Escape to the mountains at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve, where rustic charm meets outdoor adventure. Savor a meal at El Mirador, the on-site restaurant, then unwind in the garden or try your hand at fishing and horseback riding.
San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 29.7 miles/47.7 km
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 33.2 miles/53.5 km
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Koky's La Cazuela - 27 min drive
Mordisco De Naranjito - 27 min drive
La Talanguera - 28 min drive
Bar y Restaurante La Casona - 27 min drive
Koki Naranjito - 27 min drive
About this property
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve is a great choice for a stay in Naranjito. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or grab a bite to eat at Aquí no más, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A terrace and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences include refrigerators and microwaves. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
At a glance
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Hotel size
8 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Contactless check-out available
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Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
This property is in a car-free zone and can be reached by 4x2 vehicles but 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets stay free (dogs only)
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE
Offsite
Area shuttle*
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–9:00 AM
Restaurant
Coffee/tea in a common area
What to do
Access to nearby outdoor pool
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Ziplining nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Laundry facilities
Pool loungers
Facilities
Garden
Terrace
Mosquito nets
An outdoor pool
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
No elevator (single level property)
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch TV
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Ceiling fan
Coffee/tea maker
Window screens
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Toilet paper
Food and drink
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Microwave
Kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Dining table
Paper towels
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Dining
Aquí no más - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 265 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB International
Cashless transactions are available.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Also known as
Santa Juana Lodge Naranjito
Santa Juana Lodge
Santa Juana Naranjito
Santa Juana
Santa Juana Lodge Nature Reserve Naranjito
Santa Juana Lodge Nature Reserve
Santa Juana Nature Reserve Naranjito
Santa Juana Nature Reserve
Santa Juana And Nature Reserve
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve Lodge
Santa Juana Nature Reserve Full Board Lodge
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve Naranjito
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve Lodge Naranjito
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Yes, dogs stay free.
Is parking offered on site at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 265 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is noon. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like hiking, horseback riding, and ziplining. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the lodge's other amenities, which include a garden and access to a nearby outdoor pool.
Are there restaurants at or near Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Aquí no más.
Does Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve have self-catered rooms fitted with kitchens or kitchenettes?
Yes, a kitchen is available in every room, and also includes a coffee maker, cookware, and a refrigerator.
Does Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
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Reviews
Santa Juana Lodge and Nature Reserve Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.6
Cleanliness
9.6
Location
10
Staff & service
9.8
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Complimentary breakfast was super fresh, tasty, and great, with options available daily. (4 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
View
Service staff
Food
Waterfalls
Restaurant
Rides
Mountain
Room
Scenery
Car
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 1, 2026
Amazing property, location and staff.
Martijn
Martijn, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 20, 2026
We stayed in Laurel house, which was very spacious with a large yard that included 2 hammocks. The view is beautiful and Tucans would perch up in the trees each morning. Santa Juana lodge in general is a beautiful, secluded and well maintained property. For something to do, there is a 45 min path through the jungle that we took on our own. And of course there are excursions you can book, including a longer guided walk that leads to a beautiful waterfall spot that was a lot of fun jumping into and swimming in. Alan is a great guide who will point out numerous birds and other notable biodiversity along the way. The food at the lodge is very tasty. Not much variety day over day, but that didn’t bother us much over a 3 day stay. You can also buy wine, beer and other drinks as well. The pool was also nice to have, we used it a few times. Overall, highly recommend.
John
John, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 2, 2025
Our family LOVED our time here. So amazing
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 30, 2024
Wonderful Stay
Beautiful views, cute cabins, yummy local food, but mostly a great experience because of the warm and inviting people that work there. They were so accommodating and friendly it made the stay extra enjoyable.
Tamina
Tamina, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 11, 2024
We had the most relaxing vacation of our lives, everything was breathtaking, staff so attentive and friendly, we enjoyed every moment
Wendy
Wendy, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 3, 2025
We loved everything about Santa Juana Lodge: Alan was a terrific host, the drive up was awesome, the room and view was fantastic. We went to the waterfall and did a few other hikes around, highly recommend!
Nikki & Henry
Henry
Henry, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 29, 2023
Secluded peacefull place , a wonderful gem
Ranjit
Ranjit, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 31, 2024
Allan's hospitality was amazing!! He made us feel incredibly welcome. He did a wonderful job of pointing out the incredible birds around the property and we also really enjoyed talking to him about Costa Rica.
Catherine
Catherine, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 1, 2024
Alan and his staff are amazing! They made us feel like family. The views and proximity to wildlife were fantastic. The authentic Costa Rican meals were delicious and healthy. We enjoyed bird watching, hikes to the waterfalls and a short trip to ziplining.
Kim
Kim, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 30, 2023
This is an amazing place. Well off the beaten path. Toucans in the morning and afternoons. The views are second to none and the meals are delicious.
Scott
Scott, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 7, 2024
A wonderful 2 day stay in a unique setting in wood crafted cabins with home cooked meals at restaurant. The hour drive on gravel was challenging but doable in a 2W SUV at this time of year. Warm and helpful staff.
Joanne
Joanne, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 27, 2024
Amazing staff. Although food options limited all made from scratch and fresh and delicious. Beautiful jungle hikes and waterfalls pools to swim. So peaceful and rejuvenating! We will be back
James
James, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 31, 2023
This was 5 star experience that is hard to match. Starting from location secluded top of mountain to spacious nice room with no windows only screens. Tens of birds every morning with walking trails and fresh tasty food cooked right in front and very friendly staff, Andre, Allen and their families made our stay like being at home.
Vikash
Vikash, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 1, 2023
This property is a true gem. If you are looking for tranquility, you have found it. We ended up extending our stay an extra day, that's how much we loved it. Allan went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, from giving us a history of Santa Juana to introducing us to his family and inviting us to his home to see his various pets ( cat, dig, rabbit, quail, chicken, sheep e.t.c). I highly recommend staying here as it's definitely worth the drive.
Chinedum
Chinedum, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 3, 2025
Magical place to stay
Such a magical environment, all the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Allen’s passion for the forest and animals is contagious and encyclopaedic ; we learned so much. The property is surrounded by beautiful forests in all directions, and you eat breakfast watching hummingbirds and toucans. It’s truly incredible.
Our car broke down around 7km before arriving to the lodge and Allen and his team could not have been more helpful or friendly. They kindly came and met us, helped jumpstart the car, and brought us safely to the lodge. Real hospitality and kindness, and so appreciated.
Eleanor
Eleanor, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 5, 2024
Quite a trek...but super worth it!!
A word of warning, this place is not easy to get to! But once you're there it is amazing and totally worth the trek. The views are insane! The casitas are really cute, comfortable and super private. The staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. The food was super fresh and good. Cannot recommend enough!
Jeremy
Jeremy, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 12, 2023
Perfect get-away
Amazing and personal experience in the middle of nature - we had a one bedroom with a deck over looking the jungle. We did a hiking tour to a very private and beautiful waterfall with surrounding pool to swim in with Allen and his dog Comanche, a local villager who also works at the lodge. We enjoyed the scenery, warm welcomes with fresh juice of the day, cut up fruit after a little walk and breakfast and amazing dinner. Highly recommend if you are looking for a more authentic and personal experience in Costa Rica!
Hernan
Hernan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 23, 2024
Away from it all!
Absolute pura vida at this family-run place (loved Mum, the cook!). Chosen for total relaxation. The nearest towns are one hour away. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Gorgeous studio room with breathtaking views. The whole property is surrounded by lush mountains. 4x4 essential to get there. Meals are simple and copious. Tours are available from the property, starting at $79.
Nathalie
Nathalie, 3-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Jan 1, 2025
If you don’t have 4x4 it’s hard to reach to the place and try to reach early as possible. Not bad place nice view and fresh air. We reached late and it was late keep our driver with us coz it was dark and raining they charge me extra $75 for that.
Muhammad
Muhammad, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 5, 2025
Road to..
It was a great ride on the dirt road to Santajuana alongside palm tree trimmers, cattle, motorbikes, and the required 4-wheel momentum to make it up into the hill.
Clean woodsy classy designed room with comfortable bed in the screen sided cabin, plus 270 degree view on the deck, while we appreciated the rain soundtrack and viewed fog, haze & gorgeous sunsets meant a new level of peace, bookended with hikes to and dips in waterfalls.
While power went out briefly, backup generator provided power & WIFI in main lodge/dining area.
There are guided tours for booking, or the kind generous host provides a local tour which folks loved cuz he shares his local knowledge and wisdom of the rainforest they know as home. We took a couple hikes they recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.
The food was cooked by the staff, many of whom are of the same family as the hosts. Solid attention was paid to making sure the food served was to our liking. Enough variety to keep it interesting and to serve different pallets while clearly much of it being sourced a few steps away. On the return of one hike we passed by the vegetable and fruit garden being tended to by la madre, showing us the various herbs she cultivates.
The highlight was the local family who worked and managed the lodge. They were inspirational, kind,warm and caring. The initial welcoming and subsequent engaging conversations were fun & interesting. Inquire about the history of this nature preserve… Fascinating!
MARIE
MARIE, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 15, 2025
Peaceful, Authentic, and Truly Special – Santa Juana Lodge
My friend Vickie and I spent several unforgettable days at Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve, and we can’t recommend it enough. Getting there was part of the adventure—a scenic four-hour drive from the airport, with the final stretch on a gravel road through rain and cows! But once we arrived, we were welcomed into a peaceful paradise.
Our private casita had stunning views of the rainforest and distant Pacific, and we were surrounded by the sounds of nature—birds, monkeys, and fresh mountain air. The lodge blends eco-luxury with deep respect for Costa Rican culture and sustainability.
Meals were included, and they were a true highlight—delicious, locally inspired, and beautifully presented. Huge thanks to Lady, Julia, Maribel, and Liz for their incredible cooking and hospitality.
Everyone we met was warm and welcoming—from Allan and Hugo, who shared the lodge’s inspiring history, to Andres, Ariel, Randal, Cucho, Karolina, Liz, and Alexis, who made everything run so smoothly.
If you're looking for a stay that offers comfort, connection, and adventure in a truly unique setting—Santa Juana is the place. We loved every moment and hope to return!
Susan Gale
Susan Gale, 7-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 18, 2025
What an amazing experience staying at Santa Juana Lodge! Myself, my husband and our 2 year old daughter had an amazing time here. The views were incredible, and sleeping in the screened in bedrooms listening to the wildlife was so relaxing. Even though we were here in February it was very comfortable and cool sleeping at night. We arranged transport through Santa Juana Lodge which I would highly recommend. It was nice not having to worry about driving up the mountain. My husband did the birding tour with Alan which was absolutely incredible, they saw 55 birds in a few hours! My daughter and I walked to the waterfalls (with her in a hiking backpack), it is about 1 mile out and back on a very quiet road. I loved that there was a smaller waterfall which was great for her. The big waterfall looked amazing but was more appropriate for adults or kids who can swim. It is a steep walk back! The best part was the welcoming and friendly staff. We especially loved making empanadas with Julia, fresh tropical juices with every meal, and the endless supply of fruit (which made my toddler so happy!) I wish we stayed an extra day so that we could do the nature / waterfall excursion. But we hope to return in the future! Staying at Santa Juana was one of my favorite travel experiences I have ever had.
Chloe
Chloe, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 28, 2024
Perfect setting to unplug, wind down, and recharge. The staff was super proud of the environmentally focused environment they’ve created in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. We coordinated all our transports through Santa Juana so Hugo met us in Quepos and drove us the 45mins up the mountain to the lodge. The views from the lodge are unbelievable and change as the clouds float through the valleys and various birds visit. Most of the staff are extended family members who have lived on this mountain their entire lives and now support the lodge cooking/serving meals and coordinating activities/adventures.
We hiked to several unbelievable waterfalls on the extended property and swam in one of the natural pools, zip lined and repelled into another natural pool, had been expert massages from one of the staff members, and then went on a long bird watching walking tour that was the highlight of the trip. The bird watching tour was led by Allan whose mother (cook), brother (waiter), and wife (masseuse) are the backbone of the staff who support Santa Juana. Allan grew up on the mountain and is super proud to hat visitors from all over the world come visit Santa Juana. He gets giddy with excitement pointing out the birds and educating about each species. We thought the second half of the tour was even more interesting when he walked us around the resort to explain the fauna of the region. Santa Juana is magical if you can commit to the slower pace and enjoy the Pura Vida!
Matthew
Matthew, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 6, 2026
Amazing hospitality, hidden gem!
Rachel
Rachel, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 11, 2025
Amazing property and community. Staff were incredibly nice, room was awesome with a first class view