Chayote Lodge

Llano Bonito de Naranjo, Costa Rica

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Boutique Lodge in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest

Chayote Lodge is a boutique retreat set at 1,700 metres in Costa Rica’s highlands, surrounded by cloud forest, coffee plantations and sweeping valley views. Inspired by local coffee heritage, its 12 spacious suites combine contemporary comfort with cultural character, each with a private balcony overlooking four volcanoes. Focused on slow travel, personalised service and sustainability, the lodge offers a peaceful, authentic escape rooted in nature and Costa Rican hospitality.

Key features

Yoga Deck
Private in-room observation balconies
Restaurant
Bar
Al fresco terrace
Private forest trail
Piano
Hummingbirds' Garden
On site Birdwatching tours

Standout features

Boutique lodge at 1,700 metres with panoramic views over the Central Valley and surrounding mountains
All rooms feature private balconies with views of four volcanoes
Distinctive architecture inspired by traditional coffee receiving stations
Set amid cloud forest and coffee plantations, offering tranquillity and a strong connection to nature
Centrally located in Costa Rica, ideal for combining with other regions, especially La Fortuna and Arenal
Well suited to wellness stays, including yoga, meditation and retreats
Authentic Costa Rican hospitality with personalised service and a warm rural atmosphere
Strong focus on sustainability, with local sourcing and community support
Great base for cultural and nature experiences such as coffee tours, hiking, village visits and birdwatching
Ideal for slow travel, romantic escapes and guests seeking peace and scenery

Number of rooms

7 Recibidor Suites with one king size bed

4 Recibidor Suites with two queen size beds

1 Forest Suite with 1 king size bed

Price range

Mid-range to High-end

The lodge is ideal for couples, small families, and like-minded travellers seeking tranquillity, nature, wellness, local culture and authentic experiences off the beaten track

Signature experiences

Trace Costa Rica’s coffee story from plantation to processing on immersive coffee tours
Step into private homes for hands-on cooking classes and a genuine taste of rural life
Explore lively local markets to discover fresh produce, traditional dishes and everyday culture
Create your own artwork alongside local artists in traditional highland painting workshops
Taste distinctive local micro-lot coffees through guided sensory experiences
Swim beneath cascading waterfalls hidden in lush highland scenery
Hike through cloud forest, coffee plantations and quiet rural trails
Spot colourful highland birdlife in richly biodiverse habitats
Zip through the treetops for an exhilarating dose of adventure
Cross hanging forest bridges for striking views of the canopy below

Where

Chayote Lodge is located in Costa Rica, in the highlands surrounding the Central Valley between the towns of Naranjo and Zarcero, in the village of Llano Bonito de Naranjo. It lies about 26 miles from San José (SJO) airport and is roughly two hours from La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano, making it a convenient base in central Costa Rica.

What

Chayote Lodge is a boutique lodge inspired by Costa Rica’s coffee culture, featuring 12 spacious suites modeled on traditional Coffee Receiving Stations. Each suite has a private balcony with panoramic volcano views. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant serving local highland cuisine and access a range of activities, from coffee tours and cooking classes to hiking, waterfalls, birdwatching, hanging bridges and zip-lining.a

When

Chayote Lodge was founded over a decade ago as a small, family-inspired project rooted in Costa Rica’s coffee-growing highlands. Over the years, it has evolved into a refined boutique lodge, thoughtfully expanding its facilities and experiences while staying true to its cultural roots and commitment to sustainability. Today, Chayote Lodge is recognised for offering an authentic, nature-connected retreat that reflects the spirit and traditions of rural Costa Rica.

Why

Chayote Lodge combines comfort, culture and nature in a serene, uncrowded setting. Guests can explore the surrounding cloud forests and coffee plantations while enjoying immersive experiences tailored to slow travel, wellness and authentic local interactions. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement enhances its appeal for travellers seeking meaningful, off-the-beaten-track experiences in Costa Rica’s highlands.

Who

Rolando Campos, Founder of Chayote Lodge, has over 30 years in Costa Rica’s tourism industry, including DMC and hotel leadership. A Tourism Studies graduate and sustainability advocate, he has served on national tourism boards. He created Chayote Lodge to share the culture, nature and tranquility of his homeland, offering travellers an authentic highland experience deeply connected to nature.

Get in touch for personal introducution

Positive impact statement

Chayote Lodge is committed to responsible tourism through the careful use of natural resources, respect for the environment and continuous recycling practices. The lodge employs exclusively local staff from the surrounding communities, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the region. By prioritising local producers and suppliers, Chayote Lodge supports small businesses and strengthens the rural economy.

Its cultural and nature-based experiences are designed to highlight local traditions while creating meaningful opportunities for artisans, farmers and guides. Through these efforts, the lodge fosters conservation, community empowerment and a genuinely sustainable travel experience in Costa Rica’s highlands.