Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve

Location: Santa Juana de Terrazú, Naranjito, Puntarenas, Naranjito, CR

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - Anytime

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Instructions: This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. This property is in a car-free zone and can be reached by 4x2 vehicles but 4x4 vehicles are recommended.

Amenities & Facilities

• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Smoke-free property
• Ecotours nearby
• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Free self parking
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Ziplining nearby
• Horse riding nearby

Rooms Available

• Chalet Gratitude

  1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

  861-sq-foot room, balcony/patio with mountain views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom and sitting area

  Entertainment - 32-inch TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Yard and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Balcony or patio
  • No cribs (infant beds)

• Casita Standard

  1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

  484-sq-foot room, balcony/patio with mountain views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom, living room, and sitting area

  Entertainment - 32-inch TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Yard and wardrobe or closet; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Balcony or patio
  • Free cribs/infant beds

• Casita Deluxe

  1 King Bed and 2 Twin Sofa Beds

  699-sq-foot room, balcony with mountain views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom, living room, and sitting area

  Entertainment - 32-inch TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Yard and wardrobe or closet; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Sofa bed
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Free cribs/infant beds

• Villa Chingolotea

  1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

  1076-sq-foot room with partial sea views

  
  

  Layout - 2 bedrooms and sitting area

  Entertainment - 32-inch TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Yard and wardrobe or closet; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Sofa bed
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Free cribs/infant beds

• Villa Laurel

  1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

  1076-sq-foot room with mountain views

  
  

  Layout - 2 bedrooms and sitting area

  Entertainment - 32-inch TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Yard and wardrobe or closet; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Free cribs/infant beds

Guest Reviews

• mitchell (10/5): - Amazing property and community. Staff were incredibly nice, room was awesome with a first class view
• Susan Gale (10/5): - Peaceful, Authentic, and Truly Special – Santa Juana Lodge My friend Vickie and I spent several unforgettable days at Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve, and we can’t recommend it enough. Getting there was part of the adventure—a scenic four-hour drive from the airport, with the final stretch on a gravel road through rain and cows! But once we arrived, we were welcomed into a peaceful paradise. Our private casita had stunning views of the rainforest and distant Pacific, and we were surrounded by the sounds of nature—birds, monkeys, and fresh mountain air. The lodge blends eco-luxury with deep respect for Costa Rican culture and sustainability. Meals were included, and they were a true highlight—delicious, locally inspired, and beautifully presented. Huge thanks to Lady, Julia, Maribel, and Liz for their incredible cooking and hospitality. Everyone we met was warm and welcoming—from Allan and Hugo, who shared the lodge’s inspiring history, to Andres, Ariel, Randal, Cucho, Karolina, Liz, and Alexis, who made everything run so smoothly. If you're looking for a stay that offers comfort, connection, and adventure in a truly unique setting—Santa Juana is the place. We loved every moment and hope to return!
• Andrew (10/5): - Our family LOVED our time here. So amazing
• Eleanor (10/5): Magical place to stay - Such a magical environment, all the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Allen’s passion for the forest and animals is contagious and encyclopaedic ; we learned so much. The property is surrounded by beautiful forests in all directions, and you eat breakfast watching hummingbirds and toucans. It’s truly incredible. Our car broke down around 7km before arriving to the lodge and Allen and his team could not have been more helpful or friendly. They kindly came and met us, helped jumpstart the car, and brought us safely to the lodge. Real hospitality and kindness, and so appreciated.
• Chloe (10/5): - What an amazing experience staying at Santa Juana Lodge! Myself, my husband and our 2 year old daughter had an amazing time here. The views were incredible, and sleeping in the screened in bedrooms listening to the wildlife was so relaxing. Even though we were here in February it was very comfortable and cool sleeping at night. We arranged transport through Santa Juana Lodge which I would highly recommend. It was nice not having to worry about driving up the mountain. My husband did the birding tour with Alan which was absolutely incredible, they saw 55 birds in a few hours! My daughter and I walked to the waterfalls (with her in a hiking backpack), it is about 1 mile out and back on a very quiet road. I loved that there was a smaller waterfall which was great for her. The big waterfall looked amazing but was more appropriate for adults or kids who can swim. It is a steep walk back! The best part was the welcoming and friendly staff. We especially loved making empanadas with Julia, fresh tropical juices with every meal, and the endless supply of fruit (which made my toddler so happy!) I wish we stayed an extra day so that we could do the nature / waterfall excursion. But we hope to return in the future! Staying at Santa Juana was one of my favorite travel experiences I have ever had.
• Henry (10/5): - We loved everything about Santa Juana Lodge: Alan was a terrific host, the drive up was awesome, the room and view was fantastic. We went to the waterfall and did a few other hikes around, highly recommend! Nikki & Henry
• Muhammad (4/5): - If you don’t have 4x4 it’s hard to reach to the place and try to reach early as possible. Not bad place nice view and fresh air. We reached late and it was late keep our driver with us coz it was dark and raining they charge me extra $75 for that.
• Jonathan (10/5): ALLAN = SMILE = TOP ACCUEIL - Tres bel acceuil et service ! ALLAN TOP ET SA FEMME TRYS 👍👍👍 Simplement choisir periode avec beau temps Sinon vite dans les Nuages de par la hauteur Chambre top (tout équipé) avec vue ouffff Restaurant très simple Par contre pour le soir
• Catherine (10/5): - Allan's hospitality was amazing!! He made us feel incredibly welcome. He did a wonderful job of pointing out the incredible birds around the property and we also really enjoyed talking to him about Costa Rica.
• Matthew (10/5): - Perfect setting to unplug, wind down, and recharge. The staff was super proud of the environmentally focused environment they’ve created in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. We coordinated all our transports through Santa Juana so Hugo met us in Quepos and drove us the 45mins up the mountain to the lodge. The views from the lodge are unbelievable and change as the clouds float through the valleys and various birds visit. Most of the staff are extended family members who have lived on this mountain their entire lives and now support the lodge cooking/serving meals and coordinating activities/adventures. We hiked to several unbelievable waterfalls on the extended property and swam in one of the natural pools, zip lined and repelled into another natural pool, had been expert massages from one of the staff members, and then went on a long bird watching walking tour that was the highlight of the trip. The bird watching tour was led by Allan whose mother (cook), brother (waiter), and wife (masseuse) are the backbone of the staff who support Santa Juana. Allan grew up on the mountain and is super proud to hat visitors from all over the world come visit Santa Juana. He gets giddy with excitement pointing out the birds and educating about each species. We thought the second half of the tour was even more interesting when he walked us around the resort to explain the fauna of the region. Santa Juana is magical if you can commit to the slower pace and enjoy the Pura Vida!
• Kim (10/5): - Alan and his staff are amazing! They made us feel like family. The views and proximity to wildlife were fantastic. The authentic Costa Rican meals were delicious and healthy. We enjoyed bird watching, hikes to the waterfalls and a short trip to ziplining.
• Tamina (10/5): Wonderful Stay - Beautiful views, cute cabins, yummy local food, but mostly a great experience because of the warm and inviting people that work there. They were so accommodating and friendly it made the stay extra enjoyable.
• Wendy (10/5): - We had the most relaxing vacation of our lives, everything was breathtaking, staff so attentive and friendly, we enjoyed every moment
• Tiffany (10/5): - Andres, Allen and the rest of the team were wonderful; plus, the views, waterfall hike and food were remarkable. For a relaxing, authentic experience, stay here!
• Anne (10/5): Escape to Santa Juana Lodge - We stayed in Santa Juana Lodge for 6 nights and had a wonderful experience: Although it’s quite a challenging road up the hill from the main road, it’s fine if you have a 4WD and is well worth the journey. The people who run Santa Juana made it for us. Allan and his family were absolutely charming and the bird watching, home grown, home cooked food each day was lovely. We enjoyed the experience of meals with other families and the opportunity to talk to people from all over the world. The walking, waterfalls and the peaceful environment: A visit to Santa Juana Lodge is a unique travel experience not to be missed.
• Holly (10/5): - Fantastic experience at this remote lodge. Beautiful views, grounds and casitas. The traditional breakfasts were delicious and it was awesome to hear and see all of the birds near the outdoor eating area. The staff were so helpful and accommodating. They even helped us with tools to change a flat tire. We would highly recommend this place (but definitely need a 4WD to get up and down).
• James (10/5): - Amazing staff. Although food options limited all made from scratch and fresh and delicious. Beautiful jungle hikes and waterfalls pools to swim. So peaceful and rejuvenating! We will be back
• Nathalie (10/5): Away from it all! - Absolute pura vida at this family-run place (loved Mum, the cook!). Chosen for total relaxation. The nearest towns are one hour away. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Gorgeous studio room with breathtaking views. The whole property is surrounded by lush mountains. 4x4 essential to get there. Meals are simple and copious. Tours are available from the property, starting at $79.
• Joanne (10/5): - A wonderful 2 day stay in a unique setting in wood crafted cabins with home cooked meals at restaurant. The hour drive on gravel was challenging but doable in a 2W SUV at this time of year. Warm and helpful staff.
• Jeremy (10/5): Quite a trek...but super worth it!! - A word of warning, this place is not easy to get to! But once you're there it is amazing and totally worth the trek. The views are insane! The casitas are really cute, comfortable and super private. The staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. The food was super fresh and good. Cannot recommend enough!
• Vikash (10/5): - This was 5 star experience that is hard to match. Starting from location secluded top of mountain to spacious nice room with no windows only screens. Tens of birds every morning with walking trails and fresh tasty food cooked right in front and very friendly staff, Andre, Allen and their families made our stay like being at home.
• Ranjit (10/5): - Secluded peacefull place , a wonderful gem
• paul (6/5): !! 4WD essential !! - !! 4WD essential !! Friendly place, wonderful birdwatching, fresh but predictable food ("chicken, pork or fish"). Problematic WIFI did not work in cabin Make sure that your car has 4WD capability, or you will probably suffer on the 19km route up to the lodge
• Hernan (10/5): Perfect get-away - Amazing and personal experience in the middle of nature - we had a one bedroom with a deck over looking the jungle. We did a hiking tour to a very private and beautiful waterfall with surrounding pool to swim in with Allen and his dog Comanche, a local villager who also works at the lodge. We enjoyed the scenery, warm welcomes with fresh juice of the day, cut up fruit after a little walk and breakfast and amazing dinner. Highly recommend if you are looking for a more authentic and personal experience in Costa Rica!
• Scott (10/5): - This is an amazing place. Well off the beaten path. Toucans in the morning and afternoons. The views are second to none and the meals are delicious.
• Chinedum (10/5): - This property is a true gem. If you are looking for tranquility, you have found it. We ended up extending our stay an extra day, that's how much we loved it. Allan went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, from giving us a history of Santa Juana to introducing us to his family and inviting us to his home to see his various pets ( cat, dig, rabbit, quail, chicken, sheep e.t.c). I highly recommend staying here as it's definitely worth the drive.
• Matt (10/5): - The perfect place to get away for a few days.
• Ruben (10/5): - A wonderful destination for nature lovers! Wonderful getaway with great local staff!
• Ekaterina (10/5): Amazing stay with gorgeous views! - Stayed overnight in one of the lodges overlooking jungle and Pacific ocean. Amazing experience and views, friendly staff from the local community, would come again.
• Denise (10/5): Nestled in nature with mountaintop views - Beautiful, peaceful location on top of a mountain with cabins surrounded by trees and birds/creatures that the guides will be searching for in the national parks. Great views, home-cooked meals, and friendly, helpful staff. If you're renting a car to drive there, be sure to get a 4WD (in any season) as the roads outside of tourist towns are packed dirt with rocks and mountain roads can be steep.
• Joseph (10/5): Great stay to enjoy the forest/jungle! - Fantastic place, great service, and a perfect spot to enjoy the mountain/forest/jungle area above Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed this place more than the reserve at the bottom of the mountain. Waterfalls, nice hiking trails, super cute rooms with incredible views.
• Paul (10/5): Stay IN the Rain Forest! - Our stay was outstanding! They communicated with us beforehand and made sure we knew the requirements for getting to this wonderfully remote lodge. Andres was excellent and made sure everything was perfect. The rooms have incredible views, so does the restaurant! Great food, great service in a place that is magical.
• Alexis (10/5): - One of the most relaxing, beautiful, and welcoming places I have ever been. The facilities and natural environment are gorgeous, all the staff are exceedingly kind, helpful, and knowledgable. Incredible fresh food. Cannot recommend enough. Only note: if you're driving yourself, four wheel drive is HIGHLY recommended. We made it up the mountain in our non-4WD SUV during the dry season, but it was dicey!
• Rick (10/5): - Unique nature experience
• Darryl (10/5): - If you want off the beaten path, this is a very scenic opportunity meals are great and affordable. If you want to cook yourself, stop and buy whatever you want at store on way up. full size fridge and place to prepare and cook food
• Rebecca (10/5): Excellent- wish we stayed longer! - This was the best place we’ve stayed in Costa Rica. The lodge was beautiful and clean. We saw toucans each morning at sunrise and the ground are stunning. The highlight was hiking to the waterfall. Would recommend staying here to anyone travelling to Costa Rica. The food was authentic, filling and lovely.
• Gaurav (10/5): Excellent, marvelous stay in the mountains! - As a family of 3, including our 6-year old daughter, we had an amazing time at Santa Juana lodge that is beyond words. It is located at top of the mountains with awesome views and to top it up, we loved the friendly staff and how nice everyone was. We also did a guided tour to the nearby waterfall, which was worth it. It also included exploring a small herb garden on the property and extracting sugarcane juice right next to it! The drive to the lodge was a bit adventurous, but we were warned ahead of time to ensure that we have a 4WD and we plan to get their before sunset. The lodge has a restaurant to have all meals, but we did have a small kitchenette in our cabin, with good number of basic utensils, a good sized refrigerator, a stove, a microwave and an oven offering us an option to cook if we wanted to. We ended up eating at the restaurant other than making coffee in our cabin, which tasted great while sitting in our balcony looking over the lush green mountains!
• Bridget (10/5): - We loved the rural aspect to Santa Juan Lodge. It was an authentic family atmosphere. If you want a traveler experience not a tourist experience, it’s a wonderful option.
• Ken (10/5): A nature lover's retreat - My wife and I recently spent 4 nights at Santa Juana Lodge. It was our first trip to Costa Rica, and this was the first place we stayed. What an extraordinary welcome to this amazing country! After a day and a half of arduous travel and multiple delays, we desperately needed a place to decompress. Once we arrived on the property and were welcomed by Allan and the amazing views of nature, all of the stress we'd been feeling melted away instantly. We'd barely parked the car, and Allan immediately showed us a sloth that had taken up residence in a tree nearby, as well as several toucans. When we set foot in our room (the Deluxe Bungalow), we were stunned by the panoramic views from the deck. Allan (who took us on a guided bird/nature tour of the area) and the rest of the staff were so welcoming and warm, truly exemplifying "pura vida". We also loved hanging out with Comanche, the exuberant and friendly dog who lives nearby. This is not an impersonal, resort-style accommodation with multiple pools, bars, and restaurants. It is a small establishment that is run by local families. It takes about 45-60 minutes to drive from Quepos, up a sometimes patchy dirt/rock road, so be sure that you have a 4WD vehicle (and arrive during daylight). The drive isn't so bad once you've done it once or twice - if you're lucky, you might even spot a troop of squirrel monkeys on the way, as we did. If you are looking for tranquility, nature, and true escape, Santa Juana Lodge is the place for you!
• Christina (10/5): - Had such an exceptional stay here this week! I loved everything from the stunning bungalow which had the best view I think I’ve ever had, the staff were incredibly kind and friendly and nice the food was spot on! High points: - Gorgeous accomodation with hammock, modern bathroom, kitchen with everything you need, chrome cast tv, comfortable bedding and lounge - Complimentary breakfast was awesome. I had breakfast and dinner there daily and the food was super fresh and tasty. Great coffee too! - Free laundry services and little convenient touches like umbrellas, extra towels, torch etc - Close to some great walking tracks and waterfalls - The most lovely staff - The surroundings are breathtaking. Lots of toucans right next to you Zero low points! Cannot recommend highly enough
• karen (10/5): - Wow. Spectacular views and rooms. Great, personalized dining. Freshest fruits in Costa Rica. Amazing. The drive was an adventure.
• Denyse (10/5): - Truly paradise! The location is remote but worth the effort for breathtaking views and there are no words to adequately describe the amazing staff(whom we now consider extended family!). Friendly, courteous and always ready to make your experience their priority. This is our new favorite "slice of heaven " and we plan to visit over and over again!!!
• Paula (10/5): - I highly recommend staying at Santa Juana Lodge. It is very remote and requires 4 wheel drive to get there but it is absolutely worth it! The scenery is amazing as are the people who work there. Highlight of our trip.
• Shawn (10/5): - We definitely didn’t stay long enough!! We stayed only one night and could’ve stayed a couple more. The views are breathtaking and we will be back. Allan was very hospitable and truly defines pura vida!! The food is organic and fresh as possible. We love that place and recommend it to anyone visiting Costa Rica. It’s a must!!
• Leslie (10/5): - Staff was very helpful.
• Joanna (10/5): - Friendly, familial atmosphere! Gorgeous views! Spacious and beautifully designed accommodations with a full kitchen, which I didn’t even use because I enjoyed the restaurant so much! Food was delicious and authentic. Walking distance to beautiful nature reserve with waterfalls and gardens. I can’t say enough about this place. Hugo and Junior and Julia all took great care of me as I traveled the country by myself with no car. I look forward to coming back!
• javier (6/5): - Unique, wonderful location. Staff was very attentive. Frequent electrical power issues with kitchen outlets and water heater
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The most lovely place to stay. Wish we could have stayed longer. In the mountains beautiful view of the mountains & ocean from our balcony. The dining area is outdoors and the food is excellent, staff is wonderful - gave us great recommendations. Don’t leave without going on the waterfall hike down the road. You need a 4x4 to get here during the rainy season & plan to get here before dark since the road is mostly unpaved and can be a challenging drive. That said don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this amazingly beautiful place.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Incredible location on top of the rain forest. Little bit off the beaten path, but worth it Amazing little cabin with one of a kind view from your private balcony. Cabin is dated, but charming. Bathroom updated. Onsite meals are great.
• Zachary (10/5): Immaculate stay - This place was immaculate. The rooms were well furnished and CLEAN, The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Defiant staying here again.
• Corinna (10/5): - This property was so peaceful. Though it was a harrowing ride to get there- it was well worth it. You definitely need a 4x4. You have 360 views from the lodge. The staff was extremely friendly and the food was delicious. We weren’t feeling great and they made us some comfort food. If you are planning a long stay there- there is a full kitchen so bring snacks etc. But there is no microwave. You can hike around the area but recommend doing it during the day. The beds were super comfy. The rooms were extremely clean.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Santa Juana Lodge is a beautiful and secluded place to stay. The staff was welcoming, kind and helpful. The food was amazing and fresh and the views are amazing. If you love nature and or birds; this is the place for you. Alan and Sharon were lovely hosts. If you are in the Quepos area, you should definitely stay at Santa Juana Nature Reserve.
• ME (10/5): - Perfect place to unwind and be in direct contact with nature. The service was flawless, what an amazing experience.

Photos