I guess many of us have dreamt of living in a tree house since we were young. The idea of having a secret house high up in the canopy is simply very enchanting and attractive. Luckily, in Costa Rica there are ample opportunities to release your inner child and find your perfect fairy tale-like hideout at various exotic places, both on the Pacific and Caribbean side. From hanging bridges to panorama views, these little dwellings will make you want to pack your backs immediately, no matter your age.
“The amazing treehouse and Nature Observatorio” in Manzanillo
The town of Manzanillo on the Caribbean coast counts some 300 people, a handful of tourists, inestimable palm trees and since a couple of years a wonderful treehouse. It has been designed and built by Peter Garcar, a structural engineer by profession and Slovak from origin.
His creative masterpiece is hanging in the jungle just outside of town. Literally, since the cabin is suspended on nylon straps that are tied around the branches, without harming the tree. Not a single nail has been used, not a single branch cut to create the cabin. All has been put together piece by piece in place in the air, like Lego blocks.
Peter aims that his guests become a part of nature during their stay, without leaving any traces. The hike towards the cabin is already a start of this connection, and so is the climb up. Personally, of all the tree houses I’ve seen in Costa Rica, this one was by far my favourite, because of its location. Don’t expect a regular sleepover, but a magnificent experience. Click here to read more about our stay in the cabin!
From $170,- per person per night. This is the VP-stay which includes food, but you kind of need a bit of pampering, since you are situated in the middle of nowhere.
Restaurante & Cafe Tree House – Monteverde
Dinner in a tree? It’s possible in the green surroundings of Monteverde! Climb the spiral stairs around the huge living ficus tree to enter the restaurant. The food is international and prices are a bit higher than with your regular Costa Rican soda. Basically you come in here to enjoy the ambiance, so perhaps just a cocktail will do. Though desserts are pretty damn fine in here too!
Finca BellaVista – Palmar Norte / Osa Peninsula
Like the “The amazing treehouse and Nature Observatorio” in Manzanillo, Finca BellaVista is a great rainforest escape from the world. This project is a bit different however, due to it’s sheer size. Thirteen tree houses are scattered on a 600-acre piece of land and are individually owned. Whenever unoccupied you are able to rent them.
The tree cabins are basically like a village above the ground, since it’s possible to travel from one to another via the hanging bridges. Food is grown beneath the community. The houses vary in size and available amenities, but they all have at least water and electricity.
Prices start at $50,- for a single occupancy, and range from $100,- to $300,- a night for two people. Finca BellaVista has a two-night minimum stay. The exact location you’ll receive after your booking!
Topo’s Tree House – Cahuita
This Tree House in the lovely and small town of Cahuita on the Caribbean side is artfully constructed right around a massive and ancient tree within a piece of jungle. Since the tree is the home of many animals – such as sloths, birds and frogs -, and the area is an open air one, it feels like you are their guest or – even better – part of their habitat. Apart from that, the charm of this house is to be found in the fun details of the design. Every corner has another surprise, which makes staying here for a night or two all the more magical.
Though it feels like you’re in a rather remote area, it’s only a short walk from the Tree House to the beach and/or the nearest reggae bar. So order yourself an Imperial and listen to the ultimate music style of the Caribbean before you return to your jungle haven.
Prices from $260,- per night, minimum stay two nights. Want to know more about where to eat in Cahuita? Click here!
Pizza Tree – Playa Coyote, La Javilla, Bejuco
So one puts an Italian cook, a big love for pizza making and a special location together, mixes it up and ends up with… the Pizza Tree! This unique place truly is a great find in the remote location of Bejuco in Guanacaste.
Climb the stairway to the platform in the tree and enjoy eating a thin crust real Italian pizza -with perfect tomato sauce and local mozzarella- in the middle of the jungle. At the top you have a bit of a breeze, which works out well on a hot day. If you come around 6pm you can even gaze at a marvellous sunset. To top it off, the Pizza Tree is situated close to one of the most gorgeous and deserted beaches in the area. A fine experience for all generations!
Tree House Lodge – Puerto Viejo / Manzanillo
Be aware before booking this place: not all of the homes (6 in total) are proper tree houses, but -indeed- the ‘Tree House’ accommodation certainly is. This cabin is build around the Sangrillo tree, and the second-story master bedroom is a proper tree room, with a hanging bridge as an entrance. All of the ‘habitaciones’ are close to the beach, yet still in the jungle and you’ll share the surroundings with a lot of monkeys, butterflies and birds. If you like golf, one of the other houses contains a mini-golf course in the living room too, now how peculiar is that!
Rates start at $300,- for two persons per night.
