Yatama Rainforest Ecolodge

Twelve kilometres off the Guápiles Highway near Horquetas, Yatama Rainforest Ecolodge occupies a private reserve on Braulio Carrillo's Caribbean flank — a self-contained base for birdwatchers and naturalists roughly 80 km north of San José, well clear of Puerto Viejo's beach crowds.

The lodge sits where lowland Caribbean jungle meets the park's protected interior, giving guests access to dawn chorus walks without sharing trails with day-trippers. Howler monkeys and toucans are regular sightings from the open-air dining platform; serious birders target the resplendent quetzal in the upper elevations before 07:00.

No air conditioning is needed at this elevation; screened cabins catch the valley breeze through the night. The kitchen serves Costa Rican casados using local produce. Transfers from San José can be arranged with advance notice.