Le Maquenque, our favorite ecolodge for an immersive forest experience
An Immersion in the Heart of Costa Rica’s Rainforest
Imagine waking up high in the canopy, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, with toucans, monkeys, and macaws moving about all around you as your only neighbors.
This is the experience offered by the Maquenque Eco Lodge, located in Boca Tapada, in northern Costa Rica. Nestled on the banks of the San Carlos River, in the heart of a 60-hectare private nature reserve, the lodge offers a unique immersion in one of the country’s richest and least-visited ecosystems.
Here, the appeal isn’t just about sleeping in a treehouse. People come mainly to take the time to observe nature, explore the forest and surrounding wetlands, and discover a region still largely untouched by mass tourism.
For travelers looking to experience Costa Rica in a different way, the Maquenque Eco Lodge is a particularly interesting stop that combines the rainforest, wildlife viewing, and adventure.
Would you like to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle?
Located a 3.5-hour drive north of San José, the Maquenque Eco Lodge is situated in the heart of a 60-hectare nature reserve in the Boca Tapada region.
Nestled along the banks of the San Carlos River, the lodge is surrounded by tropical forests.
Macaws, monkeys, toucans, caimans, turtles, and even frogs are just some of the animals you can spot on the property.
The area boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages. More than 550 bird species have been recorded here, making it a little paradise for birdwatchers!
We recommend staying for several days to enjoy the activities and everything this magnificent site—unknown to the masses of tourists—has to offer.
Boca Tapada: A Wild and Little-Known Part of Costa Rica
Boca Tapada is located in the San Carlos region, in northern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua.
This region is often overlooked by typical itineraries in favor of better-known destinations like Arenal or Monteverde. Yet its tropical forests, rivers, and wetlands are home to remarkable biodiversity.
The Maquenque Eco Lodge is situated in this exceptionally rich environment. The property itself offers numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, but the activities available also allow guests to explore the ecosystems surrounding the lodge.
In particular, it is a prime destination for birdwatchers. More than 550 bird species have been recorded in the region, making Boca Tapada a particularly interesting area for observing Costa Rica’s avifauna.
Among the species you might hope to encounter are several types of toucans, macaws, and numerous forest and water birds. As is always the case in nature, sightings are never guaranteed: it is precisely this element of unpredictability that makes a nature experience so charming.
Sleeping in a treehouse
The most unique experience at Maquenque Eco Lodge is undoubtedly the treehouses.
Perched about 12 meters above the ground, they let you spend the night in the heart of the rainforest, in a truly special setting.
The experience is unlike a simple night in a traditional hotel. When you wake up, the forest is already coming to life: birdsong, monkey calls, and the rustling of the foliage create a truly immersive soundscape.
The sensation of sleeping at canopy level is particularly enjoyable for travelers seeking a unique experience without sacrificing comfort.
The treehouses are accessible to children ages 5 and up.
Our tip: If you choose this experience, be sure to allow enough time there. One night is enough to explore the lodge, but two or three nights offer more opportunities to enjoy the activities and explore the surrounding area without feeling like you’re rushing from one activity to the next.
A wide variety of activities for nature lovers!
At Maquenque Eco Lodge, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area.
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge’s restaurant , El Paso de las Lapas, you can set out on a guided birding hike, a nature hike through the heart of the rainforest, or a river safari on the San Carlos River to try to spot some caimans lurking in the water…
Right on the property, the lodge also offers a night hike that begins at dusk to help you discover the nocturnal wildlife. Spiders, snakes, frogs… thrills guaranteed!
For foodies, the Maquenque Eco Lodge offers a cacao tour. Three exciting hours through the lodge’s gardens to discover the secrets of growing organic cacao beans on the property.
In addition to this range of activities, feel free to take a quick dip in the lodge’s refreshing pool, stroll along the property’s beautiful trails, go canoeing on the lagoon, or visit the garden and vegetable patch! (And that vegetable garden is definitely worth a visit!)
A night in the trees—a unique and unforgettable experience!
If you’relooking for a surprising and unforgettable experience during your trip to Costa Rica, then Maquenque Lodge offers exactly that.
« Imagine sleeping in the middle of the rainforest, 12 meters above the ground, in a comfortable treehouse, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and wildlife. «
Simply unique and spectacular—the feeling of being immersed in the canopy—we guarantee you an unforgettable experience!
(The minimum age to stay in the treehouses is 5 years old)
A concrete commitment to sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.
Maquenque Eco Lodge vigorously promotes its commitment to protecting and preserving the resources of the Boca Tapada region.
For Maquenque Eco Lodge, a commitment to sustainability is the foundation of its development, and its day-to-day operations are geared toward achieving economic, environmental, and social balance.
By visiting, you’ll enjoy a wonderful experience in harmony with nature, while helping to protect these ecosystems.
You can find details HERE about the various initiatives the lodge has implemented to protect the environment.
Don’t hesitate for a second—on your next trip to Costa Rica, add this stop to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed to discover a rich, lush natural world far off the beaten path!
And to learn about the country’s ecotourism projects, please check out our section dedicated to this small country’s ambitious initiatives!
Juliette, travel designer and explorer of unique experiences
