Hotel Lagarta Lodge

Where forest, rivers and Pacific meet at Lagarta

Forest, rivers and Pacific coastline meet in the view from Hotel Lagarta Lodge. Set on a bluff above the delta of the Rio Nosara and Rio Montana, the boutique lodge looks across its private nature reserve toward Playa Nosara and the ocean. The landscape becomes part of a swim, a meal or a quiet hour on the grounds, giving you reasons to linger above the coast.

Follow a trail, then enjoy the water

The private 90-acre reserve has clearly marked trails through mangroves and subtropical dry forest. Walk among the plants and watch for wildlife, without needing a particular sighting to make the outing worthwhile. Back at the lodge, two infinity pools and a Jacuzzi look toward ocean, forest and rivers, framed by tropical gardens.

Spa Vista Manglares offers treatments with mangrove and forest views, while yoga classes provide another way to slow down. Leave an afternoon for the lodge itself: a reserve walk, time by the water and a gentler pause before dinner. The natural setting has different pleasures at each of those speeds.

Beach outings from the hillside

Complimentary boat transfers to Playa Nosara can be arranged at the front desk. Complimentary shared transfers to Playa Pelada and Guiones run every two hours from 8 am through 4 pm. Playa Pelada is also about a 15-minute walk away, and Playa Nosara and Pelada can be reached by car. Choose the journey that fits the beach day you have in mind.

Walking to Playa Nosara involves crossing the rivers at low tide, so plan around that tidal limitation. The dark-sand beach is an outing from the bluff, not an unrestricted stroll at every hour. Nosara's surf shops, yoga studios and restaurants line unpaved streets, bringing a laid-back local contrast to the elevated setting of the lodge.

The coast’s wildlife and evening views

Howler monkeys are among the wildlife associated with Nosara. Nearby Playa Ostional is known for Olive Ridley turtle nesting, with arrivals on certain nights between July and November and hatchlings emerging roughly 45 days later. Treat a turtle outing as something to plan around current conditions and timing, without expecting a nesting event on every visit.

Restaurant Chirriboca combines Costa Rican and international dishes with the coastal outlook. Sunset Bar and Gecko Lounge give you places to enjoy the Pacific evening in good company. Simple, elegant rooms bring comfortable bedding, air conditioning, fans and practical conveniences such as mini-fridges and safes; compare the jungle, partial-ocean and ocean outlooks around your preferred room.

WiFi is available in some locations, so plan where to connect during the stay. Lagarta suits couples, honeymooners and surfers who enjoy nature and a taste of rural Nosara, with beach outings balanced by trails, pools and time looking over the coast.