Maquenque Ecolodge
Boca Tapada
If tree houses and bungalows set in dense tropical rainforest amid winding lagoons far away from civilization sounds like your kind of vacation, check out the Maquenque Ecolodge! Perfect for nature enthusiasts, the lodge includes the use of canoes, endless trails, a guided woodland hike, floating yoga deck, and complimentary breakfast. About 3 hours north of the San Jose airport in the northern lowlands close to the Nicaraguan border, you’ll arrive at a secured parking area then be taken by covered pontoon boat to the reception area.
Maquenque Ecolodge’s 68 acres are only a small part of the surrounding Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge created especially to protect the vanishing Green Macaw habitat. With an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather can feel quite tropical especially during the rainy season typically from May through December. It’s best to plan on staying a minimum of 2 nights due to the lodge’s remote location.
The area attracts avid birdwatchers and doesn’t disappoint. More than 590 different species of birds have been recorded by guests visiting the lodge. In addition to both the Green and Scarlet Macaws, a large variety of wetland birdlife can be spotted here. Numerous iguanas, prehistoric looking lizards and other reptiles such as caimans and crocodiles abound in this part of the San Carlos River. A guided night walk, river safari, or horseback ride can further enhance your total jungle immersion experience.
The ecolodge offers a complimentary guided rainforest hike to its guests, led by a local naturalist. You can also hike the many well-kept trails on your own. Canoes are available for guests to explore the surrounding area. The local elementary school has student-led tours where for a small donation, you can plant a tree. In the morning, you might like to begin your day doing asanas on the floating yoga deck. Most days, you’ll want to take a dip in the refreshing pool to cool off and the bar staff will be glad to serve cocktails while you lounge poolside.
A generous breakfast buffet will kick start your day, complete with hot options and fresh fruits. Lunch and dinner are not included but available in the lodge’s open-air El Paso de la Lapa Restaurant. On occasion, live acoustic music will be performing in the evenings. It is difficult to get accommodations for a specialty diet other than vegetarian, so you might consider bringing some of your own food with you if this is a concern. Picnic tables are found lakeside with thatched roofs.
Four Tree Houses located approximately 40 feet up in the branches of the rainforest canopy are for those nimble enough to climb the fifty steps. A large comfortable deck with outdoor chairs will greet you at the top. One wall of your unique room is total screened giving you an amazing view. Conveniently, there is a coffee pot and mini-fridge as it is a long way down and over to the restaurant. You’ll marvel at having both an indoor and outdoor shower so high above the ground with hot solar heated water.
Bungalows are the ideal choice for ground dwellers. Each is a one room accommodation featuring nice linens, hot showers, a ceiling fan, coffee station, and hammocks on the balcony. All are tastefully decorated with murals of tropical plants and flowers. The bungalows are within sight of each other and divided into two areas. Some are closer to the restaurant than others.
People come to Maquenque to relax and commune with the tropical rain forest and its inhabitants. You will not find air conditioning here or television, and you will likely need bug repellent. If you stay in a tree house, you will walk over two long bridges to get back to the restaurant. Life is all about the journey, and you’ll certainly find a memorable one here!
Latitude: N 10° 40' 41.79"
Longitude: W 84° 12' 4.49"
