Ranchos Margot is a sustainable and self-sufficient eco-lodge in the heart of Costa Rica’s mountain rainforest. This off-the-grid retreat offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, with yourself and with the future. At Ranchos Margot, you will discover the wonders of regenerative tourism and learn how to live in harmony with the environment.
The lodge is spread over more than 400 acres of verdant land, surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park and the shores of Lake Arenal. The lodge has 19 bungalows and 20 bunkhouse quarters, all built with natural materials and featuring handcrafted furniture made from wood harvested on the grounds. The bungalows are spacious and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered lights and fans, and private terraces with hammocks and stunning views. The bunkhouse quarters are cozy and communal, with shared bathrooms, lockers and balconies. All rooms include daily breakfast, lunch and dinner from the chemical-free gardens, as well as a guided ranch tour and twice daily yoga classes.
The lodge has a range of facilities and activities to suit every taste and interest. You can relax in one of the spring-fed pools, enjoy a massage or a sauna at the spa, or join a meditation or wellness workshop. You can also explore the sprawling ranch on foot, by bike or by horseback, watch for wildlife, or visit the organic farm, the dairy, the bakery or the brewery. You can also schedule an off-site tour of the Arenal Volcano, the nearby waterfalls, the hot springs or the canopy zip-lines.
Ranchos Margot is more than just a place to stay. It is a place to experience, to learn and to inspire. It is a place where you can make a difference for yourself and for the world.
Sustainability and community impact:
Ranchos Margot is committed to sustainable and regenerative tourism. The lodge is certified carbon neutral since 2012 and operates entirely on renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, hydroelectric turbines and biodigesters. The lodge also produces its own food, water, soap, furniture and electricity, using organic and biodegradable materials. The lodge recycles waste and composts organic matter, creating fertile soil for the gardens. The lodge also protects biodiversity and sequesters carbon emissions by reforesting degraded land and creating wildlife corridors.
Ranchos Margot also supports the local community by employing local staff, providing education and training opportunities, donating to local schools and projects, and promoting cultural exchange. The lodge also hosts volunteers, interns and researchers who contribute to the ranch’s operations and mission. Ranchos Margot aims to empower guests and locals alike to become agents of change and advocates of sustainability.
Wider region:
Ranchos Margot is located in the province of Alajuela, in north-central Costa Rica. It is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The park covers an area of over 120 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems, such as rainforest, cloud forest, savanna and wetlands. The park is home to more than 2 000 species of plants and animals, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, frogs and snakes. The park’s main attraction is the Arenal Volcano, an active stratovolcano that erupts regularly and offers spectacular views of lava flows and ash clouds.
The park also offers many other attractions and activities for visitors, such as Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake that offers water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and fishing; La Fortuna Waterfall, a 70-meter-high waterfall that plunges into a natural pool; Tabacón Hot Springs, a series of thermal pools fed by volcanic water; Sky Adventures Park, a canopy tour that features zip-lines, hanging bridges and aerial trams; Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a network of trails and bridges that cross the rainforest canopy; Arenal Natura Ecological Park, a wildlife sanctuary that showcases reptiles, amphibians and insects; Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa², a former research station that offers panoramic views of the volcano; Arenal Eco Zoo³, a zoo that exhibits snakes from around the world; Butterfly Conservatory⁴, a center that breeds and displays butterflies from different habitats; El Castillo Village, a charming village that hosts cultural events such as art festivals and concerts.
Getting there:
Ranchos Margot is located about 140 kilometers from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. You can either drive there or fly there. Driving there takes about three hours on paved roads that require a 4×4 vehicle. You can also book a shuttle service from San José or La Fortuna, which takes about four hours. Flying there takes about 30 minutes from San José to La Fortuna Airport, followed by a 40-minute drive to the lodge. The lodge can arrange transfers from the airport to their premises.
Room rate:
The room rate for a bungalow at Ranchos Margot is US$ 200 per person per night on a full-board basis. The room rate for a bunkhouse quarter at Ranchos Margot is US$ 75 per person per night on a full-board basis.
Room capacity:
The bungalows at Ranchos Margot can accommodate up to four people each. The bunkhouse quarters at Ranchos Margot can accommodate up to two people each.
Kids and accessibility:
Ranchos Margot welcomes kids of all ages. However, parents should be aware that there are no fences around the lodge and that wild animals may roam freely in the area. Therefore, children should be supervised at all times. Ranchos Margot is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and lack of ramps or lifts.
