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Reviews of Finca la Bonita, Playa Carate

245 Playa Carate, Peninsula de Osa, 60702 Carate, Costa Rica

#1 of 5 hotels in Carate

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 27 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.0

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    8.3

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2025

    8.0
    Wonderful place to immerse yourself in a jungle full of sights and sounds.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Hiking the steps up to our room was a bit challenging, but definately worth it. Careful when wet. We noticed that everywhere we stayed in Costa Rica, the showers did not have grab bars, which would be helpful for those of us with balance issues.

    We loved staying up in the trees with wildlife all around us. Squirrel and Spider monkeys nearby and Howler monkeys off in the distance but very audible. Hummingbirds and leaf cutter ants part of the parade of nature. Staff were very helpful and personable. Christian helped to get us a great guide for Corcovado National Park. Wendell went out of his way to show us It is helpful to know some Spanish. The food was simple but good.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2025

    9.0
    Close to nature in the rainforest
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 8 nights

    No warm water at the shower. (But we managed to heat water in our kitchen.)

    Exceptional location in the middle of the rainforest. From our cabin we could see and hear the ocean in the distance. At night, there is no human-made light to be seen or sound to be heard. Instead, the night is filled with the sounds of the rainforest: cicadas, birds, howler monkeys.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    It was a unique stay in the middle of the jungle with an amazing view up to the sea over the canopy of the jungle. The sound of wildlife and the stay right inside the forest was very exotic.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 December 2024

    9.0
    The true jungle expirience in Costa Rica
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing as you as you don’t search for luxury or a long warm shower

    This is the place for true nature lovers, those who want to explore the jungle in almost complete solitude, with a guide who was born and raised there. You need to work for it, a long journey and some 45 km dirtroad, might have to cross a rives in rainy season. You will sleep in cabins in the green, no window just bug protection and a cold shower outside, and you will wake up with nature. The darkish beach is incredibly beautiful, just as the pure jungle all around. We started here, and it reduced other parks to an amusement park experience. Don’t go there for any luxury, be willing to get tired and dirty clothes, and you will get an unforgettable nature exploration under guidance of a most friendly, relaxed and very knowledgeable owner and guide. An absolute highlight in our Costa Rica journey.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 November 2024

    10
    Forget the civilization, come down and listen to the nature!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A small valley neighboring the jungle, with the very interesting sounds from the rich fauna 👍🤓.The cabin on the top offers sea view

    Friendly and helpful staff (thank you Cristian!!); conserving the environment; delicious food

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2024

    10
    A truly authentic experience of life in the tropical jungle above Carate Beach on the Pacific coast.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 8 nights

    It took me a few days to adjust to the humidity (mid-May, beginning of green season). I was grateful for the fan in the cabin. Next time I'll only bring clothing (and shoes) that really do dry quickly!

    Location in the trees of the Costa Rican jungle, perfectly private, outdoor cold (but not too cold) shower under trees. Wildlife in abundance, from howler and spider monkeys in the trees above the cabin; to agoutis, leaf-cutter ants, various lizards and amphibians, crabs below it, plus stunning butterflies, toucans and scarlet macaws - one wonder after another. Christian is a kind, helpful, professional bilingual host, extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, first-class tour guide and able to fix anything. Meals all prepared from fresh ingredients. My favorites were the breakfast fruits and dinners with avocados and freshly-caught fish. All staff was friendly and accommodating. It was the most peaceful, rejuvenating week I've ever had.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2024

    8.0
    Raw nature beyond the back of beyond
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 1hr 40min drive on dirt road from Pto Jimenez. The climb up the stairs to our cabin, although this somehow got easier over time. Important to know that Playa Carate is really quite remote and "the end of the line", which meant absolutely no bars, restaurants, shops and so for miles. Although we brought a big cool box, we knew this would only work for the first day as no way to keep the cool bricks cool. You depend on the lodge for everything.

    My wife loves Playa Carate, and enjoyed her time at this lodge. (I went along as good hubbie, as nature is not my thing, so these are her views). The cabin we had was rustic but spacious, set in the rain forest and with a great view. 3 types of monkey could be seen,and she reports the birding was very good. We stayed 3 nights, and went to the same spot on the beach each day. Carate is definitely the place to see macaws. My wife also loves its remoteness and isolation.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 March 2024

    9.0
    Pretty and cute cabin to stay in, cool breezes
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    It was further from the hike to La Leona than I thought and I didn't have a car, but the owner Cristian (who was kind and helpful and interesting to talk to) gave us a ride there, so no problem. Honestly, it is definitely walkable, but it would be a chunk to add on if you were coming or going all the way to Sirena. The beach and lagoon at Carate is easy to walk to, though

    All food was extra. The breakfast was very good.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2024

    8.0
    Good birding opportunities.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Be prepared for a rough road in from Puerto Jimenez, no air conditioning or refrigerator.

    Isolated screened-in, open air cabanas overlooking jungle. Great jungle birding. Great local food must be booked ahead.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The place is for nature lovers. We felt like in the middle of the jungle with nobody around us. Bungalows are up in the hills, very basic, not well insulated, there were bugs inside, no hot water. The kitchen is not available for the guests to use. We had to take your trash back with us.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2024

    9.0
    Staying in the forest, with an ocean view
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We really enjoyed this place, so for us there was nothing that we didn’t like. However, it is good to know that there are limited facilities (for example, just 1 lightbulb, limited to no refrigerator space and shops are restaurants are more then 1 hour drive away). Being prepared for this, makes it a great experience.

    The location is in the middle of the forest, near the Corcovado national park. You are surrounded by monkeys and other wildlife. The howler monkeys wake you up in time for your Corcovado trip 😊

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2024

    10
    Perfect stay for discovering the wildlife
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Place, surrounding, wildlife was stunning! We saw more animals than on the Corcovado NP tour! Team was very nice and helpful and prepared us delicious meals 😃

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 November 2023

    9.0
    Perfect to feel like living in the rainforest
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The Lodges are placed in a beautiful „Jungle garden“. You can feel and see the rainforest from this Location. The owner is a really nice, friendly and helpful guy. He is a local who knows many trails around corcovado and can tell you many interesting things about this place! Food was awesome, cooked by himself or his neighbour for a good price. Lodges are basic, you get everything you need and its clean. Dont expect a 5-star hotel, this is not the right place for this! You have to feel the rainforest, and therefore its the right place! Stayed there 4 nights and can highly recommend it!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 August 2023

    10
    An amazing and authentic experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not a complaint, just to make others aware - you will need a 4x4 to access the property and wouldn't recommend to attempt the road (and river crossing) at night.

    This place is a hidden gem! A rustic cabin with the basic facilities you need to experience the jungle up close and immerse yourself in nature. Christian and Gabriel, along with Marley the dog, are welcoming local hosts who have a huge amount of insight, history, and knowledge to share. They offer different tours, and we recommend all 3 we did - the day tour in Corcovado, kayaking, and night turtles. They also offer meals if you let them know in advance (there are no easy options locally, so we'd highly recommend), and this made the stay really easy too. This cabin is for those looking to experience the jungle on their doorstep (literally!), if you are after a luxurious stay there are eco lodges nearby, but for an authentic experience (and possibly stepping out of your comfort zone) we would 110% recommend staying here. Thank you for an amazing experience :)

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2023

    9.0
    A relaxing and enjoyable stay, surrounded by nature.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location. Natural setting surrounded by pristine rainforest. Cristhian, the host, is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He’s a true local, and an expert on the Osa Peninsula. Views from the cabins are fantastic.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was our first time in Costa Rica and during our 25 years of exploring the world we felt unwelcome from the host. The communication took place via WhatsApp (just texting, he did not answer the call). After a long drive on an almost impassable road no one was expecting us. We searched almost the entire abandoned lot and on the end of the property we finally saw a woman💪 She showed us our accommodation (a very cute wooden house). That was it🤷‍♀️. No information about the place, no instructions, no recommendations.. When we asked in the evening if we could get hot water (two cups) for coffee, we got the answer "no" (from host via WhatsUpp😉). His answer was "we generate our own electricity using water and that fact limits our capacity!" Hmmm..the large stove that stands in the kitchen is gas- powered. We left this place as soon as possible.

    10 points go to...Mother Nature (magical forest, colorful birds, mischievous monkeys, unusual animals, power of ocean...). You don't need a guides and overpriced organized tours in this region. Just go for a walk down the road in the direction of the small airport (early in the morning for a birds watching and during the day to meet the animals and reptiles and parrots also).

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2023

    9.0
    this was one of the most wonderful places we have ever been to.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    for us all was good, because we came here to enjoy and learn about nature. But u have to know that this place is off the beaten track, isolated and the road is bumpy and dusty. And you shouldnt be afraid of animals because u are in the jungle.

    location and style: it was truly fabulous - simple but comfortable, clean and nice bungalows in the midst of rain forest, we could see monkeys, birds, butterflies directly from our balcony - amazing! We felt like in a paradise. people:,Our host Kristian was very kind and knowledgeable, we did a Corcovado trail with him and learnt a lot about nature and the region. Thanks to him we had a chance to see a tapir! The cook was also very nice and friendly, the food simple but fresh, local and tasty. we loved this place and would gladly come again.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2023

    9.0
    True jungle experience for adventurous minds.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bungalow-type of lodging in Corcovado jungle. Mosquito-nets replacing windows brought nature really close, and we were woken up in the morning by a concert of birds and monkey shouts from nearby trees. Cristhian is an excellent host with outstanding knowledge and appreciation for nature, and was working also as a guide for one-day trips. food excellent also for special diets. This is more like a camp than a hotel/hostel. The gravel road to the site is in poor condition with steep hills, narrow bridges and a river crossing. 4x4 car is mandatory.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This is the perfect place for nature lovers looking for some peace and quiet surrounded by gorgeous nature abundant with wildlife! We heard and saw spider monkeys, howlers monkeys. capuchin monkeys, Scarlet Macaws and toucans daily. We also saw tracks of tapirs. Knowing that big cats roam the premises adds even more to the appeal of this wonderful place. Yes it is a bumpy road to get to Carate but that is a good thing. It keeps the crowds away and the wildlife safer.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 11 December 2022

    8.0
    Great stay at the edge of the park.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms are very simple and rustic, so you need.to be ready for a true jungle cabina stay, BUT with electricity, and good wifi and good meals, all of which are.amazing given the isolated location.

    Great location to visit the park, beach and Lagoon. Road.in from Puerto Jimenez was quite rough and slow. Really need a 4*4. Christian is an EXCELLENT host and communicator. (He speaks perfect English) Christian went out of his way to accommodate us. Also arrange for his neighbour to be our guide us in the park and his guiding was also excellent.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 29 August 2023

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The owner (who was also the guide for our walks at night and in Corcovado) is very serious and of a few words. Don’t expect him to explain you something, unless you ask (and even if you do, the answers are always very dry). Not sure there is anything to do apart from the night walk and the Corcovado trail as he did not explain anything about the area.

    The place corresponds to the description/pictures. It’s fully in the nature but offers electricity in the rooms +good WiFi. Breakfast lunch and dinner have to be booked in advance (I recommend you to do it as there is nothing around) and consider that you don’t get to chose what to eat (food was good).

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 March 2023

    6.0
    Basic cabin high ratings not justified
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I don't understand the high rating at all. The place has a lot of potential. The hosts were not unfriendly but they weren't very welcoming either. They didn't seem to care one way or another. Food was ok'ish. We were the only guests but was impossible to put 2 beer in their fridge. Instead they serve a pitcher of Tang. (Yuck) Maybe my expectation was too high because of the ratings. Wouldn't come back.

    Very comfortable bed and cabin was immersed in beautiful nature.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 June 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in January 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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