A real jungle retreat run by a very friendly and generous family We stayed in the large family room with a kitchen. It was naturally ventilated with mosquito nets and was a... read moreWe stayed in the large family room with a kitchen. It was naturally ventilated with mosquito nets and was a good temperature when we stayed.
The lodge is located not far from Chilamate settlement, but deep in the jungle. The trails are real rainforest and teaming with wildlife. It rained whilst we stayed and there were plenty of blue jeans frogs and army frogs about the place. Also toucans flying overhead.
We went rafting with Rios pura Vida which was wonderful for our small children. It was exciting but safe enough for us all. We also swam in the river. Bliss.
Megan and her family and her right hand man William are very kind and did everything they could to make us happy and comfortable.
The buffet food was good and they ensured they provided options that fussy children were likely to eat, and then at the end of the stay we found that they didn’t charge for our 5 year old’s food which was a great surprise.
The laundry service is fast and reasonable.
We didn’t have a car so we were limited by where we could go, and local taxis are expensive, but we did notice buses going great up and down along the main road so I am sure it is possible to get places for a reasonable cost.
Recommended for a really rustic jungle experience with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife More read less

Good luck to this tremendous place Chilamate Rainforest retreat is a super family run venture. It has at its heart core values that deserve to make... read moreChilamate Rainforest retreat is a super family run venture. It has at its heart core values that deserve to make it successful.

As one of the last guests to stay before Coronavirus forced its (I hope temporary) closure, I wish it every success when it reopens after things return to normal.

It’s a lovely place that I cannot recommend enough. The owners and staff are so friendly, the environment lovely. The courtesy morning walk revealed a huge range of animals, and the night walk was fantastic.

Go stay there! read less

Better than perfect + toucans! Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, cleanest room, delicious food (breakfast and dinner, lots of options). WiFi worked perfectly. One more time,... read moreExcellent wildlife viewing opportunities, cleanest room, delicious food (breakfast and dinner, lots of options). WiFi worked perfectly. One more time, delicious food!

Tip: to see toucans, when you exit the property, go right from the gate, maybe a hundred yards along the road, then down to the river, around 4-6 pm. We spent at least an hour there watching toucans - they were in the trees on the other side of the river, then started flying over to our side, so close! Sunset on the river was beautiful, and you can swim although the water was not too warm in April.

We took two tours with a guide Meghan booked for us, a bird watching tour, and a night tour. Both were excellent. We saw all four kinds of toucans in the morning and a diamond snake on the night tour! read less

Amazing authentic tours on offer and friendly staff Had an amazing few days here with my 4 yr old daughter. Due to some building work, we got upgraded... read moreHad an amazing few days here with my 4 yr old daughter. Due to some building work, we got upgraded to the fantastic family suite, which had a special little room where we could observe jungle life. Meghan and her team (especially Roger) were super friendly, and always available for any question or booking. We went on 2 of the many tours they offer - many of which are partnerships with local people - trying to give employment to the local community - the river tour and the organic farm tour. I would highly recommend the organic farm tour. My 4 yr old was kept entertained by playing with Daniel's grandson and holding all the little piglets. Amazing free breakfast and dinner was great too (though a little pricey) . Would highly recommend this place as the owners are so committed to the local community and they are exemplary when it comes to community based tourism. read less