Macaw Lodge

Macaw Lodge is a another gem among birding lodges in costa Rica, a working, growing and evolving center for eco-tourism, research and conservation. Today, people from around the world come to Macaw Lodge to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica. The Lodge is the culmination of a long-held vision of the Gordienko family. They…

What to Expect During Your Stay at the Macaw Lodge...

Rooms and Amenities

Macaw Lodge offers eight spacious rooms in the main lodge, plus several private bungalows. All feature natural ventilation, ceiling fans, private bathrooms with hot water, and views of the gardens or forest. The property is entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy. Meals are served in the open-air restaurant, prepared with organic produce grown on-site, and dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Birding on the Property

The lodge sits within a private reserve with well-maintained trails through rainforest, gardens, and along streams. Flowering and fruiting trees attract hummingbirds, tanagers, and manakins, while forest trails provide chances to see more elusive species. Birding often begins right from the lodge deck each morning.

Other Activities Available

Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, photography sessions, waterfall hikes, and visits to the lodge’s extensive botanical gardens. The lodge also hosts yoga retreats and cultural tours in nearby communities.

Macaw Lodge

Travel & Logistics

  1. Conservation Initiatives

    Operating completely off-grid, the lodge is a model of sustainability, focusing on organic farming, reforestation, and habitat restoration. It partners with local conservation groups to protect the Scarlet Macaw and other wildlife.

  2. How to Get There

    Located in the Cerros de Turrubares area, Macaw Lodge is about 2–2.5 hours from San José. Access is via a combination of paved and dirt roads, with transfers available for guests. A 4WD vehicle is recommended in the green season.

  3. Seasonal Notes

    The dry season (Dec–Apr) offers sunny mornings and easier trail conditions. The green season (Aug–Nov) brings more fruiting and flowering, attracting additional frugivores and hummingbirds. May–July offers a good balance of bird activity and moderate weather.

  4. Best Times to Visit

    December–April for the driest conditions and best accessibility. May–July can be excellent for bird activity. August–November is wetter but offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

A Few More Notes on Macaw Lodge

Macaw Lodge is a another gem among birding lodges in costa Rica, a working, growing and evolving center for eco-tourism, research and conservation. Today, people from around the world come to Macaw Lodge to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica. The Lodge is the culmination of a long-held vision of the Gordienko family. They took part in a government-sponsored Forestry Investment program designed to reverse damage done by overplanting of monotonous agricultural crops.

In the 1980s, they were honored to purchase and become stewards of Santuario de Macao Limitada—the farm that is now home to Macaw Lodge and The Macaw Lodge Private Forest Reserve. Over the past two decades, they have created a model of sustainability, restored the health of the forests and fostered a return of many animal, plant, insect and bird species, including the Scarlet Macaw. With accommodations for up to 24 guests, you’re assured a highly personalized experience. This eco-resort is completely off-the-grid solar power is used to generate electricity and heat water.

Macaw Lodge was created as a model of sustainability where lovers of nature can experience both comfort and harmony with the environment. The spacious, open ground floor of the Lodge is home to the restaurant, lounging area, Internet access, electronics charging center, lending library and bathrooms.

It affords amazing views of surrounding ponds, gardens, forests and wildlife.

Macaw Lodge

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