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No one knows Pura Vida like Costa Rica!
The Central American country of Costa Rica may be small, but it is MIGHTY, setting the tone of beauty and character. With awe-inspiring coastlines, magnificent rainforests and buzzing, bustling cities there is something for every kind of traveller in Costa Rica.
If you talk with anyone who’s ever visited this beautiful gem, you’ll hear an endless flood of good things. One of those good things is their utmost respect for nature and their unique biodiversity. Perched high up among the canopy, you might get to spot toucans, all different variations of monkeys, and other exotic wildlife while you have breakfast.
Choosing where to stay might be the hardest thing you do in this country. But worry not, you’ve got me.
Staying at one of the best treehouses in Costa Rica allows you to experience the country unforgettably. The best way to plan a trip to this tropical paradise is to find unique accommodations and I am here to help. You won’t want to be stuck in some standard, stuffy hotel room when there’s a whole world of Costa Rica tree house discovery awaiting you!
So let’s get into it!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Treehouses in Costa Rica
- Overall Best Value Treehouse in Costa Rica – Topo’s Treehouse
- Best Budget Treehouse in Costa Rica – Sacred Geome Tree House
- Most Luxurious Treehouse in Costa – Nosara Treehouse
- Best Treehouse for Couples – Momotus Glamping
Topo’s Treehouse
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Surrounding rainforest
- > Family-sized
Sacred Geome Tree House
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Equipped kitchen
- > Full bathroom
Nosara Treehouse
- > $$$$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Hot tub
- > Shared pool
Momotus Glamping
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Fully-equipped kitchen
- > Private bathroom
Staying in a Treehouse in Costa Rica
Treehouses are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, but many properties still have great modern amenities like electricity and running water. In general, treehouses offer a place to stay in Costa Rica, and sometimes make use of solar power, composting toilets, and rainwater collection! There is a huge Costa Rica treehouse community so you can trust you’re in good hands.
Most Costa Rica Tree House Lodges are smaller properties but some are large enough to accommodate big groups of friends or families. If you’re travelling with young children or have physical limitations, it’s a good idea to check whether the treehouse is safe and accessible.
Costa Rica is known for its magical cloud forests, stunning beaches, and amazing tropical wildlife. Staying at one of the best treehouses while backpacking in Costa Rica is a way to get closer to the natural beauty.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Whether you find a Costa Rica treehouse with an ocean view or a secluded jungle treetop perch, staying in a treehouse is something special. Staying in the canopy allows you to experience the wonders of Costa Rica up close and in person. Hotels could never offer the same level of excitement and wonder, these places even have yummy breakfasts!
Depending on your preferences, there are several things to look out for when selecting the right Costa Rica tree house lodge. They range from pricey luxurious spaces to small, camping-style properties, a lot depends on just how close to nature you want to be. If electricity, Wi-Fi, and running water are important to you, expect to pay a bit more for a higher-end tree house lodge option.
On the other hand, if camp stoves, an eco-toilet, and battery-operated devices are all okay, there are plenty of awesome budget Costa Rica treehouse rentals! Many options fall somewhere between the two.
The 4 Best Treehouses in Costa Rica
Now that you’re all geared up for your Costa Rica adventure, check out this list of the best treehouses in Costa Rica! Once you’re done reading, you’ll practically be ready to pack your bags for a once-in-a-lifetime jungle experience.
1. Topo’s Treehouse | Overall Best Value Treehouse in Costa Rica
- Price: $504 (2-night stay)
- Address: Playa Negra, Humhry road, 70403 Cahuita, Costa Rica
Topo’s Treehouse has a reputation as one of the best Costa Rica treehouses. Right next to Playa Negra beach but in the middle of the forest floor, this unique home looks like it’s made by fairies. Maybe it was?
The house is built around rubber tree roots in a way like I’ve never seen before – bringing the incredible nature inside your vacation rental. This treehouse offers a great way to experience more sustainable travel. It has two bedrooms, a stunning wooden dining room, and decks all around to spot wildlife. Keep your ears open for the howler monkeys.
2. Sacred Geome Tree House | Best Budget Treehouse in Costa Rica
- Price: $148 (2-night stay)
- Address: Montezuma, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Your saving grace for bringing your budget down is the amazing hostels in Costa Rica. But this super cool treehouse offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s pretty damn affordable too! The treehouse consists of separate dome pods with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom all equipped with running water, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen.
It’s only 15 minutes by car to the popular Montezuma beach, and not much farther to other famous beaches and resort towns. You can park a vehicle for free onsite, making it easy to escape the tourist crowds yet also convenient enough to visit top attractions.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey3. Nosara Treehouse | Most Luxurious Treehouse in Costa
- Price: $114
- Address: del mar academy, 50206 Nosara, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for treehouse rentals in Costa Rica that send your vacation into orbit, you need to see this! This two-bedroom Costa Rica treehouse is your dream home away from home. It accommodates four guests in one apartment, with apartments next door if you want to rent out for a bigger group.
The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for cooking up a storm in the tree house, before or after a trip to the beach nearby. You can choose your seating area inside or outside. Then you have two bathrooms, plus a hot tub and an outdoor shower, plus your canopy terrace has stunning views and a pool.
4. Momotus Glamping | Best Treehouse for Couples
- Price: $107
- Address: 141 150 metros noroeste del cementerio santa clara, 21002 Florencia, Costa Rica
Easily one of the best tree house hotels in Costa Rica for couples, these unique glamping pods are perfect for creating your own bubble. Snuggle up enjoying the sounds of the surrounding rainforest as you are part of the canopy. They have balconies overlooking the mountains, queen-sized beds to get cosy, and a hot tub to get steamy: a perfect recipe for… you know what… 😉
There’s nothing like love and sex on the road and this is the place I’d pick to be doing IT in Costa Rica!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Treehouse in Costa Rica
Still on the hunt? Nothing quite tickled your fancy yet? I’ve got more in store for you! Accommodation is such a personal thing and if my top-tier choices don’t float your boat, stay tuned, amigo.
Whatever your Costa Rica itinerary contains, make sure you squeeze in a treehouse trip, sleeping amongst the canopy, and breakfasting with the birds is an unforgettable experience. From Playa Chiquita to the waterfall a short walk from your abode, nestled in the forest, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.
Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve
- Price: $219
- Address: Naranjito, Camino Quepos – Tarrazú, 60601 Quepos, Costa Rica
Located just a few kilometres from Manuel Antonio and San José, Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s gems. This is one of my favourite all-inclusive treehouse hotels and their menu will accommodate any kind of diet; even a picky child menu. Nothing makes for a good family trip like a happy, well-fed kid.
Surrounding you are some of the most unique and beautiful hiking trails in the world. They’re committed to sustainable travel here, and you love to see it. They only hire local staff and are dedicated to supporting their local community: that’s how you do it! Finca Bellavista ain’t got shit on these guys.
Magical Jungle Treehouse
- Price: $124
- Address: La Palmera, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
This epic treehouse is the most perfect eco-lodge in Costa Rica. Booking a stay at this jungle treehouse grants you 24-hour access to 12 natural springs nearby, all of which are surrounded by gorgeous jungle scenery. That’s lush!
The Tree House Lodge is decorated in original artwork, and you’ll have your own private balcony to relax on and enjoy the view. It has a great blend of nature and modern comforts including an equipped kitchen, water heater, and laundry service. There are also several towns nearby with restaurants and shops, handy if you want to cook your own food and have breakfast in the canopy.
Casa Kupu-Kupu
- Price: $290
- Address: Puerto Carrillo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
This large and modern treehouse can accommodate big groups of friends looking for a unique adventure in Costa Rica. The property is absolutely stunning with gorgeous open-plan spaces nestled in the forest. The three bedrooms can sleep up to seven guests, and there’s also a kitchenette, outdoor porch, and swimming pool onsite for you to enjoy.
In terms of location, Casa Kupu-Kupu is hard to beat as the nearest town is less than 10 minutes away. It’s a great spot to enjoy beaches like Puerto Carrillo, hike in the jungle, bird watch from your private balcony, or chill by the pool!
Tree House Lodge
- Price: $88
- Address: 200m de la Escuela , 70304 Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
This awesome treehouse is like a family tourist attraction all by itself! Not only can you enjoy comforts like a kitchen and dining area, where you can enjoy a breakfast washer and dryer, as well as Wi-Fi, but there’s also a swimming pool, mini-golf on site, and a large balcony with great views. As great as a swimming pool is, get out and find Rio Celeste while you’re here, the blue waters are stunning.
If you’re interested in tours around Costa Rica, this Costa Rica lodge hosts offer several discounts on various options to help you save money. The treehouse is located in the peaceful area of Puerto Viejo, and several of the tour agencies will even pick you up on-site! Being a convenient distance from town does have its perks but you’ll feel well hidden in this canopy treehouse.
Escapadita al Bosque
- Price: $70
- Address: De La Iglesia Catolica De Higuito 2,7 km Sur Portón rojo a mano izquierda, 30802 San Isidro, Costa Rica
This treehouse is a great, budget-friendly option! Disconnect from the outside world and take in the mountain views, check out the hiking trails, swim under waterfalls, or walk through the nearby gardens.
Even your wildest jungle dreams might not match the reality of this tree house lodge, a truly unique stay in Costa Rica. Depending on the season, you may also be treated to local and seasonal fruit for breakfast right at the property!
Pueblo Verde Treehouse
- Price: $733 (3-night stay)
- Address: Punta Islita, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Perfectly situated among the jungle treetops of Costa Rica, this unique tree house is close to the ocean and is surrounded by tropical foliage. Spend the day at nearby private beaches, work out in the outdoor gym, hike through jungle trails, or jump in the pool! Or, you could venture to Parque Francisco Alvarado and peruse the unearthly delights of this wonder-garden.
Over your hanging bridge, you’ll find this treehouse has excellent contemporary comforts including air conditioning in all the rooms and a modern kitchen. The space is ideal for a remote getaway where you can relax on the hammock and entrench yourself in nature.
Jungle Living Tree House Aguacatillo
- Price: $148
- Address: Monteverde, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Known as the tourist capital of Costa Rica, Monteverde offers all the activities the country is famous for. Ranging from hanging bridges, zip lines, coffee farms, and amazing tropical wildlife! At this treehouse, you’ll be right in the Monteverde cloud forest to experience the wonder first-hand.
Enjoy the natural wildlife whilst staying in a comfortable and authentic treehouse in Costa Rica. Even though you’re surrounded by trees, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the city centre where you can find markets, restaurants, and shops.
Budget backpacking? Why not check out my fave hostels in Monteverde too!
FAQs About the Best Costa Rica Treehouse
What to Pack for Costa Rica
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Getting Insured BEFORE Traveling to Costa Rica
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Costa Rica.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Treehouses in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a dreamy, dreamy place. With tropical weather year-round, Costa Rica is always a year-round destination, and staying in a treehouse takes your vacay next level! The biodiversity in Costa Rica is unparalleled and I don’t think you can beat breakfast in the canopy.
Since there are so many options for super unique accommodation in Costa Rica, you can totally be yourself and find that perfect place. Whether you like roughing it in the jungle or you want a little luxury (or a lot) Costa Rica offers just what you need. The choices are plentiful and whether you want to stay near gandoca manzanillo wildlife refuge or on the west coast, you’ve got options.
If you’re on the fence, book yourself in for a couple of nights at Topo’s Treehouse, my favourite Costa Rica treehouse for a reason. You’re just down the road from Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the forest here is PHENOMENAL.
Now that you’ve looked through my list of selections for the best treehouses in Costa Rica, get onto that adventure! From bright sunny beaches to jungle ziplines, you’re in for a spectacular and unforgettable vacation. Enjoy the walk to untold waterfalls, nighttime at Playa Chiquita and hanging out in the forest.
Feel free to come back and tell me all about your amazing adventure. It’s certain to give me some jealousy. Pura Vida!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our Backpacking Costa Rica guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Costa Rica guide to plan your adventure.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Costa Rica too
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
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