Reviews of Yatama Rainforest Ecolodge

Yatama is an absolute jewel at the edge of Braulo Carilllo NP. The cabins are clean and comfy and there's nothing like falling asleep with the sounds of the forest. There's a lot of wildlife to be spotted (toucans and capucins right outside our window!) and the lodge's walking trails lead you to magical river crossings and moss covered bridges that will make you hear the Indiana Jones tune while you walk over them. Everything is built and thought through to preserve the environment and its inhabitants. Pedro is himself a gem of a guide, dedicated and passionate about this place. Food was amazing - including top vegan catering!

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Great location! Super experience. Highly recommended. You

Nothing!

I loved the nature and the animals surrounding the lodge. The common area was also very inviting. There were hammocks and a guitar. Shoutout to Jersen ! A great guide!

Yatama is not for everyone considering its in the wild. We liked everything about this place (except maybe the bumpy ride there) but others who prefer a more sterile environment may not enjoy it as much as us.

The experience it provides

What a place... this is an absolute top location for people who want to be immersed in the CR nature (away from the often over commercialized tourist locations elsewhere) and one of the very few places in Braulio Carrillo that gives such extensive, unlimited and easy access to the forest (extensive trail system, also in primary forest). I was here mainly for reptiles / amphibians (and that was fantastic), but the complete nature experience is absolute top. The owner is very helpful (very efficient communication with Whatsapp), knowledgeable, friendly, the food is great (simple but very tasteful, freshly prepared), breakfast is excellent. Rubber boots are provided (very helpful), there is a very nice building for communal use (with WIFI, in the middle of the forest...). Rooms are simple but very clean. No airconditioning, but nights are pleasantly cool. One of the very best places I visited in Costa Rica (and Panama), total of 5 travels. Be aware that this place cannot be reached even with many SUVs (you really need something like a Nissan Patrol or similar) but, no worries, the owner picks you up (and your car can be safely parked at a couple of km before the lodge).

really nothing I can think of.

Fantastic remote location with primary and secondary forest. We drove up a rough track to a carpark on a farm then were driven up to the lodge in a 4x4 by Pedro. We did the self-guided Birding trail - loads of birds late pm. Great evening meal and breakfast provided. We did the Night Walk (included) and saw lots of frogs, then paid extra for an Early Morning Birding Walk with Pedro who is hugely knowledgeable and passionate about all the wildlife. Our cabin, reached on raised boardwalks, was modern and comfortable with a first floor balcony. Large shared lounge / games area with bird-watching.

Track to 'sedan' secure parking place was very rough for our basic rental car.

Yatama offers a real rainforest experience and is very well prepared to give the traveller an outstanding experience: they provide a pickup service and parking space on arrival in order to get there safely. The lodge consists of a view bungalows, accessible by wooden pedestrian bridges. Then they have the main house, where the meals are served from a friendly, sympathetic kitchen team. Moreover there is a bungalow where you have WiFi access and - far more important from our point of view - a wonderful terrace from where you can watch birds (e.g. oropendula, tucan) or even a coati right in front of a small pond. The owner of the lodge - a wildlife lover himself, you can tell - is there to take care of his guests. There are options for several walks from early morning to late at night, all at reasonable prices and with very experienced guides. Highly recommend!

Experience in rain forest Nature around Good restaurant

Boots were not tight and not clean

Pedro and staff at Yatama are dedicated to sustainability and community. Facilities are exceptional -- beautifully hand-built and nestled in the forest. Guests fall asleep to the chirping of tiny frogs and awaken to the orchestra of monkeys and birds.

Getting to Yatama requires an adventurous spirit, but who doesn't want an adventure?

This was an amazing, immersive and quite intense experience. The journey to the lodge, the cabins and the meals were all part of the rainforest experience and we did two fantastic guided walks with wonderfully knowledgable guides. Pedro, the owner is an absolute hero and has dedicated his life to conserving the rainforest and its flora and fauna. He is a true inspiration and so passionate about his work. The lodge is there to help to fund his work and staying there is quite the experience - sometimes a little uncomfortable if you don’t like snakes, spiders, bugs and heavy rain! It’s an unforgettable experience which left us with a lifetime of memories and we are so glad to have done it.

The cabin we had was amazing! We got an upgrade to the family hut which was such a pleasure to stay in. The staff were lovely, the food was great and the setting just amazing. I also found the prices for the guided tours pretty reasonable.

I guess some people wouldn’t like the fact that wifi is available only at certain times and in the common area. I found it was pleasant and helps to enjoy the forest for real.

Gerson met us in a jeep since the road up to the lodge was too difficult even for most 4*4s! He was also our guide during our stay and was passionate and knowledgeable about the extensive wildlife around the lodge. We did daytime hikes and a night walk and saw a fascinating variety of animals - these tours were excellent value for money. We enjoyed the communal aspect of the meals, chatting with like minded people from all over the world. It was also wonderful waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and birds we'd never heard before!

Nestled at the edge of Braulio Carrillo National Park, this breathtaking 220-hectare private sanctuary offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace. Your adventure begins with a seamless pickup, whisking you away to charming, private cabins that redefine rustic luxury. Each cabin boasts a private outdoor shower and bathroom, immersing you in an iconic, soul-stirring connection with the wild. The lodge elevates your stay with expertly guided tours through lush, dense forests—rubber boots thoughtfully provided for the journey. The booking includes 1 guided tour, dinner and breakfast, complemented by endless free water, tea, and coffee, crafting a flawless experience. The warm, attentive staff ensure every moment. For the ultimate rejuvenation, linger at least two nights to soak in vibe of the jungle. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s an encounter with nature.

We could only stay for 1 night, because we havent had enough time. :(

Excellent ecolodge where all profits go towards the conservation project. Pedro runs a great outfit and it feels very homely.

We had an amazing time at Yatama and met Pedro and Ethan, who where great guides and persons. Thanks again at the whole time for this wonderful experience in the middle of the jungle :)

The reserve was stunning and a real experience. Time to switch off and be with the wildlife.

Amazing location and very passionate, knowledgeable personnel. This is a worthwhile addition to any Costa Rica vacation - the focus on small volume, personalized nature experiences is brilliant.

Amazing remote location on the edge of Braulio Carrillo National park. Getting there was an experience in itself. Half board , because once you’re there you’re there…. Tasty, simple fare… for me the first time in theee weeks where our accommodation provided specific gluten free alternatives!

Nothing

Loved the remote location, the rainforest sights and sounds, the food, the coffee, the guided hike, the cabin, and the hammock. I loved everything!

We only stayed 2 nights and wish we’d stayed at least 3 nights.

A hidden gem! The location was exceptional--you are immersed in the forest. Knowledgable guides who truly care about the forest. Amazing food. Comfy, private, very clean bungalows.

We were underprepared for the 2-hour night hike. One flashlight died and one became quite weak. Be prepared with a good flashlight and a spare, as there are some small, very venomous snakes--we encountered 4.