Responsive image

La Cusinga Eco Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Ecolodge with Ocean views
- Views over Ballena Marine National Park
- Simple, mid-range cabins
- River swimming

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694

Enquire

Overview

La Cusinga Eco Lodge is situated just a short drive from the popular, tourist-friendly town of Uvita on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This simple yet characterful midrange property has ten comfortable cabins and is nestled within a private nature reserve that spans several hundred acres and encompasses beautiful sandy beaches, naturally formed pools, flourishing rainforest and a breath-taking abundance of wildlife. In fact, the stunning Ballena Marine National Park, one of just two of the country’s protected marine zones, borders part of the reserve. The lodge is actively involved in a number of local conservation efforts and adheres to various sustainability principles in order to minimise its impact on the local environment, and there’s a huge variety of water and land-based activities and adventures to be enjoyed in the area.

The ten comfortable cabins are constructed from fully sustainable, reforested wood. There are Single Rooms for solo travellers, Double Rooms with two queen size beds and the Family and Group Rooms, both of which have a queen size bed, along with five bunk beds, and are naturally ideal for larger parties. Finally, there’s the secluded Honeymoon Suite which comes complete with its own outdoor garden area. With the exception of the Honeymoon Suite, all rooms come with a private balcony with views of the rainforest or the ocean.

The activities on offer are many and varied. Exploring the Ballena Marine National Park is a real treat, with snorkelling and kayaking on offer and the chance to spot dolphins, turtles and possibly even whales. A visit to the Corcovado National Park is another ‘must’ – the park boasts wonderful, dense jungle and intense, vibrant wildlife which includes the elusive puma and jaguar, tapir, dart frogs and crocodiles to name but a few. The local birdlife is phenomenal and birdwatching walks are available, as are horseback rides to the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls. For the more energetic, there are also some more thrilling and physically challenging options such as zip lining, surfing and self-guided hiking trails.

It’s a genuine pleasure to relax ‘back at base’. The Aracari Restaurant is the lodge’s main eatery and is open for three meals a day, with an open-air seating area that offers captivating views of the natural surroundings. The focus here is on tasty, nutritious tropical dishes that are made with locally sourced ingredients. Yoga classes are on offer and there’s also the Cinnamon Spa with its range of revitalising and rejuvenating treatments, from hot stone massages and reflexology sessions to foot scrubs, mini facials and more.

Children of all ages are welcome, and the Ocean View superior rooms which house two queen size beds are ideal for families. The maximum number of guests per room is four, so families of five would need to take two rooms. There is a children’s menu, and plenty to do for all age groups, although do be prepared for age restrictions on some activities. Due to the remote, rural location of the lodge, parents are reminded to keep their children under constant adult supervision. Please note, there is no swimming pool at La Cusinga, but there is a swimming hole in the river running through the property.

Suggested Itineraries for La Cusinga Eco Lodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now