1. Costa Rica
  2. Miravelles
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Hacienda Guachipelín

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- In the National Park
- On site adventure centre

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Overview

Located in the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, Hacienda Guachipelín is both an eco-lodge and a working cattle and horse ranch. It is built on an enormous piece of land, parts are dedicated to pasture land but other areas have been set aside for conservation of dry forest and also an area is being reforested with species of trees that are currently endangered. The rooms here are light, spacious and comfortable and decorated in muted tones, with wooden furniture typical of what you would expect to find in Costa Rica. There is a pool near the reception area with plenty of loungers for relaxing, but there is so much to do that you will most likely spend a lot of time exploring the area and partaking in adventure activities such as zip-lining, hiking, river tubing and horse riding.

Hacienda Guachipelín is a little different, the hotel forms part of a family run working cattle and horse ranch. You can see the corrals where the cowboys saddle up and head to work. The reception is housed in a building that was the original hacienda and is over a century old – this is the real Costa Rica and you will experience the hospitality and friendly atmosphere of the local people. It is a nature and adventure lover’s paradise, with so many activities on offer or relax in the lush gardens have been planted with native trees and exotic flowers, attracting a myriad of birds. There is also a lookout where you can take in stunning 360° views of Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes, the Guanacaste plains and the coastline.

You are surrounded by nature at Hacienda Guachipelín. In the gardens alone over 300 species of birds have been recorded. You will most likely see and hear the monkeys in the trees as they go about their daily business. Some guests have been lucky enough to see armadillos, agoutis are often spotted here too. Head into the national park and you can find more monkeys (howler, white-faced capuchin and spider). There are jaguars, pumas and ocelots here, but they are notoriously shy, it is unlikely that you would see them but keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, tapirs and kinkajous.

Nearby Alternatives

Rio Perdido

Miravelles

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

- Contemporary lodge with activities
- Secluded setting in private reserve
- Thermal river and natural hot springs
- Ziplining, hiking, yoga, mountain biking

Tenorio Lodge Hotel

Miravelles

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

- Rainforest setting
- Spacious bungalows
- Volcano views
- Eco-friendly design

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 542 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Nicola and I had a brilliant time - the weather made it pretty
    challenging at times, but Mustafa and Mohammed looked after us
    superbly. We loved the variety of scenery and places - as you mention,
    the only downside is the rubbish in the villages, such a shame. The
    meals that Mohammed drummed up on the hillside tracks were amazing - I
    am glad we knew that our mule would eat the leftovers because there was
    no way we could finish them! The standard of the breakfasts were far in
    excess of the bread and jam you mentioned, even in the basic gite which
    was freezing - we were warm once in bed, but the temperature in the
    living room was a bit depressing after a very windy descent, sitting
    wrapped in coats, hats and blankets while we waited for our dinner! The
    sleeping bags provided were excellent and we were toasty with our fleece
    liners and an extra blanket. We were very grateful that Mustafa's boss
    upgraded us to the eco lodge the next night (don't know whether this was
    because of the gale force winds on our descent the day before...) - it
    was lovely.

    We were incredibly lucky with precipitation - although we were walking
    in a few inches of snow on day one and it absolutely poured that night,
    we experienced no rain during the day until we were lining up for our
    farewell photo at our pickup point, when the heavens opened!

    Due to the weather, I think I'd describe the terrain slightly
    differently - a few good paths, but often we were on very stony ground,
    slippery wet mud (oh, that clay does stick to one's boots!), slidy thin
    gravel or else just making our way down a hill after rain had washed the
    original route away. Occasionally we walked short distances on roads,
    which Mustafa was apologetic about, but it was hardly the M6! We took
    our time and never felt unsafe, but people with dodgy knees or hips
    might need to be careful. Mustafa looked after us very carefully in the
    high wind gusts (as a sailor, I reckon at least Force 9 - over 50 mph on
    a bare hillside), promising Nicola that he wouldn't let her mother blow
    away!

    Although we needed to be back in Marrakech on the fourth night, I think
    if I were going again, I would prefer to trek for four days and spend 3
    in Marrakech, which I found a bit overwhelming, but this is just
    personal taste!

    Our room in Daar Housnia was lovely, and we appreciated the heating -
    the rest of the building is definitely built for summer! There seemed
    to be some confusion over our arrival - the manager said we had
    originally been booked into the downstairs suite with double bed and
    bath in the middle of the room, but that he thought it was more suitable
    "for two ladies, not a couple" to upgrade us to exactly the room you had
    shown us photos of! The breakfasts were delicious. The wifi was fine
    for Nicola's meetings.

    MissingMonica S reviewing Morocco Trek & Marrakech Holiday on 16 February 2026

  • I just wanted to reach out and let you know what a truly outstanding trip we had.
    The itinerary was perfect, the country, the people, the food.....wow, take me back!!!
    Each of my family members made so many magnificent memories.
    I cant thank you enough for all your help.

    MissingMaren B reviewing Vietnam Northern Highlights and Tropical Beach on 16 February 2026

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

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