Yatama Ecolodge and Reserve

Yatama Ecolodge is my favorite jungle escape in Costa Rica. From the moment you arrive you are treated like family, and immersed in the beauty of the rainforest. It's the ideal location for those wanting to escape the party crowds, music, noise, and lights, and spend quiet nights surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature. This was my second trip to Yatama, and even after 8 nights I wasn't ready to leave. I recommend at least 4 nights, but it's a great place to simply stay in one place. My first trip was 3 weeks and I felt completely at peace in the tranquility of the jungle. It's a great place for solo travelers, families, and people of all ages. Pedro and his hiking guides are fantastic at spotting wildlife, and the night hikes are fantastic. There are also early morning bird hikes and day hikes after breakfast. If you don't feel like hiking there is plenty to see around the lodge, just walking around the wooden walkways through the trees, or simply relaxing by the dining area, ponds, or on your deck. You will see plenty of wildlife. There's are nice covered lounging areas, as well as shelves of wildlife books to browse through. Pedro and his staff are fantastic, and the meals are delicious, with a beautiful view from your table. There is a nice variety of proteins, soups, fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh squeezed fruit juices, and desserts throughout the week. Tea, coffee, and water are available all day in the dining area. They are very accommodating with special dietary requests. I appreciate everything Pedro has done in his conservation of the rainforest, and making this place so special for others to enjoy. Thank you for all you do Pedro, and thank you for all the expertise you and your staff share about wildlife and nature. Most importantly, thank you for making everyone feel like family, and doing all you can to make our time there special.

This was one of the most exceptional hotels we’ve been so far. It’s located in the middle of the rain forest. The only way to get there is by being picked up at a secured parking area by someone from the lodge. The drive to the parking lot is quit bumpy but not really hard to drive on. Just watch out for road holes. From the parking lot it takes you approx 30 min to get there. Once you are up there it’s a little paradise. You get fullboard and the food is very good. If you get a chance book 2—3 nights up there. Pedrò, the owner is unbelievably dedicated to keep the rainforest balanced but still gives you the joy of experiencing the wild life with nightwalks and bird watching. We even got to see 7 green Aras (Great green Macaw) which was incredible. Pedro told us that he and is dad planted almond trees 20 years ago to make the Green Aras come back and it obviously worked. Pedro and his team are really great.

One of the greatest Ecolodges in Costa Rica. Pedro and his staff are passionately committed to conservation and sustainability, and they help guests understand their value. Guided hikes are spectacular; we saw nearly 50 species on a morning walk with Pedro. Excellent breakfasts and dinners are provided as part of the cost, and lunch can also be provided on request at a reasonable rate. The rooms are spacious, with balcony patios (with rocking chairs) that look out into the rain forest. There are mosquito nets provided for the bed, but we have experienced very few bugs (Belize is much worse in this regard, for instance). Altogether this is an experience not to be missed; tey to plan on staying at least four nights (there are many, many wonderful and well-marked trails you can walk on your own after an initial orienting walk with Pedro the morning after you arrive. We chose to pay for transit from the San Jose airport (much less expensive than renting a car), and it made the the final leg of the journey (on a bumpy dirt road) stress free. Not to be missed!