Alby Lodge

Top choice in Cahuita


This fine lodge on the edge of the park has spacious landscaped grounds that attract howler monkeys and birds. Four palm-thatched, raised bungalows (two sleeping three people, two sleeping four) are spread out, allowing for plenty of privacy. High ceilings, mosquito nets (and coils) and driftwood details make for pleasant jungle decor. Rooms also have safes and fans. Cash only.

A rancho (thatched gazebo) has excellent communal kitchen facilities and an honesty bar with water, beer and Coke. The comical collection of canines will elicit a laugh or two.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cahuita attractions

1. Parque Nacional Cahuita

0.15 MILES

This small but beautiful park – just 10 sq km – is one of the more frequently visited national parks in Costa Rica. The reasons are simple: the nearby…

2. Playa Blanca

0.16 MILES

At the entrance to the national park. A good option for swimming.

3. Playa Negra

1.05 MILES

At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates that the beach is…

4. Cacao Trails

4.82 MILES

Halfway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Hone Creek, this botanical garden and chocolate museum has a couple of small exhibits devoted to…

5. Aiko-logi

6.07 MILES

Nestled into the Cordillera de Talamanca, 15km outside Puerto Viejo, this private 135-hectare reserve is centered on a former finca (farm), on land…

6. Finca La Isla

7.81 MILES

West of town, this farm and botanical garden has long produced organic pepper and cacao, along with more than 150 tropical fruits and ornamental plants…

7. Playa Cocles

8.98 MILES

Playa Cocles has waves for surfers who aren't keen to break skin and bones at nearby Salsa Brava (Costa Rica's biggest break). Instead, it has steep lefts…

8. Jaguar Centro de Rescate

10.16 MILES

Named in honor of its original resident, a jaguar, this well-run wildlife-rescue center in Playa Chiquita now focuses mostly on other animals, including…