El Remanso Rainforest Lodge

El Remanso is an eco-lodge deep in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, perched 400 feet above the Pacific. I chose it over their well-known neighbor after research showed comparable or better experiences for 30-50% less money - and El Remanso remains family-owned, while the other property is now corporate-managed. Getting there is part of the adventure: a small plane from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, then a 45-minute ride (mostly packed dirt/rock road) with good odds of spotting wildlife along the way. Accommodations (5/5): Rooms were large, spotlessly clean, and exactly as pictured online. No A/C, but ceiling fans and natural breeze kept things comfortable. I started in a one-bedroom bungalow, then upgraded to a villa with a plunge pool and better views for my last three nights - well worth it. No mini-fridge, but they provide a cooler with ice (a mini fridge to keep water cold in the room would be my only recommendation). They also give you a walkie-talkie for emergencies since there's no front desk overnight. Bring a real flashlight - it's dark by 6:30pm and you'll want it for the paths at night. Laundry service was excellent and only $15 per bag regardless of how much you stuff in. The rooms all have a foot washing station outside the front door - so helpful for cleaning off shoes after walks and before packing. Food (5/5): Exceeded expectations - some of the best hotel food I've had. All-inclusive except alcohol, with genuine commitment to sustainable eating and strong vegetarian/vegan options alongside meat and fish. Breakfast Gallo Pinto was a highlight, dinner menus rotate so you're never repeating dishes, and the churros and banana bread are not to be missed. Location (5/5): A true base for exploring the wild biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, close enough to Puerto Jimenez if needed, though the town itself is more functional than touristy. Excursions: One guided excursion per day is included, mostly wildlife-focused. In 5 days I counted over 100 bird species (70% lifers), plus tapirs, anteaters, monkeys and more. Guides were excellent overall - Edgar in particular was outstanding for birding. I also did the Corcovado National Park day trip via La Sirena Station (~$300 extra) - a long day but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Spa & Wellness (3/5): The two open-air treatment rooms are lovely, but the massage table was uncomfortable, and I found the service quality below average despite reasonable prices. The yoga studio looked wonderful, though I didn't get to use it. Service (5/5): Excellent and often above-and-beyond. Staff had read my notes in advance and tailored tours toward bird photography, my main reason for visiting. As a solo female traveler, I felt genuinely cared for. It felt like being a guest in someone's home rather than at a hotel, and I left knowing most of the staff by name. Overall, El Remanso delivered a wild, immersive rainforest experience without sacrificing comfort or safety - a fantastic choice for wildlife and bird lovers. See my detailed review on TripAdvisor.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at El Remanso. The room was lovely, and the grounds were beautiful. Just walking around to the restaurant and reception there were birds, lizards and small mammals roaming. The food was good with plenty of choice and the service was brilliant. We also had the added bonus of watching the monkeys in the trees nearby whilst eating at the restaurant! We were able to do all the activities we requested and found them very enjoyable. On our last day we asked the guide if he could find us a sloth as we had not seen one in our full Costa Rica Trip. He made the effort to look in all the known sloth trees and found us a beautiful one snoozing at the beach! Being able to walk down to the beach was a nice addition. We did find it a little challenging walking to the tide pools on the beach due to the heat of the sun, and also the many steps back up to the hotel on the way back! Overall a great hotel and would happily stay again!

What a dream — began our Pura Vida adventures with three nights here, and to say we all loved it is some how an understatement. Restraint is something pretty uncommon, and the family who owns and operates it offers it at its finest: only 16 rooms, prices for smoothies and drinks where you don’t think twice about indulging (great for kids). And set among spectacular wildlife and nature. Enyn, Lauren, Rosa, Renaldo, Enrique, Joshua, Angel, Eli, Roy & all the staff: thank you for welcoming us like family and making our stay so memorable. We would love to come back ✨✨

An absolutely incredible experience — without a doubt one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. From the moment we arrived at Puerto Jiménez airport, everything was perfectly organized. We were welcomed with cold towels and fresh water for the transfer, followed by a scenic 40-minute drive through the jungle, which already feels like a unique adventure. The hotel itself is stunning, fully open to nature with no walls in the common areas, creating a very special atmosphere. The welcome was warm and seamless, with a refreshing cocktail and a very smooth check-in process. Our villa was beautiful, with a private pool and breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean. The eco-friendly concept (no air conditioning, natural airflow and fans) makes the experience even more immersive, although it can be warm at times and is something to keep in mind. Activities were a real highlight. The guided jungle walks were exceptional, with incredible wildlife sightings including birds, monkeys, and more. The night walk was especially memorable, allowing us to see frogs, scorpions, and tarantulas. The food was excellent throughout the stay, with all meals included and a great variety of options that change regularly. Everything was fresh, generous, and very well executed. What truly sets this hotel apart is the service. The team is incredibly attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely kind. We felt taken care of from start to finish. A special mention to Karole, who went above and beyond and made our stay even more memorable. With only a limited number of villas, the hotel feels very private and peaceful, surrounded by stunning nature and wildlife. A truly unforgettable stay that I would highly recommend — a perfect blend of nature, comfort, and outstanding service.