Cerro Lodge

Birding enthusiasts will revel in delight at how effortless it is to enjoy birdwatching at Hotel Cerro Lodge, located very near Carara National Park, a short way inland from the central Pacific coast. A rustically designed eco-lodge blends into the hillside forest with comfortably furnished individual bungalows or standard rooms with outdoor sitting areas. Perfect for families, couples or independent travelers seeking a peaceful, easy opportunity to relax and view amazing birdlife. The very affordable Cerro Lodge also provides breakfast, a refreshing swimming pool, onsite trails, laundry service, and air conditioning.

People come from around the world to visit the nearby Carara National Park famous for its abundance of tropical birdlife including magnificent flocks of the endangered Scarlet Macaws, several species of Toucans, and colorful parrots plus anteaters, peccaries and white faced monkeys thriving in the transitional forest. It is no wonder that these animals frequent Cerro Lodge, located just a short drive from Carara National Park. The lodge is also convenient to San Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO), popular Jaco Beach with exciting nightlife, and the port town of Puntarenas where a ferry can transport you to quiet beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula.

Tours of every kind abound in this centrally located area and are easy to book. Ocean activities include Sport Fishing, snorkeling, surf lessons, kayaking, and catamaran cruises to offshore islands or to catch sunsets. Inland you can go whitewater rafting, ziplining, canyoning, horseback or ATV riding. Guided nature hikes and riverboat tours will reveal the wonderful world of wildlife surrounding you.

Hotel Cerro Lodge’s easy to walk La Barca Trail takes you past many bird feeding stations, through the rainforest, and down to the mangroves at the Tarcoles River, famous for year round crocodiles! Some of the bungalows are surrounded by natural gardens sculpted out of the existing landscape with beautiful flowers attracting both birds and butterflies. You’ll welcome the refreshing pool after a day of adventures to help you relax your muscles and renew your energy.

The well-reviewed open air dining room offers complimentary breakfasts plus hearty, healthy lunches and dinners with incredible views of the rainforest valley and beautiful sunsets. Mixed drinks are available. All around the restaurant, bird feeders create lively avian entertainment as you sit and enjoy your meal. Free internet works only in the restaurant area which is open all day and offers complimentary coffee and tea.

Walkways provide easy access from the individual bungalows positioned along the hillside to the restaurant as well as to the lodge area featuring single rooms. Simply furnished guest rooms utilize artisanal wooden furniture, local art, lots of windows with colorful curtains, comfortable beds, air conditioning, ceiling fans, a desk, bathrooms with private indoor/outdoor garden showers, hot water, and an outdoor sitting area to watch wildlife. Non-garden indoor shower units can be requested.

Often people have enjoyed staying at Hotel Cerro Lodge as their first or last stop due to its easy proximity to San Jose’s international airport mentioned above.