Tierra Madre Eco Lodge

Top choice in Northwestern Costa Rica


Totally worth the hour-long trip from La Cruz, this off-the-grid hilltop permaculture farm has views to Nicaragua and beyond. The farm's 65 hectares brim with wildlife, and a stay in one of the three rustic chalets means lounging by the pool, strolling the gardens, and feasting on home-cooked meals featuring little-known fruits and veggies, farm-fresh eggs, and fish from a nearby lake.

The Belgian expat hosts manage the farm without motorized machinery or chemicals, and the results are deliciously sustainable. At the time of research, they had plans to install a geodesic glamping tent.

All-inclusive rates cover excursions like guided hiking and fishing on the property, along with discounts on activities further afield (Santa Rosa National Park, a sailing trip in Bahía Salinas, etc). The lodge provides complimentary transport from La Cruz, and from either of the main airports for a fee. Depending on weather conditions, you'll be brought in by a 4WD or on horseback!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northwestern Costa Rica attractions

1. Parque Nacional Guanacaste

10.22 MILES

With the addition of Parque Nacional Guanacaste (345 sq km) in 1989, the Area de Conservación Guanacaste became part of a protected nature corridor…

2. El Mirador Centro Turistico

10.39 MILES

Don’t cruise through La Cruz without stopping at this oddly shaped ‘tourist and cultural center’ on the western edge of town. You might stumble across an…

4. Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

20.16 MILES

One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…

5. Cascada San Ramón

20.43 MILES

This stunning 40m waterfall is one of the jewels of the island. The 3.7km trail begins at the Estación Biológica de Ometepe. You can drive 2.2km up to the…

6. Playa El Coco

20.85 MILES

This wide stretch of white sand is hemmed in by headlands at both ends and the water is calm and good for swimming. There's a restaurant and several good…

7. Volcán Maderas

21.35 MILES

Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…

8. Sector Santa Rosa

21.47 MILES

Santa Rosa is the southern sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste. Some 30km of hiking trails weave through this tropical dry forest, offering…