Jungle lodge Costa Rica
Jungle lodge Costa Rica
Step Into Costa Rica’s Jungle Paradise
Hidden deep in the mountains of Costa Rica, Hotel Rivel offers a reset. This is not a resort built for mass tourism. It’s a non-profit jungle lodge run by a passionate Costa Rican team, created to help guests reconnect with nature and themselves.
Here, every path leads into the forest, every morning brings birdsong, and every evening ends under a canopy of stars. The owner, Benjamin Charbonneau, says it best: “There’s nothing in your life that can’t be solved by spending a week here.”
At Hotel Rivel, you’ll find:
- Private cabins and domes nestled into the jungle.
- A freshwater infinity pool filled by the surrounding mountains.
- Trails, rivers, and hidden pools right on your doorstep.
- Farm-to-table dining, with coffee and fruit grown on-site.
- Adventures and retreats, from bird watching to horseback riding.
“It really was a special retreat with fabulous trails through the jungle. Loved our cabin and Crystal & Randy were so kind. I’ll try to visit again.” — Alison, United States
This is your jungle lodge in Costa Rica, a place where adventure and tranquility live side by side.
A Jungle Lodge That Feels Like Home
At Hotel Rivel, the jungle doesn’t mean roughing it. Each private cabin and mountain dome is designed to feel warm, comfortable, and personal. Guests often mention the thoughtful details that make their stay memorable.
What you’ll find inside your lodge:
- Cozy double beds (with options for up to 4 guests in the penthouse lodge).
- Personal touches like fresh bananas hanging at the door, adaptors, and even board games.
- Strong WiFi in every cabin — ideal for streaming, catching up on work, or simply sharing your jungle adventure with loved ones.
- Glass-front views that bring the mountain landscape right into your room.
“Such a peaceful place. The staff is so kind and helpful and the location is unbeatable. The cabins are well-built and cozy. We swam in the pool, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the tranquility.” — Lauren, United States
“One of the hotels I have liked the most in Costa Rica. The room is tiny but not uncomfortable and well equipped: binoculars, spotlight, board games and even a speaker for music. The managers are super friendly and attentive.” — Rebeca, Costa Rica
Pure Water, Endless Relaxation
Swim in a Spring-Fed Infinity Pool
When was the last time you swam in water so clean you could drink it? At Hotel Rivel’s infinity pool, every drop flows directly from the surrounding green mountains. Guests often call it one of the most refreshing swims of their lives.
Why the pool is unforgettable:
- Crystal-clear water — no salt, no chlorine, just fresh mountain spring water.
- Infinity-edge views — the pool melts into the horizon, framed by jungle and clouds.
- Waterfall pool experience — a guest favorite for both relaxation and photography.
- Day-long retreat — sunbathe, read, or simply float under Costa Rica’s blue sky.
The infinity pool is the heart of the lodge, where you can cool off after a morning hike or soak in the last golden rays of sunset.
Wild Costa Rica, Right at Your Doorstep
Trails, Rivers, and Secret Pools Await
Staying at Hotel Rivel means waking up to nature outside your cabin door. The property stretches across jungle trails, mountain streams, and shaded picnic spots without any tour bus.
Here’s what guests love to explore:
- Forest trails that wind through the mountains, alive with the sound of rushing water and tropical wildlife.
- The Tuis River, bordering the property is a place to dip your feet, rest by the rocks, or set up a picnic under the sun.
- Hidden natural pools, where you can cool off after a hike.
- Mountain bikes are available, giving you the freedom to ride deeper into the cloud forest.
“It’s all in the name! Adventure and nature retreat is the best way to describe it. Meditating with the soothing sounds of a flowing stream and waterfall is something everyone should experience at least once.” — Sarah, United States
Bird Watcher’s Dream Lodge
Wake Up to 600 Bird Species
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and Hotel Rivel sits in the heart of it. Bird watchers often call this a paradise.
Why birding here feels extraordinary:
- Nearly 600 species spotted, including some of the rarest in Costa Rica.
- Wide open valley views, giving birders extra time to catch that perfect photo.
- Recognized by eBird.org, where guests regularly log their sightings.
- Morning symphonies from exotic calls and colorful wings fill the jungle air.
Whether you arrive with a checklist or just a pair of binoculars, the skies above Hotel Rivel will leave you amazed.
A Taste of Costa Rica at Every Meal
Guests gather in the indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, where the jungle feels like a natural extension of the dining room.
Here’s what makes dining unforgettable:
- Farm-to-table freshness — fruit from thousands of on-site trees, free-range eggs, and vegetables from the land.
- Coffee with a story — grown, harvested, and roasted right at the lodge.
- Crafted cocktails and local flavors — thanks to the in-house mixologist.
- Relaxed atmosphere — share a meal, sip wine, or simply enjoy the mountain air.
Guests often say it’s the best meal they had in Costa Rica — not just because of the flavor, but because of where they were when they had it.
Adventure on Horseback
Few experiences compare to exploring a cloud forest on horseback. At Hotel Rivel, guided tours make it easy for both beginners and seasoned riders to journey into the mountains.
What you’ll experience:
- Well-trained horses and expert local guides.
- Half-day or full-day rides, tailored to your comfort level.
- Hidden waterfalls and lush valleys revealed along the way.
- Unforgettable scenery, with plenty of chances to stop for photos.
It’s a way to see the jungle from a different perspective, where the rhythm of hoofbeats blends with the sounds of nature.
Perfect Climate Year-Round
Hotel Rivel sits 1,000 meters above sea level, the sweet spot for Costa Rica’s most comfortable weather.
- Cool evenings around 19°C.
- Warm days averaging 29°C.
- No heavy humidity like the coast.
Guests call it “springtime every day”: the kind of climate that makes hiking, swimming, or just sitting on your cabin porch effortless.
Plan Your Stay at Hotel Rivel Jungle Lodge
Hotel Rivel is a place where nature, comfort, and authenticity meet. Guests return year after year for cabins that feel like home, crystal-clear spring pools, and warm hospitality from a local Costa Rican team.
