. Every cottage dispose one double bed and 4 of them have additionally 2 individual beds. There is the cottage Perezoso which has a equipped kitchen for those who want to cook by themselves. Enjoy the naturetrails on the farm, horsebackriding with our own horses, have fun with the small boat doing a cruise around the river Sapoa. Observe howler- and spydermonkeys, sloth and a lot of birds in their natural hábitat. Discover the lovely beaches of Bahía Salinas (Pacific), or take a daytrip into Nicaragua, a special adventure! Enjoy farm life!

Hidden Gem

Reviewed By E4572AZ

Finca Canas Castilla is a most underrated gem. It is a gorgeous location, unique and well-appointed accomodations, exquisite meal preparation. The photos do not do justice to the property. Everything exceeded expectations.

3. El Nido Pool & Garden Lodge

Frente Elenas Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 9355 Costa Rica
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

El Nido Pool & Garden Lodge

Brand New! Beautiful craftsman bungalows set in tropical gardens with salt water pool and jacuzzi. Bright and Spacious bungalows with king size bed, 300+ cotton sheets, kitchen and eating bar, TV/DVD, sofa bed, hot water and AC. Warm hospitality and full service tour booking. 200 m to gorgeous Playa Chiquita beach, 3and a half miles from lively Puerto Viejo.

Highly Recomended!

Reviewed By liraz h

This place is so great, when you enter its like a magical garden. Its the best location of Puerto Viejo, a step from Playa Chiquita and there is a super market just in front, also easy to move around since it has great access . the rooms are specious with everything you need. stuff are super friendly. highly recomended!

4. Hostel Matilori

Calle Matilori, 50M North, 25M South Of Ice, Playa Samara 50205 Costa Rica
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Hostel Matilori

Our hostel is well known for its charming ambiance and invites you to relax in its great atmosphere. This is the perfect place to meet other travellers and most important to have fun!! Our hostel is parted in 2 buildings with a beautiful patio in the middle where you can meet up with other travellers or just chill out in the hammocks. Surrounded by two mango trees and the amazing Costa Rican wildlife you can see iguanas, monkeys and hummingbirds. We have 3 double rooms, 1 four-bed dorm and 1 six-bed dorm, all with shared bathroom and hot shower. The bright and friendly rooms are all well equipped with fans, cupboards and lockers. In the 2 community kitchens you'll find everything you need, even free cafe in the morning. : ) Our hostel is located in the heart of Samara in a quiet street about 100 metres from the beach and the bus stop. Shops, supermarkets and nightlife are close by.

Best hostel in Costa Rica !!

Reviewed By 448almar

Hostel Matilori was the absolute best hostel we tried out of three others in the beach town Sámara. We sadly only stayed there for 3 nights but it was a blast! Both Fran and Oscar (managers) are so cool and helpful and they are creating a very chill atmosphere a long with the other guests who visit the hostel. They are very social and friendly. We really can recommend the hostel, also for couples at the dorm. Very clean, very nice, 2 kitchens and a cozy outdoor place for everyone to hang out and play cards or whatever! See you soon Fran and Oscar - Alma and Johan

5. Hotel Miradas Arenal

La Palma, De La Fortuna 7 km al Oeste de de la Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 164 reviews

Hotel Miradas Arenal

In hotel ... You can enjoy tranquility and absolute privacy. We are located in a extrategica area near all the activities that you will want to make sure. Large windows with glamorous views. If you are looking for relaxation break and we have used by the Indians of our region and grandparents therapeutic treatments.

Overbooking

Reviewed By Guilherme B

We booked through Booking.com. When we arrived they were full. They said that the Booking system did not notify them of the reservation. They themselves confirmed it in advance. Clear case of overbooking. We could see the the place is nice, but this experience was terrible and preventable.

6. Jacaranda Hotel and Jungle Garden

Avenida 67 & Calle 215, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Costa Rica
Excellent
37%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 156 reviews

Jacaranda Hotel and Jungle Garden

We have 14 rooms and bungalows with private bath with hot water, ventilators, hammocks, mosquito nets, television, gift shop, mosaic tiled floors all nestled in a exotic and magical garden.Our services include shared service kitchen, massage bless SPA, private parking, laundry service, security box, baggage storage, mini bar.Wi-Fi and cable T.V.

Lovely two night stay

Reviewed By kpgreynomads

Comfy beds , little outside area to sit, and a hammock and the garden was tended in a loving way. We had Room 8 which was like a suite. We had a double and single bed then a dressing area with power point and bathroom and then a further bedroom which we used to put our kit on. There were seats all around to sit and relax. Washing line aswell! always useful when travelling . No complaints and we would stay again.,we were part of an Intrepid tour. Thank you.

7. Casas Pelicano

Calle Ventanas, 300 Meter North of Public School, Playa Junquillal 5150 Costa Rica
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 53 reviews

Casas Pelicano

Casas Pelicano offers 2 guesthouses directly on the beach of beautiful, lovely Playa Junquillal, on the Pacific Ocean. The comfortable houses have room for 2-3 persons each and are fully equipped with a kitchen, hot shower, terrace, and internet. This very private and silent location has a tropical garden with a pool, an ocean view, and hammocks which invite you to relax and enjoy beach life. With luck, you will be able to see nesting Sea Turtles.

Fantastic Cooking Class!

Reviewed By AGoodWander

On the road to Junquillal Beach look for the sign on the right for Casas Pelicano; it mentions the cooking classes. Follow the dirt road parallel to the beach to reach Casas Pelicano. We were enthusiastically greeted by two dogs, followed closely by Sibylle Altenkirch, who provides cooking classes, meals to guests at the boutique hotel and local catering. Sibylle formally trained as a chef, and was a founding chef at Nil Restaurant, in Hamburg Germany. She has lived in Costa Rica since 1997. During that time, she has explored the local cuisine and practiced the true art of fusion cooking. She will tailor the menu for your likes and cooking interests, so it is best to plan a little in advance to give her time to shop. Bring your own drinks (we brought wine and seltzer water) to have with the meal, and while cooking if you wish. We started by sitting on the deck discussing some of the ingredients, especially the fruits and vegetables, that might not be familiar to those from northern climates. Then we got to cooking. I was especially happy to have Sibylle take the time to teach some simple techniques, like separating an egg and peeling ginger with the edge of a spoon. For more advanced chefs, she clearly could delve into deeper discussions about the combinations of ingredients and advanced techniques, but for a beginner like me she started where she could make the most difference, knife safety and building confidence. We prepared 7 dishes that we ate in a leisurely three courses. Between courses we returned to the kitchen to put finishing touches on the next course and plate the food. It was a relaxing several hours that felt like spending time with old friends. The view from Casas Pelicanos is striking. It was a perfect day to sit in the shade, listen to the crash of the waves and enjoy good food and good conversation. This activity would be great for older kids and anyone with an interest in delicious food.

8. Montezuma Heights

Calle Horizontes Las Delicias, Montezuma 60111 Costa Rica
Excellent
83%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Montezuma Heights

Really private and save pacific overviewing House and cottages made with lot's of love and detail. In the middle of nature up on a cliff, for the once who love the wild a must. House (sleeps 7) regular price 250U$/night, green season 190U$/night(1.Sept.-15.Nov), peak season 350U$/night (15.Dec-10.Jan.) Cabins (sleeps 2-3) regular price 95U$/night 600U$/week, green season 70U$/night 490U$/week

Not recommended !

Reviewed By mariejos_l246

Had booked for 3 nights but left after one. Pool is not clean, seems like it has not been cleaned in a while. Cabin is small with no ventilation. Bathroom walls need cleaning and a coat of paint. Sadly the place is beautiful with great views but it would need a major upkeep to make it a place where you want to stay.

9. Toucan Rescue Ranch

San Josecito, Heredia 40101 Costa Rica
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 392 reviews

Toucan Rescue Ranch

Absolutely wonderful, a must-visit!

Reviewed By Explorer752678

Three adults visited Toucan Rescue Ranch for the first time and were mesmerized by the rescued, permanent-resident animals and the skillful "Classic" tour run by Alejandra, a veterinary nutrition specialist. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the two-fingered and three-fingered sloths, oncilla (small "tiger cat"), ocelot, several varieties of toucans, hawks, owls, parrots, a kinkajou, spider monkeys, and more. We were fortunate that despite a typical June afternoon downpour, most of the animals gave us a show. Even the ocelot paraded for us a couple times, and all but one of the sloths decided to take their afternoon exercise while we watched. Alejandra shared many of the stories about the animals and how they came to be housed here. Most of them involved injury or abuse by humans; one poor monkey had been kept as a pet by an owner who found her tail to be annoying and so chopped it off. Can you imagine how hard it is for a monkey to lose her tail? That would be like a human losing a leg. We were appalled to learn of such barbarism and stupidity! But the monkey now is able to get around, having learned to get by with just four of the five limbs -- tail included -- that enable monkeys to move in the trees with such grace. All the animals are now so well tended with love and care by staff and volunteers. It would be a wonderful volunteer activity for someone with weeks or months to give. We hope to visit again soon and to support this wonderful endeavor any way we can.

10. Blue Spirit Retreat

Playa Guiones, Nosara Costa Rica
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 248 reviews

Blue Spirit Retreat

Blue Spirit Costa Rica provides an extraordinary setting to all who are dedicated to spiritual transformation, personal development, and environmental sustainability. Perched on a hilltop that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a three-mile long white sand beach that is protected as a turtle refuge – Blue Spirit offers an extraordinarily beautiful and natural setting on one of Costa Rica’s renowned beaches, supporting your retreats, workshops, and trainings to be a deeply nurturing and unforgettable experience.Blue Spirit is located in one of the world’s Blue Zones© which inspired the name Blue Spirit. According to author Dan Buettner, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of five Blue Zone’s in the world: a Blue Zone is an area where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. While visiting Blue Spirit, you will feel the resonance of a vibrant, inspiring, and healing energy, because of the rich subtropical environment, and the cultural lifestyle.Your stay at Blue Spirit offers you a comfortable and elegant accommodation of your choice, delicious gourmet vegetarian cuisine, a salt-water infinity pool, koi pond, café, gift shop, spa and longevity services, outdoor excursions, and complimentary wireless service.Blue Spirit was founded by Stephan Rechtschaffen who also co-founded the renowned Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. He is a nationally recognized holistic physician who lectures on health, wellness, nutrition, longevity, and time. These interests have drawn him to living and working in the more mindful and slower paced environment of Blue Spirit in Costa Rica.

Incredible Retreat Experience

Reviewed By 730meghanl

I have traveled to many places in the world, but none like Blue Spirit. Between the breathtaking beaches, their sustainability practices, incredible organic and locally produced food, kind and thoughtful staff, and gorgeous grounds, Blue Spirit exceeded our hopes for offering a yoga retreat. Many group members shared that their experience was life changing and deeply healing, as well. We most certainly will be back and are beyond grateful to have had this opportunity to stay in retreat at Blue Spirit. Mucho gracias & Pura vida to all ???

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