Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve

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!

Our family LOVED our time here. So amazing

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

We had the most relaxing vacation of our lives, everything was breathtaking, staff so attentive and friendly, we enjoyed every moment

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!

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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!

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.