Maquenque Ecolodge is located in the Boca Tapada region, in northern Costa Rica, deep within tropical rainforest. Its private reserve borders the Maquenque national wildlife reserve, and the property combines ground-level bungalows with treehouses perched 12 meters high in the canopy, within immediate proximity of the San Carlos River.

Why stay at Maquenque Ecolodge

Three main reasons make this a compelling stop. First, the location: the property sits within a private nature reserve of approximately 60 acres, on the edge of the Maquenque national wildlife reserve, one of the last refuges for the great green macaw (lapa verde). Second, the dual accommodation formula, with 15 bungalows and 10 tree houses, allowing you to choose between ground-level comfort and nights within the forest canopy. Finally, the lodge's commitment to sustainability, built on a balance between economic viability, environmental preservation, and positive local impact.

Atmosphere

The feel is that of a remote rainforest lodge, well removed from the typical Pacific tourist circuits. The soundscape is composed of bird calls, insect choruses, and at nightfall, the croaking of frogs and distant howler monkey cries. Wooden pathways connect the buildings through dense vegetation; the treehouses, accessed by stairs, offer an open view across the canopy and the lagoons below. The rhythm of your stay revolves around guided outings early morning and after sunset, when wildlife activity is most intense.

Accommodations

The lodge offers two categories, each approximately 45 m².

Bungalows

Numbering 15, the bungalows feature either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds depending on configuration, in carefully crafted rustic style. Each unit opens onto a furnished terrace overlooking the lagoons.

Treehouses

The 10 treehouses are set 12 meters high. They are furnished with either two queen beds or a large double bed accompanied by a twin bed, with colorful Costa Rican furnishings, and designed to take in the canopy from the terrace hammock.

Amenities common to both categories include:

• Private bathroom with hot water
• Ceiling fan
• Coffee and tea maker
• Hair dryer, wardrobe, desk
• Jacuzzi
• Minibar (additional cost)
• Furnished terrace

Dining and activities

El Paso de la Lapa

El Paso de la Lapa restaurant comprises two rooms, Teca and Caña Brava, and operates continuously from 7am to 9pm. The menu highlights Costa Rican dishes prepared with regional produce, largely grown without chemical inputs. A wine cellar and café complete the offerings. Between 11am and 3pm, the kitchen serves artisanal pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

Activities at the lodge

• Guided birdwatching hikes through the reserve
• River floats on the San Carlos to spot caimans
• Night hikes to encounter spiders, snakes and frogs
• 3-hour cacao excursion through the property's gardens, centered on organic beans cultivated on site
• Lagoon canoeing, garden and vegetable patch visits, swimming pool

Location and access

The lodge is situated in the Boca Tapada region, 100 meters from the San Carlos River and 4 km from Boca Tapada village. Plan approximately 3.5 hours' drive from San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport. Two main routes are available:

• Via Route 32 from San José to Limón, crossing through Braulio Carrillo National Park, before turning north following signs to the lodge.
• Via Heredia, San Miguel, Venecia, Pital de San Carlos and Saíno, an alternative route preferred by some travelers.

The postal address is located approximately 3.5 km north of the Boca Tapada school, in Alajuela province.

Nearby

To plan the next leg of your journey, several complementary stops pair well with Boca Tapada:

• Boca Tapada: regional overview, wildlife and access.
• Libelula Lounge Lodge: another Costa Rica ecolodge option.
• Miradas Arenal Hotel and Hot Springs: Arenal volcano stop, hot springs.
• Trogon Lodge: cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota, birdwatching.

Planning your stay

Maquenque Ecolodge integrates naturally into a nature circuit through Costa Rica combining volcanoes, tropical rainforest and coasts. To build a custom itinerary including this stop, explore our Costa Rica trips.