Maquenque Eco Lodge & Reserve, Boca Tapada, San Carlos, Alajuela

The Lodge Website: https://maquenqueecolodge.com/

Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Maquenque Eco Lodge

Would I Consider Returning?

Yes!

Likes

  • Large number of bird species & other wildlife to photograph.
  • Treehouses! More than any other lodge in Costa Rica.
  • Their updated restaurant has great food!
  • The relaxed atmosphere and a staff anxious to help you.
  • Unlimited options for nature photos!

Dislikes

  • Minor maintenance to one cabin that they were slow to fix
  • Long drive to get there

Nature Here

  • Possibly more nature photo options than any other lodge
  • Several guided hikes, morning, day and night
  • Many trails to explore on your own
  • Free canoes to explore the lake
  • Multiple boat trips on San Carlos River + one other river
  • Ample nature to photograph from my cabin whether on ground or in a treehouse with birds everywhere and monkeys near some treehouses.
Canoe the Lake or Hike a Trail! Much to do!

Other Activities

  • Multiple guided hikes & boat trips mentioned above under nature, including two different rivers and morning, noon & night hikes.
  • Free canoes on your own + hiking on your own
  • A large swimming pool
  • A Chocolate Farm Tour
  • Birthday or anniversary celebrations at dinner

Room

  • Individual cabins: Either on the ground or in a treehouse
  • The treehouses are newer and generally nicer and more expensive, but worth the cost and the climb up the 50 steps! 🙂
  • They are basic cabins, not luxury rooms, but with all the essential needs.
  • The treehouses have “outside” showers with privacy while you shower in the treetops.

Food

  • The restaurant has doubled in size since I started going there.
  • It now includes a wood-fired pizza oven and a broader menu of about anything you would want.
  • I rate the food as excellent, even though it is not my main reason for traveling.

Getting There

  • From Atenas it is 103 kilometers taking 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours+ to drive, depending on stops.
  • You drive through the mountains first and then acres of pineapple fields. It is very close to the Nicaragua border.
  • I use Walter Ramirez transportation.
  • Check the bus schedules at https://thebusschedule.com/ — From Atenas through San Ramon it is 17 hours with 4 bus changes, so better to get to San Jose for a 6 hour bus ride with only 2 bus changes.
Spider Monkey in tree outside the dining room. I’ve seen others from a treehouse room.

My Trip Photo Galleries

One of the cabins on the ground. Back Porch overlooks the lake.

My Photo Books About Maquenque

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¡Pura Vida!

RETURN to Alajuela Province & North Central Costa Rica

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