Best Tree Houses to Experience in Costa Rica

Many places around the world are experiencing renewed interest in tree houses, and Costa Rica – with its vast stretches of primary forest and durable hardwoods – is certainly no exception.

More visitors are choosing to sleep in tree houses because they are passionate about forest conservation. When a tree generates more income standing than it would if cut down, people have a strong incentive to keep it alive.

Wherever you travel in Costa Rica, you’re likely to find various types of tree houses. Options include tree house rentals, hotels, resort communities, and even tree house restaurants. However, be cautious: many online ads for “tree houses” are actually promoting regular houses situated near trees or built on stilts. Here are some of the best authentic tree houses in Costa Rica, but feel free to explore other options as well.

Nature Observatorio

For a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a primary forest’s canopy, consider an overnight stay at Nature Observatorio located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Access involves a 45-minute hike through the jungle followed by an ascent of 80 feet up a rope ladder suspended over an old-growth Nispero tree. Guests are securely strapped into a harness for this experience, and meals are sent up in baskets. This circular, two-level deck accommodates four guests and often features encounters with local wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and kinkajous.

Flutterby House

Tree top accommodations are undeniably luxurious; however, there is a friendly hostel on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast where treetop stays won’t strain your budget. The popular Flutterby House in Uvita features three treehouse accommodations, including two private rooms and the country’s first tree dormitory.

Tree House Lodge

In Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean, an imaginative Dutchman self-taught in architecture created Tree House Lodge, which is a collection of whimsical vacation homes just steps from Playa Chiquita. While not all homes fit the traditional definition of tree houses, the aptly named “Tree House” is an authentic treetop retreat. Its first floor is designed around a Sangrillo tree, and the second story features a master bedroom accessed by a hanging bridge. Additionally, there is another home on the property built around several trees with unique amenities like a mini-golf course in the living area.

Tree House Restaurant and Café

In downtown Santa Elena in northwestern Costa Rica, a quaint dining establishment called the Tree House Restaurant and Café is situated within an enormous Ficus tree. Visitors ascend a staircase into the dining area, where seating is at tree trunk tables. Although the cuisine may not be particularly budget-friendly, the ambiance is unparalleled. The Tree House Restaurant and Café presents a delightful experience for families and serves as a great spot for ice cream. If you’re seeking more treetop experiences in Monteverde, consider Hidden Canopy, which offers a boutique stay with five tree chalets just minutes from the restaurant. The oversized beds, made from tree roots, and waterfall-style showers provide a unique touch.

Tree Houses Hotel

Located within a 173-acre wildlife refuge lush with waterfalls, refreshing pools, and a river near the Arenal Volcano, Tree Houses Hotel features seven charming tree houses. Each house is equipped with air conditioning, warm water showers, and refrigerators, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy nature. Visitors can relax in rocking chairs on expansive decks while admiring various bird species, with chances of visits from local monkeys and toucans. Rates generally include breakfast, and there’s also an on-site spa for additional relaxation.

Finca Bellavista

Costa Rica’s most ambitious tree house project is the expansive 600-acre Finca Bellavista, an upscale community of tree houses located in the Palmar Norte area on the Osa Peninsula. Guests receive exact location details once their stay is confirmed. Unlike many vacation home communities, residents and visitors have the opportunity to travel between houses via hanging bridges, and the dinner ingredients are grown in a garden on the rainforest floor below. While amenities vary by individual house, the most luxurious options typically include kitchens, electricity, and running water.

This article was originally published in May 2016 and updated in June 2021.