Sleep in the clouds at Dantica Forest Lodge. This lodge is no skyscraper or mountain-top estate, rather it’s nestled into the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica. Set on 20 hectares of forest reserve, this lodge is the combination of biology and indigenous culture, both of which the owners have a deep interest in.
The colonial-style architecture reveals its roots in Latin American architecture while offering unique views of the cloud forest ecotype. Cloud forests are bathed in clouds every day, offering a unique ambiance that differs from other tropical forests. Through decades of ecotourism, the unique trees in the cloud forests have been saved for generations to come.
In San Gerrardo de Dota, guests will experience a new type of immersion in nature. The guest bungalows offer a tree-house experience where guests can enjoy the forest. Each with its own terrace or garden, guests are given perfect views of the forest, valley, and the beautiful tropical birds flying by.
Their story
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is the project of two people with a passion for Central American nature and culture. Maria Luisa Castro Fernández, a textile designer, and Joost Wilms, a tropical ecologist, met in Costa Rica and fell in love not only with each other but with the Costa Rican wilderness. Maria Luisa had worked with indigenous peoples all over Colombia, where she learned traditional techniques for textile production.
Placed in the cool Talamancan mountain range, the owners opened the lodge in 2003 while making sure to preserve the natural surroundings and celebrate the indigenous culture. The colonial architecture combines wall-to-wall windows to give guests an immersive jungle experience.
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is one of the most sustainable eco-lodges in Costa Rica. Guests are welcome to enjoy comfort and luxury surrounded by the magnificent oak cloud forests. The land is part of the Los Quetzales National Park and the Los Santos Forest Reserve. The trees that dominate the cloud forests can grow to 50 meters and live for 500 years, so the owners were cautious not to disturb any of the trees in building the lodge.
Dantica welcomes guests to find peace in the clouds. The lodge offers not only a getaway from hectic modern life, but an educational opportunity where guests can see the true value of eco-tourism. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The land where the lodge sits was already cleared before Dantica was built. Not a single tree was cut down to build the bungalows. Other areas are being actively reforested.
- The laundry building has a green roof where plants grow on, which reduces the presence of impermeable surfaces.
High level of energy efficiency
- Water is transported with gravity, rather than energy-intensive pumps. Solar energy then heats the water. Since Costa Rica is one of the leading countries in renewable energy, on-grid electricity comes from more than 90% renewable energy sources.
- The restaurant and bungalows are heated with ethanol chimneys, which retain 95% of the heat they produce. The ethanol comes from sugar cane.
- Natural light is favored over artificial light.
Pioneer in waste management
- The septic tank is cleaned with bacteria rather than chemicals.
- Waste is separated into categories, then recycled, reused, or disposed of properly.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- Guest linens are air-dried.
- Shampoos, detergents, soaps, and cleaning materials are all biodegradable.
- Dantica produces its own organic fertilizer.
- No insecticides or pesticides are used on the property.
Actively protects nature and community
- Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is part of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism program within the Costa Rica Tourism Board.
- Dantica Cloud Forest employs locals, from lodge staff to local guides.
- The lodge works with Los Quetzales National Park to keep the surrounding area clean and beautiful.
Most Popular Activities near Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
- Bird-watching tours to see many of the 20 Costa Rican birds.
- Flora fauna tour in our private reserve.
- Horseback riding
- Coffee tour
- Hiking
- Visit nearby waterfalls.
READ ON – 36 Eco-friendly Things to Do in Costa Rica (From A to Z)
Best time to visit Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around.
- To avoid the rainy season, plan your visit outside May-June and September-October.
- If you want to enjoy this place the sunniest it can be, visit in March or December.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
READ ON – Best Time To Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons, What to Expect)