To promote and classify the country’s eco resorts, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) has developed an initiative called the Sustainability Certification Program. This program provides detailed guidelines for hotels to promote environmental programs and sustainable practices. Eco resorts in Costa Rica are rated on a scale of one to five leaves (five being the most eco-friendly options), which take into account three basic categories: Administration of Cultural and Natural Resources, Economic Success that Contributes to National Development, and Quality of Life Improvements in Surrounding Communities. Individual factors within each category include recycling projects, reduced energy consumption, hiring from within local communities, and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.
Osa Peninsula:
The Osa Peninsula is a peninsula located in southwestern Costa Rica, in the Puntarenas Province, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Golfo Dulce to the east. Named by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” the Osa Peninsula is a true jewel of land, water, and life.
The Osa packs an unparalleled amount of land and marine species and diverse ecosystems in an incredibly small area, including:
- The most significant wetland ecosystem and mangrove forests of Central America
- The largest remaining tract of lowland rainforest in Pacific Mesoamerica
- 2-3% of flora found nowhere else in the world
- 323 endemic species of plants and vertebrates
- The largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America
- More than 4,000 vascular plants
- More than 10,000 insects
- More than 700 species of trees (which is more than all the Northern temperate regions combined)
- 463 species of birds
- 140 mammals, including 25 species of dolphins and whales
- 4 species of sea turtles
Most travelers that head to the Osa Peninsula choose to fly. The local carrier, Sansa Air, offers flights from San José Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) daily. You can fly into Puerto Jimenez, the main hub, or Bahía Drake on the northwest of the peninsula.
EL REMANSO WILDLIFE LODGE: On the southwest coast of CR, on the Oso Peninsula, this area is known as one of the most pristine and biodiverse rainforests. This small, boutique resort strives to give more than they take. Only hiring (and training) locals. The 14 units are built exclusively from fallen timber and certified plantation wood. El Remanso generates 100% of its’ own power. They focus on personalized service and guest experience, with a strong emphasis on local culture, traditions, and connection.
El Remanso Wildlife Lodge consists of 14 eco-luxury villas, bungalows, and rooms which can accommodate wildlife lovers, honeymooners and romance, along with families. Solar power provides fans, charging stations, warm showers, and rainforest luxury.
Activities: Guided Nature Walks, Bird watching, Waterfall Rappeling, Canopy Observation & Zip Line Tour, Night Tour, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Surf Lessons, Mangrove and Sunset Kayaking, Horseback Riding.
Food: Includes 3 meals per day at El Ramanso.
Price: $180-$995
FINCA EXOTICA ECOLODGE: After 20 years, the Inn is now the highest ranking member of the Sustainable Tourism Certification program. Built on the foundations of land preservation, organic food production, sustainable building and healthy living, the environmental impact of this farm is constantly under review by experts and the local staff to minimize its’ ecological footprint.
Finca Exotica is a beachfront property located on the Osa Peninsula, being the closest lodge to Corcovado National Park accessible by car. More than a hotel, they offer a unique, social and inspirational experience in the heart of the jungle, with outstanding views, buzzing wildlife and a friendly & peaceful environment. From rustic open air cabins to our charming glamping tents, Finca Exotica is ideal for travelers looking to spend time reconnecting in nature. Perfect for couples, families, friends, photography enthusiasts and eco-travelers. Cool water outdoor showers.
Activities: Yoga, Corcovado National Park Tours, Wildlife Refuge Hiking, Birdwatching, Kayaking, Garden Tours, Night Tour, Surfing.
Food: Choose between breakfast only or all 3 meals at Casa Grande Rainforest Restaurant served family style; Smoothie and Cocktail Bar
Price: $101-$280
BOSQUE DEL CABO RAINFOREST LODGE: Bosque del Cabo is dedicated to conservation on the Osa Peninsula and has made a commitment to practice and teach sustainable tourism. The lodge personally uses most of the proceeds from Bosque to purchase property in this area that is threatened with development or non-conservation minded use. Bosque Del Cabo Lodge works with volunteer group of women who are striving for conservation, education and ecological awareness to preserve one of the most intense reservoirs of bio-diversity on Earth. Bosque del Cabo has also supported the Osa Sea Turtle Conservation Project. This ambitious project is making great efforts towards recording sea turtles nesting from 4 different beaches on the Osa, as well as helping to preserve sea turtle nests by relocation to hatcheries.
Bosque del Cabo has ten beautifully crafted thatched-roof bungalows. Lush green gardens are the private setting for each bungalow, offering stunning ocean views, modern bathrooms with delightful outdoor garden showers, as well as porches furnished with hammocks and easy chairs. These romantic Nature Lodge bungalows are stirred by warm tropical breezes that echo with the rhythms of the pounding surf below.
Activities: Surf, Sail, Jungle Tours, Ziplining, Kayaking, Sport Fishing.
Food: 3 Meals included. Breakfast & Lunch are served within specific hours (lunch can be packed to go); Dinners bring all the guests together at candle-lit tables.
Price: $110-$500/night.
Lapa Rios: Much more than a luxurious lodge, Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project and National Geographic Unique Lodge that has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer. In 2010, a study conducted by Stanford University published in the Journal of Ecotourism, confirmed that Lapa Rios not only fulfills its promise of ecotourism, delivering social, economic and environmental benefits in the region, but makes a substantial contribution to local livelihoods and environmental conservation, including the highest rates of reforestation of all areas studied in the Osa Peninsula.
All 17 luxurious bungalows are nestled along a ridge within the 1000-acre private Rainforest Reserve. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce from your bed or spacious private decks. Lapa Rios creates an intimate and authentic experience, at once luxurious, educational and inspiring. The included interpretive hikes, bird watching walks, sustainability tours and more provide an intimate view of the wild Osa Peninsula.
Food: All meals are included with packages and served a-la-carte at the open-air Brisa Azul restaurant. Expect locally sourced, freshly prepared meals that will include fresh local fruits and vegetables, responsibly caught seafood, organic chicken and grass-fed beef. A full service bar mixes favorite beverages, fresh juices, organic wines and premium spirits.
Activities: Birds tour, Medicine Walk, Starfish Walk, Rainforest Ridge Walk, Plant a Tree in the “Volunteer Forest”, Visit the Carbonera School, Corcovada National Park tour, explore the 1,000 acre reserve, Kayaking the mangroves, Surfing.
Copa de Arbol: Located in the southern pacific region of Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula, Copa De Arbol is perfectly situated between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park, in an area known as “Caletas” (small coves). Vastly different from other destinations in Costa Rica this resort is only accessible by boat yet still has all the amenities of a full-service hotel. Copa De Arbol is an all-inclusive resort.
Copa de Arbol provide boats and guards to protect marine reserves in order to stop illegal fishing, provide and donate basic supplies to the park rangers, donate supplies to local schools and even create educational programs which help teach conservation awareness, and support a local conservation initiative in which hunting equipment are sold or traded in for cameras and photography courses to help protect local endangered wildlife, while at the same time offering a means for the former hunters to help provide for their families.
Nestled among the trees, each hotel cabina blends seamlessly into the natural backdrop. Constructed using recycled materials and reforested wood such as Teak, Cypress and Melina; all of our accommodations feature ocean and rainforest views. Cabinas and Villas all have balconies with seating areas, pillow-top orthopedic mattresses, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers.
Activities: Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Fishing, Kayaks, Paddle-boards, Scuba-diving, Corcovado National park Tour, Mangrove Forest Tour, Rio Claro Nature Hike, Horseback Riding on the Beach, Zip-lining Tour, Night Rainforest Tour, Bird Watching, San Josecito Boat Ride.
Food: 3 Meals provided at Mirimar Restaurant
Price: $240-$330
