La Kukula Lodge

If you want a close look at the Costa Rican Wildlife, this lodge is second to none! The lodge is hidden in a mini tropical jungle, 5 min drive from the stunning and highly recommended Punta Uva beach. We had a 2 bedroom lodge to ourself, with pool. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. Our teenage boys loved looking for large golden silk spiders ( non poisonous), monkeys, sloth, frogs, goutis, another many other animals. Be prepared for the unique and very special experience of wildlife morning awakening.

We had the two-bedroom bungalow with private pool which was dreamy and absolutely perfect for a family (myself and two young teens). There was plenty of space, a nice bathroom with shower overlooking the jungle , lovely terrace to lounge on and two comfy bedrooms with the pool nestled on its own private terrace surrounded by jungle. The owners are delightful and passionate about wildlife and the resident sloth entertained us by climbing a tree right in front of us from ground level at breakfast! Breakfast is fab and we also had a delicious evening meal there but there are also some other charming options in the village (try the pizzeria - it’s great and atmospheric!). The beach was by far the best we saw in the area. It’s the perfect Caribbean beach, a very short walk away and safe to swim as protected by a reef (tho it’s not deep! But that makes it less nerve racking for parents watching kids as currents are dangerous around here otherwise ). Loved it and didn’t want to leave!

La Kukula is located to the east of Puerto Viejo, in an area that isn't as crowded and is very well preserved. The entire place is surrounded by rainforest and you won't forget that as you walk to your room or go to sleep. Surprisingly, I didn't have any problems with bugs in my room (there's also a bug net) so I didn't have the sleepless mosquito-ridden nights I've had in the area before. On the other hand, the surrounding forest can get very loud, so that might bother you if you're a light sleeper. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and really add to the great experience over there. My only negative points are the cost and the breakfast. The place is a bit pricey, and the breakfast was really underwhelming for what I paid. There are good breakfast places in the area, so maybe in the future I'll skip that altogether.

Excellent experience. Staff extremely friendly and go out of their way to accommodate your every request. Helpful with tours of area and their knowledge of the wild life very interesting. Even took us on a short walk when we arrived to see a”Slouth”. Small menu but a variety and vey tasty. We advised ahead of time and Pepo procured it. The Chef had everything hot and ready. Great hot shower and comfortable rooms. Definitely would visit again.

When we arrived we were greeted with the fact that we had booked through ******* and somehow that wasn’t good. We were given the middle room of three in a unit even though we were staying longer than anyone else as it turned out. There was absolutely no privacy as the rooms are not sound proof. If you want to hear your neighbor taking a crap this is the place for you! On the plus side the couple running the kitchen for breakfast were great. Waking up to the howler monkeys was also pretty good. Pacific coast of Costa Rica is much better.

What an amazing place to stay! We stayed in a bungalow with private swimmingpools. We could hear the birds and nature very well, so nice! The staff was very friendly. Breakfast was delicious. And we were welcomed by the sloths. Our best stay in Costa Rica!

This place respects nature, understands tropical architecture and offers a unique and homey experience. The owners live there, so it feels like home and they look after everything and everyone like a home. Taking care of the place from the heart is rare to find, yet they do it effortlessly. Everyone who works there is kind and they look happy, grateful to be working there but not overworked, again, something rare in the hotel industry. What struck me the most is the attention to detail; everything is well thought out and adds a personalized touch. From the Ylang Ylang biodegradable shower gel, the natural leaves set, the bottles of water, the interior design, the color of the hammocks, everything is cohesive and has a point of view. The experience is magical and the energy is so strong, being immersed in raw nature,with so many different sounds, so much exuberance in the tropical plants, agoutis roaming around, tiny frogs emerging, butterflies dancing, everything changes from day to day; decay, rebirth, an endless cycle. The complimentary breakfast is the best I’ve had in a long time, it changes everyday and you can choose between two options but always offers a fruit bowl and tropical natural fruit juice, everything is incredibly fresh because of this, and they feature local and seasonal ingredients. Who serves specialty coffee in a complimentary breakfast that comes from a micro lot from one of the best regions that produces costa rican coffee and is offered in a personal thermos so it doesn’t get cold? La Kukula Lodge does. Bonus point: I went there for Easter break. On Easter Sunday they were organizing an easter egg hunt for their children, the guest’s children and the neighbors. I firmly believe in supporting places that share your view of the world, and this is the place I want to stay at: an amazing lodge with attention to detail, run by a family that invites everyone to an easter egg hunt in their premises to celebrate.

Very charming place! Colorful and design inspired by the surrounded nature. The bathroom is a must-see. All very subtile. The breakfast changes every day. There is a comfortable place in the lobby where one can enjoy good cocktails at the end of the afternoon. The hosts finally are discrete and as charming as the place ! We loved this place as a family!

Positives: A hotel with its own jungle, wildlife and ecosystem. We saw, heard and photographed more wildlife in here than we did in MA national park and Arenal. Pepo at the reception is very passionate about his ecosystem at the lodge and gives you a tour of his mini-jungle. The cooks are very good - the flavour and quality of breakfast was excellent. Great beaches within cycling distance of the lodge. Playa Grande is very nice and secluded. Negatives: Due to being in the jungle the room is very humid. Nothing dries for days. The ceiling fan in the room is very slow to be of any help (no air conditioning). The room is not sound proof at all. You can hear the next door neighbours like they were in the bed next to you. Be prepared to be waken up by the howler monkeys at sunrise early o’clock. A few species of birds and frogs join the cacophony. That could be either heaven or hell depending on the kind of traveller/person you are. Conclusion: Great place for nature lovers and good friendly host. Good place if someone wants to be away from the “party” of Puerto Viejo and party with the wildlife instead.