The Best Treehouses to Stay in Across Costa Rica

Tree House Lodge sits on the Caribbean coast, just off Playa Chiquita, close to the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Each of the six villas has a twist. The Crystal House features recycled art, while the Garden House is built almost entirely out of bamboo. Elsewhere, the School Bus is, of course, a converted 1980s bus hidden among the gardens. Thanks to its commitment to the environment and the local community, the Tree House Lodge has earned the five-leaf Certification for Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Board.

At Lapa Rios Lodge, at the mouth of western Costa Rica’s Pavon Bay, you’ll run into frogs and more than 300 bird species, including the scarlet macaw, on 1,000 acres (405ha) of the last remaining tropical lowland rainforest in the country. Each of the 17 villas and bungalows sits on wooden stilts above the forest and features screen walls, meaning you’ll have a full indoor-outdoor experience, from the bed to the balcony.

Make your nest in one of the 70 treehouse rooms here, or opt for one of the quirkier options: a converted airplane. You can’t miss the 727 Fuselage Home, a converted 1960s Boeing 727, or the Cockpit Cottage, a partial plane body that’s only reachable by a suspension bridge. No matter which suite you choose, you’ll have unforgettable views of the Manuel Antonio National Park and the resident wildlife (including monkeys, sloths and iguanas) down below.

Grab your gear and get ready to hike. At the Finca Bellavista Treehouse Community, you’ll arrive at basecamp and start walking, with some houses up to a half-mile (1km) away. Though it does have wifi, the 600-acre (243ha) private retreat is perfect for an off-grid experience among the rainforest, where toucan, monkey and coati sightings aren’t uncommon. Some of the elevated suites have amenities such as private river access, suspension bridges and outdoor hot-water showers. Finca Bellavista is where you go to reconnect with nature.

The Nature Observatorio is a one-of-a-kind, two-story, two-bedroom treehouse in the middle of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast. This beautiful house was built so that the tree was not harmed, with no nails or screws used to attach the two. The philosophy behind this treehouse is to avoid damaging the environment and instead to coexist and live harmoniously and consciously within it. A maximum of four people can share the house. Fruit and snacks are included in the price, with breakfast and dinner costing extra.

Get lost in a cloud forest at the Hidden Canopy Treehouses, which borders the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Pick from six octagonal treetop chalets with views of the forest, the carefully designed gardens and the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. Rooms are spacious, with waterfall or spa showers, and some include jacuzzis. Your hosts will take care of your every need, from a hearty breakfast each morning to excursions to local farms, ziplines and more.

Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica stands in the rainforest near La Fortuna. It’s close enough to take advantage of all the exciting activities the area has to offer, but far enough away that you can enjoy a quiet and nature-infused retreat. You’ll see sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, blue morpho butterflies, howler monkeys and tree frogs just by hiking around the lush and enchanting property. There are seven charming treehouses, while a wildlife refuge, a waterfall and a natural swimming hole can be found on the property. A different and delectable Costa Rican breakfast is served every morning in the common rancho.

If you’re looking to fulfill a Swiss Family Robinson fantasy, Lapa’s Nest Treehouse is the place to make that dream a reality. The impressive six-story, open-air treehouse deep in the magical Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to escape the concrete jungle and immerse yourself in nature. It’s also just a short hike from the Corcovado National Park.

Rancho Pacifico is a luxury boutique ecohotel with treehouse villas and other accommodation types. All the lofty rooms have awe-inspiring ocean and jungle views. As for activities, there’s everything from whale watching to ziplining, and the serene atmosphere of the adults-only resort lends itself nicely to yoga. The guests-only restaurant serves dishes made of locally sourced ingredients and has tables overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the whale tail (a unique formation of rocks and sand) in the Marino Ballena National Park.