El Lugar, Your Nature Reserve Hotel in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

1,200 Acres of Private Rainforest Where Wildlife, Horseback Riding & Nature Come Together

At El Lugar Hotel & Nature Reserve, the land leads and everything else follows. The 1,200-acre private nature reserve sits in Sarapiquí, in the rainforest lowlands between San José and Costa Rica's Caribbean. Its landscape unfolds from open pastures and rolling hills to winding rivers, regenerating woodland and ancient rainforest. Just 90 minutes from San José.
Long before the first buildings were imagined, native trees were planted to restore the land. When the hotel took shape, those trees became part of the blueprint rather than obstacles to it. Today, endangered Great Green Macaws arrive each morning in the almond trees beside the restaurant.
Spend the day on horseback, exploring one of Costa Rica's most remarkable riding destinations along miles of private trails through forests and open country. Ride, walk, swim, or simply pause and let nature reveal itself in its own time. It all happens within the reserve.

Explore Accommodations

Step into a place where serenity and renewal welcome you, right in your private casita.

Here, every detail is crafted by hand, each antique whispers stories from around the world, creating an ambiance that stirs the senses and nourishes the soul. And the bed? Like nothing you’ve known in any other resort—deeply comfortable, inviting you to rest in a way that feels truly unparalleled.

Central Location

A unique property connecting the North Atlantic Biological Corridor along the Braulio Carrillo National Park, El Lugar and El Encanto have been built amidst an enchanted forest.  What was once carefully nourished agricultural land is now home to El Lugar where the land is regenerating beautifully.  The space between is preserved and kept in its pure form for future generations.  Centrally located, this hidden gem is a mere two hours from Juan Santamaria Airport or the coastal town of Limon, where an enchanted paradise is waiting for you, whether it be as a quick stopover or the extended final destination of a lifetime.

El Lugar casitas
El Lugar casitas

Stewards of Sustainability

El Lugar was built to nourish this untouched stretch of paradise for future generations.

Innovative sustainability infrastructure designed with light steel framing structures, helical pylons to avoid disrupting land and water drainage as well as thermodynamic water heating, gravity-based water distribution and natural septic systems are among the countless efforts that have been made to not only preserve but nurture the magical oasis of El Lugar. Built in communion with nature, El Lugar is an unspoiled, elevated reality that sacrifices neither luxury or sustainability.