Sustainable ecolodge Costa Rica | El Castillo | Arenal volcano
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country Costa Rica
duration 2 nights
attribute Breakfast
attribute Bungalow
attribute Farmtour

Stay at a sustainable ranch near Arenal Volcano

Volcano Arenal is one of the seven active volcanoes in Costa Rica, and most definitely the most famous one. Since 1968 this pyramid-shaped volcano has been erupting glowing lava rocks every 20 to 45 minutes. But, since a couple of years the volcano has calmed down, and no lave has been seen for a while. Even though, the volcano still is an impressive landmark that towers above the small village of Fortuna. In this village, you find plenty of nice restaurants, bars, and shops.

Because of the volcanic activity, there are plenty of hotsprings in the area. Most of them are owned by luxurious hotels. They turned the hotsprings into lush green gardens with several pools, waterfalls, slides, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The most famous hotsprings are Baldi and Tabacon, but personally, we prefer Ecotermales, because it is more intimate.

  • Farmtour
  • Yoga classes
  • Arenal volcano
  • Hot springs
  • Green Circle Member hotel

Rancho Margot

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Rancho Margot

Rancho Margot is located in El Castillo a small village near the most famous volcano in Costa Rica, the Arenal volcano.

Rancho Margot is a sustainable ecolodge in Costa Rica and inspiring farm estate located at the end of the road to El Castillo. At the Rancho, everything you eat is produced organically on the farm. You can help as well by milking cows, collecting eggs, picking herbs, or learn how natural soap is being made.

You stay in a comfortable room in the lush green garden. It is a great place to relax in the natural pool, do yoga, read a book, or watch the birds fly over

This sustainable eco-lodge is a real experience and more than just a place to sleep. Therefore, we chose them to be Green Circle Member hotel.

Sustainability at Rancho Margot

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Sustainability at Rancho Margot

Rancho Margot is a sustainable eco-lodge in Costa Rica. Its goal is to achieve and maintain environmentally friendly operations. They strive to do this to make sure future generations are able to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica as well.

One of the ways to achieve their goal of a sustainable operation is with their own sustainable ranch, where they grow and breed their own produce. From free-range chickens and cows to fruits, vegetables, and even their own soap.

The efforts don’t stop at the ranch itself. They believe children are the future and are the key to make preservation and conservation possible. By educating the young about the environment and the importance of maintaining it, they want to make a positive impact on the future of Costa Rica.

Explore the area

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Explore the area

On the grounds of this sustainable ecolodge in Costa Rica, you find a beautiful natural swimming pool. In addition, you can take free yoga classes or go canyoning.

Tip: go for a walk in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the volcano, great pictures are guaranteed!

If you’re looking to explore the region, you can visit the Arenal volcano, in the park you can walk on lava and see the volcano up close. Besides, there is a beautiful waterfall near La Fortuna where you can take a refresh

ing dive. If you want to feel like a cowboy, you can book a horseback riding tour. And, if you feel a bit more adventurous, book a canopy tour and explore the jungle from the treetops.

What to see around Rancho Margot

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Nel and Egbert

Beautiful lodge at the foot of the volcano and fantastic natural surroundings with a great story about how everything is done in a sustainable way and eco: cheese, eggs, soap, vegetables, biogas, electricity, etc. We heard wonderful stories about animals and plants, about Costa Rica, the advantages and disadvantages of the country …. We met with the owner of Rancho Margot and heard his very special story.

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Joost and Robert

The location is beautiful, everywhere you look you see mountain peaks with untouched jungle. A fast flowing river that flows into a large lake runs alongside the terrain and you can see the volcano Arenal on the horizon. Rancho Margot is a completely self-sufficient farm. Cows produce milk and meat, gas is produced with their manure and the water is heated by heat released from compost. At the Rancho, attention has been paid to every detail and everything works as efficiently and ecologically as possible. Never before did we visit a place where everything comes together in such a fantastic way. This is really a dream come true.

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Ton and Jolanda

Beautiful location with friendly people. The way in which they deal with sustainability has made a big impression on us. Also, because they try to include their guests in their vision during their stay and the excellent guided tour. At Rancho Margot, there are many volunteers and that gives the place a good “vibe”.

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Gierman family

Yoga class at 7 o’clock in the morning, nice swimming pools (hot and cold) and an excellent story that explains the Rancho concept in detail. What a great experience! Our farm tour lasted no less than three hours and was great (we spotted the famous green frog with the red eyes!). In addition, we visited the hanging bridges by car Again very nice and fun tour.

Insider tip from Renee:

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Insider tip from Renee:

If you travel from San Jose to El Castillo, you will find the shop and art studio of recycle artist Erian Hererra next to the main road near the village of La Tigra. See how art is made from waste and try it yourself as well! If you call Erian in advance, he will plan a workshop with you to make your own recycle art creation.

The following destinations are close to this travel package:

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Start exploring from your fabulous boutique hotel in San José
Hotel Grano de Oro is a fabulous boutique hotel in the center of San Jose. The Canadian owners have been living in Costa Rica for more than 25 years, and have developed a deep respect for the local community they work with and live in. In the hotel, you'll easily encounter their love for the city's traditions and history. It's truly a great place to stay! Also, the hotels support a local cause to help young mothers to get on their feet.
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Your nature ecolodge in Sarapiqui
Not far from the main road to Sarapiqui you find the historical Sarapiqui ecolodge Hacienda La Isla tucked away in an incredible lush piece of the rainforest. The hotel rooms boast old colonial grandeur, the hospitality is warm and welcoming, and the nature is overwhelmingly pretty. While hiking the trails you will be greeted by the sounds of the birds and tiny colourful frogs.
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A green oasis in the center of San José
Ecolodge San Jose, AVE DEL PARAÍSO. Is located in the heart of San Pedro, a bit west of the city center of San José. This hotel is strategically located near restaurants, bars, and shopping possibilities, and it will give you a great start of your stay in Costa Rica. Ave del Paraiso is a small eco-boutique hotel that offers attentive service and creates a warm atmosphere for its guests. We recommend a meal at their farm-to-table adjoining restaurant.
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Dive deep into the Caribbean Jungle
At Selva Bananito Lodge you will testify high-quality conservation progress and efforts. Surrounded by pristine Caribbean jungle with all its charm and sounds you stay in beautiful cabins and enjoy delicious locally sourced meals.  By building an ecolodge from waste-wood they made sure they would have the means to protect this piece of rainforest near ‘La Amistad Biosphere Reserve’. This is a true example of what a sustainable lodge should look like.
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Sleep in a schoolbus on the Caribbean coast
Explore pristine Caribbean beaches and dive deep into the Caribbean flair of Costa Rica. The Tree House Lodge is located right at the pristine beach of Punta Uva. All the accommodations are made from recycled materials and waste wood. You sleep in a schoolbus set amidst a beautiful garden full of colourful plants and wildlife.
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Stay in a treehouse in the jungle of Boca Tapada
One of our personal favourites, and Green Circle Member hotel, is Maquenque Eco Lodge in Boca Tapada. The hotel is situated in the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge at the San Carlos River. The owners build this hotel in synergy with nature to provide a truly sustainable and unique place for their guests. Here you will be staying in a treehouse in the jungle.
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Sustainable paradise in the hills of Carara
Visit the peaceful oasis of Macaw Lodge in Carara, and try some delicious self-made chocolate. A huge tropical botanic garden around the lodge was created to regenerate the native local ecosystem. This area is a paradise for birdlovers!
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Sustainable luxury in the Cloudforest
Hotel Belmar provides sustainable luxury and operates completely carbon-neutral, and therefore is a Green Circle Member hotel. The Austrian Chalet-style buildings provide a spectacular view from the mountain tops of Monteverde down to the Nicoya Peninsula.
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Get inspired at this sustainable Ranch in El Castillo
Stay in a unique sustainable ecolodge in Costa Rica! El Castillo is a small village at the foot of the Arenal volcano, the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. You stay at an inspiring location, literally at the end of the road. Here, you eat what the land, cows, pigs, and chickens have to offer. Everything is grown and prepared in an organic way and super fresh! Also, you can take a relaxing yoga class or dive into the natural pool. Enjoy!
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Glamping in the jungle of Quepos
Rafiki Safari Lodge is a luxurious site for glamping in Costa Rica in the jungle of Quepos. Here, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings to the fullest. If you like some action, you can go wild water rafting or horseback riding. And, If you are a bird lover, we recommend you book a tour with a professional guide to spot the many species that live around the lodge, like toucans, parrots, kites, and maybe even a king vulture.
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Live with the rhythm of the sun and sea in Montezuma
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is stunning and its location, near the Montezuma beach and the Pacific Ocean, makes that you really follow the rhythm of the sun and sea. Enjoy everything the lodge and the town of Montezuma have to offer. Go on a nature hike at Cabo Blanco or Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve, enjoy the beach, and visit the nearby waterfall. You have arrived in paradise, and we're sure you don't want to leave anymore!

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